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The thread discusses a user's issue with a slow, laggy, and freezing computer, despite reinstalling Windows 7 and no detected viruses. The user seeks advice on choosing a compatible motherboard, RAM, and ensuring components work together with their existing CPU (AMD Phenom X6 1055T) and GPU (GTX 1050). Experienced members emphasize the importance of checking component compatibility via motherboard support lists, caution against assuming all RAM is compatible—even if it physically fits—and highlight potential licensing issues when replacing hardware, ultimately recommending verifying current system issues before hardware upgrades.
TheUnknown

TheUnknown

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Thread Author #1
My specs.

AMD phenom x6 1055t
Gtx 1050
My motherboard I am currently using. GA-M68MT-S2P (rev. 3.0) | Motherboard | GIGABYTE my computer is slow and laggy and freezing so I am guessing its the motherboard I currently have because my computer is fine and I recently reinstalled windows 7 and I have no viruses.
 

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Neemobeer

Neemobeer

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#2
Need more information. You need help finding a motherboard for what purpose? Do you need a replacement that will work with your CPU?
 

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TheUnknown

TheUnknown

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Thread Author #3
Yes I am trying to find a motherboard that will work with my current CPU and GPU. I'm very bad with computers so I have no idea.

Also. What kind of ram do I need for it too.
 

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Neemobeer

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#4
The GPU shouldn't be an issue it will use a PCI.e x16 socket which pretty much every motherboard has. You will want to make note of the CPU socket type and RAM type to make sure they work.

That CPU is an AMD3 socket (not to be confused with AM3+) and the RAM DDR3 1600(OC)/1333/1066/800 MHz
Amazon does filter by socket so just make sure it's AM3
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This link will only show you AMD boards that support DDR3
 

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TheUnknown

TheUnknown

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Thread Author #5
Neemobeer said:
The GPU shouldn't be an issue it will use a PCI.e x16 socket which pretty much every motherboard has. You will want to make note of the CPU socket type and RAM type to make sure they work.

That CPU is an AMD3 socket (not to be confused with AM3+) and the RAM DDR3 1600(OC)/1333/1066/800 MHz
Amazon does filter by socket so just make sure it's AM3
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This link will only show you AMD boards that support DDR3
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Thank you so much. This board caught my eye. Link Removed Any ram with the same socket will work just like a CPU?
 

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Digerati

Digerati

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#9
TheUnknown said:
Any ram with the same socket will work just like a CPU?
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No! Just because RAM physically fits a slot, that does NOT mean it is compatible with that board!

Whenever you buy a new motherboard, you need to look at the motherboard's QVLs (qualified vendors lists) for compatible CPUs and RAM. You must use a listed CPU to ensure compatibility. However, there are too many RAM makers and RAM models for motherboard makers to test and certify them all. So you don't have to use listed RAM but you should use RAM with the same specs as listed RAM.

Your board's QVLs are listed here under CPU Support and Support List.

Also, it is important to understand that a new motherboard constitutes a new computer in terms of software licensing. If your current Windows license is an OEM/System Builders license, or you "upgraded" to your current OS based on an existing OEM/System Builders license (and the vast majority of current license fall into one or both of those categories), to be legal you will need to buy a new Windows license too.

If me, I would buy all new with the latest technologies. DDR3 is old technology RAM, for example.

If your current system did not used to be "slow, laggy, and freezing" and you are not ready to upgrade the RAM and CPU as well as the motherboard and Windows, it might be better to try and sort out the problems you currently are having - especially since the cause of your "slow, laggy, and freezing" performance may not be your motherboard.

And FTR, I also have been using Gigabyte boards for years. They are my preferred brand.
 

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kemical

kemical

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#10
I don't think I've ever ran any RAM which was on the QVL list and I've been building systems for over ten years.

As Bill points out though, ( Hi Bill, by the way.. :) ), as long as the RAM used is of a similar nature to RAM specified in the QVL list then chances are it will work fine.
 

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Digerati

Digerati

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#11
kemical said:
I don't think I've ever ran any RAM which was on the QVL list and I've been building systems for over ten years.
Click to expand...
Not sure I have either - that is, not specific brand and model number of listed RAM. But I do run RAM with the same specs as listed RAM.
 

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Neemobeer

Neemobeer

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#14
No that's an AM3+ socket, won't work with your CPU needs to be AM3
 

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kemical

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#16
AM3+ is backwards compatible with some AM3 chips:

AM3+ is a modification of the AM3 socket. It has one additional pin for new Bulldozer-based AM3+ processors and is backwards-compatible with AM3 processors. It broke backwards-compatibility between AM3+ processors and AM2 and AM2+ motherboards because the processors do not support DDR2 memory.
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Ref:
Socket AM3 - Wikipedia

I also checked the pdf for compatible AM3 processors as not all are compatible and yours is good to go:
An image from 'Need help finding a motherboard.'. The images show a data table listing specifications for Phenom II X6 Thuban CPUs.

Link Removed

Motherboard website:
Link Removed
 

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TheUnknown

TheUnknown

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Thread Author #18
kemical said:
AM3+ is backwards compatible with some AM3 chips:


Ref:
Socket AM3 - Wikipedia

I also checked the pdf for compatible AM3 processors as not all are compatible and yours is good to go:
View attachment 35232
Link Removed

Motherboard website:
Link Removed
Click to expand...

So that msi 970 motherboard will work for my cpu and gpu? AM3+ Just means it add's an extra pin and its compatible with am3 cpu's?
 

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