The AMD FX 8350 is a powerful processor that requires a compatible motherboard to unleash its full potential. A motherboard is the backbone of any computer system, connecting all the components together and allowing them to communicate with each other. Choosing the right motherboard can be a daunting task, especially for those who are not familiar with the technical specifications.
When it comes to selecting the best motherboard for AMD FX 8350, there are several factors to consider. The first and foremost is the socket type. The AMD FX 8350 uses the AM3+ socket, which is compatible with a range of motherboards. However, not all AM3+ motherboards are created equal, and some may not support the full capabilities of the processor.
Other critical factors to consider when choosing a motherboard for AMD FX 8350 include the chipset, the number of expansion slots, the type of RAM supported, and the number of SATA ports. The chipset determines the motherboard’s capabilities and features, while the expansion slots allow for the addition of other components such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards. The type of RAM supported and the number of SATA ports determine the speed and storage capacity of the system.
We spent hours researching and testing several motherboards to identify the best options for the AMD FX 8350 processor. Our top picks offer excellent performance, compatibility, and value for money. In the following sections, we will review each motherboard in detail and highlight their key features and specifications.
Best Motherboards for AMD FX 8350
We’ve researched and tested the top motherboards for AMD FX 8350 to help you find the perfect one for your needs. Our list includes motherboards that offer excellent performance, compatibility, and features. Whether you’re a gamer or a professional, these motherboards will provide you with the power and reliability you need to get the job done. So, without further ado, here are the best motherboards for AMD FX 8350.
ASRock 970M PRO3 Socket AM3+/ AMD 970/ DDR3/ Quad CrossFireX/ SATA3&USB3.0/ A&GbE/ MicroATX Motherboard
If you are looking for an affordable and reliable motherboard for your AMD FX 8350, the ASRock 970M PRO3 is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Supports up to 64GB of RAM
- Has six SATA3 ports with support for RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10
Cons
- Only has one PCI-Express 2.0 x1 slot
- No support for M.2 storage
- Limited overclocking options
We were impressed with how easy it was to set up this motherboard. The instructions were clear, and we had no issues getting everything up and running. Additionally, the ASRock 970M PRO3 supports up to 64GB of RAM, which is more than enough for most users.
One of the standout features of this motherboard is its six SATA3 ports with support for RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10. This makes it easy to set up a reliable and fast storage solution for your system.
However, there are a few downsides to this motherboard. It only has one PCI-Express 2.0 x1 slot, which may be limiting if you need to add additional expansion cards. Additionally, there is no support for M.2 storage, which may be a dealbreaker for some users. Finally, the overclocking options are limited, so if you are looking to push your AMD FX 8350 to its limits, you may want to consider a different motherboard.
Overall, if you are looking for an affordable and reliable motherboard for your AMD FX 8350, the ASRock 970M PRO3 is a solid choice. Just be aware of its limitations before making your purchase.
ASUS 970 Pro Gaming/Aura ATX DDR3 AM3+ AMD 970 + SB 950 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.1 ATX AMD Motherboard
If you want a motherboard that can support AMD FX processors and deliver impressive graphics potential, the ASUS 970 Pro Gaming/Aura is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Supreme audio feature delivers crystal-clear sound quality that makes you feel like you’re part of the game.
- The dual USB 3.1 Type A ports and M.2 (PCIe 2.0 x4) offer ultra-speedy data transfers, which is ideal for gamers who need to transfer large files quickly.
- The Aura RGB LED lighting control allows you to customize the look of your gaming rig to suit your personal style.
Cons
- The board doesn’t support DDR4 memory, which means you’ll need to stick to DDR3 RAM.
- The board may not be compatible with certain types of RAM, so you’ll need to check the manufacturer’s website to ensure that your RAM is compatible.
- The board doesn’t support Thunderbolt 3, which may be a deal-breaker for some users.
We recently had the chance to test the ASUS 970 Pro Gaming/Aura motherboard, and we were impressed with its performance. The Supreme audio feature delivered flawless sound quality, which made our gaming experience more immersive than ever before. We also appreciated the dual USB 3.1 Type A ports and M.2 (PCIe 2.0 x4) for ultra-speedy data transfers, which came in handy when we needed to transfer large files quickly.
The Aura RGB LED lighting control was another highlight of this motherboard. We were able to customize the look of our gaming rig to suit our personal style, which was a nice touch. However, we were disappointed to learn that the board doesn’t support DDR4 memory, which means we had to stick to DDR3 RAM. We also had to check the manufacturer’s website to ensure that our RAM was compatible with the board, which was a bit of a hassle. Finally, we were disappointed to learn that the board doesn’t support Thunderbolt 3, which may be a deal-breaker for some users.
Overall, we would recommend the ASUS 970 Pro Gaming/Aura motherboard to anyone who is looking for a reliable and high-performing motherboard for their AMD FX processor. With its impressive graphics potential, speedy data transfers, and customizable RGB lighting, this motherboard is a great choice for gamers who want to build a customized gaming rig.
MSI Gaming Pro Carbon Motherboard
If you’re looking for a reliable and stylish motherboard for your AMD FX 8350, the MSI Gaming Pro Carbon is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Mystic Light RGB LED feature allows for customization of up to 16.8 million colors and 16 LED effects, making it easy to style your rig in any way you want.
- The support for NVMe and the USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C interface make for fast and convenient mobile storage solutions.
- The Steel Armor PCI-E slots support both NVIDIA SLI and AMD Crossfire for multi-GPU setups.
Cons
- The RGB LEDs are located in obscure spots, making it difficult to see the lighting effects.
- The board can get quite hot, especially when overclocking.
- The DDR3 memory technology is outdated compared to DDR4.
We’ve had great experiences with the MSI Gaming Pro Carbon Motherboard. The Mystic Light RGB LED feature is a standout feature, allowing for endless customization options. Additionally, the support for NVMe and USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C interface make for fast and convenient mobile storage solutions. The Steel Armor PCI-E slots also make it easy to set up multi-GPU configurations.
However, the RGB LEDs are located in obscure spots, making it difficult to see the lighting effects. Additionally, the board can get quite hot, especially when overclocking. Lastly, the DDR3 memory technology is outdated compared to DDR4, which may be a dealbreaker for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and stylish motherboard for your AMD FX 8350, the MSI Gaming Pro Carbon is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best motherboard for AMD FX 8350, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Socket Type
The first thing to check is the socket type. The AMD FX 8350 processor uses an AM3+ socket, so make sure the motherboard you choose has this socket type.
Chipset
The chipset is another important factor to consider. The AMD 970 and 990FX chipsets are the most suitable for the FX 8350 processor. These chipsets offer better performance and more features compared to other chipsets.
RAM Compatibility
The motherboard’s RAM compatibility is also important. The FX 8350 processor supports DDR3 RAM, so make sure the motherboard you choose supports this type of RAM. Additionally, check the maximum amount of RAM the motherboard can support.
Expansion Slots
Expansion slots are essential for adding additional components to your computer. Look for a motherboard with enough expansion slots to meet your needs. Common expansion slots include PCI, PCI Express, and M.2 slots.
Form Factor
The form factor of the motherboard will determine its size and compatibility with your computer case. The most common form factors are ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. Choose a form factor that fits your case and meets your needs.
Other Features
Other features to consider include the number of USB ports, SATA ports, and audio ports. Additionally, check if the motherboard has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities.
In summary, when choosing the best motherboard for AMD FX 8350, consider the socket type, chipset, RAM compatibility, expansion slots, form factor, and additional features. With these factors in mind, you can find a motherboard that meets your needs and provides optimal performance for your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top motherboards compatible with the AMD FX 8350 processor?
There are several motherboards that are compatible with the AMD FX 8350 processor. Some of the top options include the ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0, the Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3, and the MSI 970 Gaming. These motherboards offer excellent performance and stability, making them ideal for gaming and other demanding applications.
Which ASUS motherboards offer the best performance for the FX 8350?
ASUS is known for producing high-quality motherboards, and there are several options that offer excellent performance for the AMD FX 8350 processor. Some of the best ASUS motherboards for this CPU include the ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z, the ASUS Sabertooth 990FX R2.0, and the ASUS M5A99X EVO R2.0. These motherboards offer top-notch features and performance, making them a great choice for enthusiasts and gamers.
Can you use DDR4 memory with the AMD FX 8350?
No, the AMD FX 8350 processor is not compatible with DDR4 memory. This CPU is designed to work with DDR3 memory, which is still a capable and affordable option for most users.
What are the best GPUs to pair with the AMD FX 8350 for optimal performance?
The AMD FX 8350 processor is a powerful CPU that can handle most modern GPUs without issue. Some of the best GPUs to pair with this processor include the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970, the AMD Radeon R9 390, and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060. These graphics cards offer excellent performance and are a great match for the AMD FX 8350.
What is the maximum safe operating temperature for the AMD FX 8350 CPU?
The maximum safe operating temperature for the AMD FX 8350 CPU is 61 degrees Celsius. It is important to keep your CPU temperatures below this threshold to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Which socket type does the AMD FX 8350 require for motherboard compatibility?
The AMD FX 8350 processor requires a motherboard with an AM3+ socket. This socket is specifically designed for the AMD FX series of processors and offers excellent compatibility and performance. When selecting a motherboard for the AMD FX 8350, be sure to choose one with an AM3+ socket to ensure compatibility.