Best Am2+ CPUs of 2023 – Ultimate Round-up

Austin
| Last Updated: January 14, 2023

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Upgrading your systems from time to time holds tremendous value. You would understand this if you plan on building your own CPU or upgrading your previous one. An outdated microprocessor could be a reason why you have been experiencing delayed performance from your system; thus, it makes sense to switch to a better alternative. For this, you would need a CPU socket, and if you are updating, an AM2+ socket is a great option. 

However, it can be hard to buy one, given that it requires extensive research and knowledge. Worry no more! We have the complete round-up for buying the best AM2+ CPUs. This includes incredible product recommendations and all you need to know on how to install and buy them.

Comparison of the Best Best Am2+ CPUs

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Characterized by great speed
  • It features Quad-core technology
  • Has an integrated DDR2 DRAM Memory controller
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  • It features a very practical design
  • This unit carries Quad-core processor technology
  • Equipped with L1, L2, and additional 6Mb L3 cache
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  • Steady baseline improvements
  • Capable of crunching massive calculations
  • Moderate power consumption
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  • Fastest AM2+ CPU in our list
  • It features 2.8 GHz clock speed
  • This unit has a three-year warranty
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  • Editor’s pick
  • This unit is designed with triple-core technology
  • It features integrated DDR2 DRAM memory controller
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What is an AM2+ CPU, and What is it Used For?

If you don’t have much knowledge about the computer system, it is likely possible that you aren’t aware of what an AM2+ CPU is or what it’s utilized for. The AM2+ is a CPU socket. This is basically a slot that provides connections, both electrical and mechanical, between a printed circuit board and a microprocessor. An AM2+ socket has the same effect. It is the predecessor for the newer AM3 sockets and carries some similar but some different characteristics than the AM2. Furthermore, AM2 and AM2+ sockets can operate together, and however, this depends on certain other factors. One of the factors is the availability of compatible Bios software. 

AMD HDZ940XCGIBOX Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition

Are All CPUs The Same?

Even though they might be similar, not all CPUs are the same. They have major and minor differences amongst them, which is why you can’t pick any old processor and fit it into a newer model. The most important factor that differs them is the socket used as each processor works in a different slot. This is precisely why when you decide to update your processor; you check the compatibility with the motherboard. 

Most computers use either AMD or Intel processors. Both of these have different technical specifications, are from different brands, and use different sockets. AMD processors are considered better options if you need to perform a wide variety of tasks at the same time, although they aren’t interchangeable either.

The AM2 was introduced back in 2006 and was a great budget-friendly option for desktop processors. Its successor AM2+had the same built as it used the same CPU coolers; however, it features a faster Hypertransport 3.0 and separate power planes, giving it a clear advantage. Furthermore, the AM3 features a DDR3 SDRAM, which is the major thing that differentiates it from its predecessor. When it comes to our recommended products, all the products mentioned in our list are AM2+ sockets. 

What Makes a Great CPU For an AM2+ Socket?

A very popular question people have is what to look for in an AM2+ socket. They seem to struggle with what to look for in a great CPU for an Am2+ socket, as there are so many technicalities involved. There are certain factors that need to be taken into consideration prior to investing in an AM2+ socket. Let’s take a look at them so you can have a better idea of what to shop for:

Warranty

If you plan on building a PC from scratch or upgrading your old one, you would want nothing but the best. A very important element of that is to opt for a long-lasting product. Thus, the product you invest in should be warranted and covered by a good policy. This enables it to be a reliable and long-term investment. 

Compatibility

This is a crucial factor that people often forget to take into consideration due to a lack of knowledge on the matter. AM2+ sockets aren’t interchangeable. They won’t work on every processor. Thus, it is important to know whether the processor you are working with is compatible with the AM2+ socket or not. Making sure of this could save you a lot of future trouble. 

Clock Speed and Single Thread

You must have seen the term clock speed thrown around a lot as it is an important factor in buying an AM2 socket. Clock speed refers to the rate at which your microprocessor executes the instructions. Generally, a higher clock speed would mean that the product you invest in is capable of doing calculations and executing instructions at a faster pace. A clock speed of 3.5 or 4.0 GHz should be enough for a heavy gamer. Another important element to consider is a good single thread. This would ensure that your CPU understands whatever instruction you give it well. 

Economic

It is important to set a budget for yourself; however, when it comes to buying good quality AMD2+ sockets, it isn’t always a problem. This is because generally, they are considered to be pretty budget-friendly and economical; it’s just a matter of finding the right product for yourself; thus, it should be accessible to most people. 

Review of the Best AM2+ CPUs

There are a plethora of products on the market. Even though it gives one option to choose from, it could make the buying process a lot more confusing. This makes it hard to select a single product, especially given how some products can be rather deceiving. But we have a list of some incredible products which are reliable and worthy of investment. Let’s take a look at them:

Best Overall:
AMD HDX920XCGIBOX Phenom II X4 920

PROS

  • AMD virtualization enables consumers to support multiple computing environments without any hiccups
  • COOLCORE technology enables low power consumption by shutting off the part of processors that’s aren’t used
  • Integrated DDR2 DRAM memory controller increases bandwidth, enhances performance and reduces memory latencies
  • Quad-core technology allows it to run 32-bit and 64-bit computing simultaneously without compromising the performance
  • Hypertransport technology enables high speed, low latency and point to point link for increased communication

CONS

  • Some buyers complained that the unit is slightly noisy
  • CPU gets hot while operating with the factory heat sink

What Recent Buyers Report

This product seems to have quickly become a buyer favorite. It features a ton of different features that ensure superior quality performance while it stays cool and quiet. Furthermore, it is incredibly fast and efficient too. It reduces energy consumption, which is very important. These factors combine to make this product a worthy investment. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

It speaks to us on a number of grounds. Firstly, it has features like COOLCORE technology, which reduces power consumption by shutting off parts of the processor that aren’t in usage. Plus, it carries quad-core technology that allows it run 32 and 64-bit computing simultaneously without any hiccups. Plus, it isn’t noisy either thanks to the cool ‘N’ quiet technology. 

Who Will Use This Most

In all, this product is a great investment for anyone who expects high quality display and no latency as a part of their gaming experience. If you want to perform numerous tasks in one go or often download heavy files, this unit will be able to withstand it all and outperform each and every time. 

Bottom Line

The unit is very special. It carries a ton of features that enable it to be such a great product. It is incredibly reliable and durable. Furthermore, the unit is highly functional and enables one to multi-task easily. Plus, the innovative design takes into account noise and heat and minimizes them. 

Runner-up:
AMD Phenom II X4 940

PROS

  • It features a limited 3-year warranty that makes it highly reliable and durable
  • Comes with the AMD Cool ‘N’ Quiet technology enabling efficient and quiet performance
  • COOLCORE technology reduces energy consumption by shutting off the unused parts of the CPU
  • Designed to enable both 32 and 64-bit computing simultaneously without compromising the performance
  • Quad-core processor with integrated DDR2 memory DRAM controller enables increased bandwidth, enhanced performance and reduces memory latencies

CONS

  • Some buyers find that the heat sink needs replacement

What Recent Buyers Report

It isn’t a generic product at all. Instead, it carries a design that is innovative and makes it easy to work with. It carries all the features one needs to have an outstanding CPU experience. Buyers are very happy with this unit. Furthermore, it is very reliable and durable as well given its limited 3-years warranty. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This unit truly captured our attention with its incredible features. It carries COOLCORE technology, which allows it to reduce power consumption by shutting off the parts of CPU that aren’t in use. Furthermore, it has a Quad-core processor with an integrated DDR2 DRAM memory controller enabling smoother and more enhanced performance. 

Who Will Use This Most

If you are an ardent gamer or a heavy user, you would really appreciate this unit for its incredible design. It features a Quad-core processor with an integrated DDR2 memory DRAM controller that allows increased bandwidth, enhances performance, and majorly reduces memory latencies. All of these are incredibly important when it comes to heavy usage. 

Bottom Line

This unit is an excellent investment. It features a stunning design and carries incredible features to ensure superior quality performance. Furthermore, it is durable and reliable, as well. The superior quality performance and innovative design this product carries are truly remarkable. It surely is worth checking out.

PROS

  • Budget-friendly
  • Comparable with Intel2 Core i5 series
  • Steady baseline improvements
  • Capable of crunching massive calculations
  • Moderate power consumption

CONS

  • Limited stocks available
  • One of the less popular CPU processors
  • Relatively low price-to-performance ratio

What Recent Buyers Report

According to recent customers, AMD’s Phenom II X4 B95 is comparable to the Intel2 Core i5 CPU processor series, which is a trusted and popular brand for computer components.

While the CPU core isn’t mind-blowing as its counterparts at first use, the unit has shown slow but steady improvements as its baseline is tested periodically on different instances.

Additionally, this CPU processor is capable of computing massive amounts of numbers at record speeds, which can be used in mathematical, scientific, and other useful applications.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The AMD Phenom II X4 B95 Desktop CPU Processor is a great option for professionals who want to replace their current unit but on a limited budget. It is one of the lesser-known PC processors in the market so there are only a handful of reviews about this unit.

Who Will Use This Most

The Phenom II X4 B95 PC Processor is a good pick for people who are conscious of their electric power consumption. Moreover, this CPU processor would suit students and educators who require accuracy in terms of calculating large and exponential amounts of numbers.

Bottom Line

The AMD Phenom II X4 B95 Desktop CPU Processor might not be the shiny unit that users, gamers, and professionals are looking for but it has proven its worth through time. Although it’s not that in demand, it’s still difficult to get one because of the current raw materials shortage.

Fastest AM2+ CPU:
AMD HDZ940XCGIBOX Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition

PROS

  • Cool ‘N’ Quiet 3.0 technology helps it function with reduced noise levels
  • This unit features a three-year limited warranty which makes it incredibly reliable and durable
  • Integrated memory controller reduces memory latencies, increases bandwidth, and enhances performance
  • The quad-core technology delivers exceptional multi-tasking ability and fulfills all demanding tasks seamlessly
  • It features AMD COOLCORE technology which reduces power consumption by turning off the unused parts of the processor

CONS

  • This unit seems to have compatibility issues as some buyers say

What Recent Buyers Report

This product truly excites a lot of buyers with its impeccable design and hard to beat features. It is a well-constructed product that is backed by a limited 3-year warranty that makes it highly reliable and durable. Furthermore, it isn’t noisy to operate, is incredibly fast, and doesn’t get hot while performing. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

It stands out to us for a number of different reasons. Firstly, the unit is very well-designed as it carries a quad-core technology with four complete processors with the same frequency to enable superior quality multi-tasking. Furthermore, it has cool core technology that reduces power consumption. 

Who Will Use This Most

This unit is great for those of you who have to perform numerous tasks at once or are heavy gamers. It is equipped with quad-core technology, which makes all of that a breeze. It doesn’t pose any latency issues and is not noisy, either, which makes it incredibly ergonomic.

Bottom Line

All in all, it is a beautiful product. This product provides speed combined with accuracy and high-quality performance with such seamlessness that it’s almost unbelievable. It truly is a gem. It takes into account heating and noise problems as well and solves them beautifully. It surely is a great investment. 

Editor's Pick:
AMD HD8650WCGHBOX Phenom Triple-Core AM2+ PIB CPU

PROS

  • Features Hypertransport technology enables it to be high speed and low-latency
  • Triple-core processor has integrated DDR2 memory that supports unbuffered DRAM
  • The design enables it to run simultaneous 32 and 64-bit computing with consistent performance
  • AMD virtualization enables users to support multiple operating environments without any hiccups
  • It features Cool and Quiet technology that makes operation quiet and enables low power consumption

CONS

  • The heatsink could be improved as some buyers say 
  • Product is slightly on the higher end of the spectrum

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers are very impressed with the working of this unit. They find the product to be incredibly well-designed and worthy of praise. It carries an array of fantastic features which make its operation incredibly efficient and ergonomic. This is precisely the reason why buyers don’t mind the slightly hefty price tag and find it worth it. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This product features a cool and quiet technology that enables it to operate quietly without hindering its performance. Furthermore, it has the AMD Cool core technology that helps in the reduction of power consumption by turning off the unused parts of the processor. Plus, the Hypertransport technology makes it incredibly efficient and enables low-latency.

Who Will Use This Most

If you plan on investing in a good quality triple-core processor, this product is a great option. However, it is slightly on the higher end of the spectrum, which is why it isn’t accessible to everyone. Thus, it’s more suitable for those of you with a more flexible budget. 

Bottom Line

Overall, it is a very well-designed product. The design itself is well thought through and takes into account each and every aspect which matters, whether it is efficiency or noisy operation. Everything is covered. It is clearly a highly reliable and durable option. All of this, in conjunction, make this product worthy of investment.

Pros and Cons of AM2+ CPUs

If you are still on the fence about getting an AM2+ socket, perhaps you will benefit from a quick overview of the pros and cons they carry. These would surely help you decide better. Let’s take a look at them:

Pros

Investing in an AM2+ CPU carries many pros, which ought to definitely make it a worthy purchase. Let’s take a look at some of the most substantial ones:

Efficiency

Investing in a new, better quality AMD2+ processor will ensure you experience efficient and fast performance. They are equipped with features that reduce memory latency issues and improve speed. Furthermore, they also reduce power consumption. 

Durability

AMD2+ comes with a good warranty policy, ensuring that the product is highly reliable and a long-term investment for the consumer. Plus, the superior quality construction adds to their value. 

Cooler Performance

They carry advanced and innovative technology and a heat sink which removes heat evenly from the system to prevent it from heating and providing you with a cooler system. 

Cons

The pros largely outweigh the cons when it comes to AM2+ CPUs. You are highly likely not to find them to be a big issue or even a dealbreaker. However, they are worth mentioning so that you make an informed purchase. 

Compatibility

AM2+ CPUs aren’t compatible with all models, which makes them slightly selective. In order for them to be interoperable with AMD2, a compatible BIOS software is needed.

Price

Generally, multi-core processors can be expensive; however, the performance they provide is worth the investment so you can benefit in the long run. 

How to Install an AM2+ CPU

In order to easily install an AM2+ CPU, you need to have the following things handy:

  • Screwdriver
  • Thermal paste removal pads
  • Eucalyptus oil
  • High-performance thermal paste
  1. The motherboard needs to be removed from the case. However, while doing so, make sure that the power is off, and you remain grounded while touching any electrical components. To remove the motherboard, you’ll need to remove the screws located carefully. 

  2. You need to then carefully remove the RAM, so you don’t damage it in the midst of working and are able to clear up some working space as well. You then are required to remove the CPU heatsink, which you can do by pulling it up, and once it loosens, you can push it down and unhook the clip. This may require some force.

  3. The next step is to remove the CPU. You need to pull the CPU clip up to release tension, which then would allow you to lift the CPU out. Once it is out, you need to remove the old thermal paste using eucalyptus oil and thermal paste removal pads. While doing so, make sure you don’t touch the pins on the bottom, as this may cause permanent damage. 

  4. Now comes the installation of the new CPU. You will notice that there is an arrow located at one of the four corners of the new CPU, which should be aligned with the arrow on the CPU socket, then only the orientation would be right. Next, push down the CPU and leave it in place.

    The correct application of thermal paste is necessary for heat distribution. Therefore, it's important not to apply too much or too little of it. Apply it in a straight line to prevent any problems.

  5. Next, you need to remount the heat sink. Place it back on the CPU while leveling out the thermal paste. Then, refasten the heatsink by hooking the back clip followed by the front and then turn it clockwise to lock it in place. 

  6. Then, place the RAM back in as well as the CPU fan header. And screw the motherboard back in place.

Hopefully, you understand all the steps. However, if you have any confusion, you can refer to the video below for any further clarification. 

Conclusion

The process of looking for a good quality Am2+ CPU can be daunting as it requires a certain amount of knowledge. Therefore, this post was aimed at educating you as much as possible on AM2+ CPUs, so you don’t have such a hard time finding one for yourself. 

It’s important to realize that a single product may not be suitable for everyone. The unit you invest in would differ depending upon your use. This means if you are an ardent gamer, then perhaps you would want a product more suitable to it, whereas if your usage isn’t heavy, then you could opt for a model with lesser features or speed. Thus, make sure to consider all factors prior to purchase. Hopefully, this post helped you clear out any confusion you have. 

People Also Ask

People find the process of buying an AM2 CPU confusing as it involves a profound knowledge of the machinery, and that can get rather technical. This raises a lot of questions. We picked the most frequently asked ones and took the liberty to answer them. Hopefully, this clears any confusion you may have. Let’s take a look at them:

Are AM2 and AM2+ the Same?

AM2 is the predecessor of AM2+. It has the same built as the AM2+ carries the same CPU coolers; however, it does carry a faster HyperTransport 3.0 and separate power planes, which enables it to be energy efficient. 

Can AM2+ Fit in AM2?

Whether or not the AM2+ would fit in AM2 depends upon certain factors even though largely it’s possible. It depends upon having a compatible Bios software, which makes interoperability possible. 

Can I Put an AM3 CPU in an AM2+ Motherboard?

Yes, an AM3 CPU can be put into an AM2+ motherboard as it contains both DDR2 and DDR3 memory, and it would work well with it. 

How Do I Find Out my Processor Socket Type?

The processor socket type is easy to locate and an important factor to know prior to making any investment. It is listed on your computer’s motherboard. 

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Austin

When the tech company I worked for restructured and I ended up jobless, I decided to put the wealth of knowledge and management skills to use somewhere new. I’d checked out a few buyer’s guides on the site in the past and reached out to the previous owner. A few months later, here we are. Now, I get to be behind the scenes, helping people find the best tech.