New motherboard/cpu

[Akrylik]

I am looking to buy a new motherboard and cpu. My biggest question is would it be better to get an AM3 MB or an AM3+? I am looking to get an AMD Phenom ll X6 1100T and i would like to know which MB would work best. I would also need a heatsink and fan. Will an AM3 heatsink fit well on an AM3+ mb?

[x88x]

First off, welcome to TBCS.

Now, as for your questions.

My biggest question is would it be better to get an AM3 MB or an AM3+?

That depends. The main difference between AM3 and AM3+ is that AM3+ supports the new Bulldozer chips, which according to the latest news I can find should finally be showing up sometime soon. If you go with an 1100T and don't plan on upgrading the CPU before upgrading the MBB, however, it really doesn't matter.

Will an AM3 heatsink fit well on an AM3+ mb?

Probably. I'm pretty sure there's not any mechanical difference in the mounting systems for the two. If you're concerned though, contact the manufacturer to make sure.

[diluzio91]

The mounting systems are compatable, the only difference thus far is that the am3+ just has the clips, not the little plastic bars between them.

[AmEv]

So, for my sake, which clips?

The clips near the screws, or the sticky-out ones in the middle?

[diluzio91]

actually, both. lol. the holes through the mobo are in the same location, if you look at a socket am2, or am3 the clip around the socket looks like this

  \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
  \\                        \\
  \\                        \\
=\\       AM2              \\=
  \\                        \\
  \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

 \\                         \\
 \\                         \\
=\\           AM3+         \\=
 \\                         \\
 \\                         \\

[AmEv]

I know that AM2/2+/3 are the EXACT same mounting system.

Thanks.