AM3+ FX 8-core CPU... with DDR2? Is it possible?

[VirtualLarry]

I knew that AM3 CPUs have both DDR2 and DDR3 memory controllers embedded. Do AM3+ CPUs likewise still contain the DDR2 controllers?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157581

If so, then I could buy this $50 board, and use my 4GB chinese "high-density" (x4 chips) DDR2 DIMMs to have 8 cores and 8GB of RAM. Would likely make a semi-decent WCG cruncher.

 

[DrMrLordX]

I don't know on what authority this guy from the Tom's Hardware forums makes his statement, but your question has been asked and answered in the past:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/356902-28-ddr2-work-processor

Survey says no.

 

[Lorne]

I thought the DDR2 support stopped at Thuban, But you can search more and find out.
Not many AM3+ cpu are going to work in that MB with a 95W limit.

 

[WT]

Ya, 95w limit ... ouch. This is where the 8350e variant would come in VERY handy, and if I were buying an AMD 8x series chip, I would only buy an 'e' variant to avoid the limitation that the linked board places on the buyer.

I've been tempted to try one of those high density DDR2 DIMMS that you bought. Last time I looked they were priced at $19. That is insane for that price if it will in fact work on your board of choice.

 

[DrMrLordX]

The 8370e has a listed TDP of 95W, so it should work too . . . just not with DDR2 of course. And I expect it wouldn't stay in turbo very long.

 

[Cerb]

AM2(+): DDR2 only
AM3: DDR2 or DDR3
AM3+: DDR3 only