How to Buy a Motherboard With an AGP Slot & AM2 Slot

The motherboard that you choose for your computer will determine what overall capabilities the system will have. If you choose a motherboard with an AM2 processor socket you must use a compatible AMD processor. Likewise, a motherboard with an AGP expansion slot can only use certain compatible graphics cards. If you want a motherboard that has both features, you still must consider the other hardware components you will be installing to make sure they are compatible with the motherboard.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Check through your computer processor's manual to ensure that it will fit an AM2 processor socket. Acquire a new processor that is meant to work with an AM2 socket if you don't already have one.

2. Find out if the form factor of your computer's case is designated as "ATX" or "Micro-ATX." Read the packaging that came with the computer case or navigate to the manufacturer's website to find out the exact form factor. Check to make sure that the motherboard with the AGP slot and AM2 socket has the same form factor so that it will fit inside the computer case.

3. Take into account how much random access memory (RAM) your computer system will need. Check the minimum RAM requirements of the software you will be using on the computer to get a rough idea.

4. Find out how many RAM slots the motherboard has and how much total RAM it can handle at one time. Compare that amount to the amount of RAM you will need to use your computer software.

5. Look through the specifications for the motherboard to find out the exact speed of the AGP slot, as they come in several different varieties. Check to see if it is labeled as "2X," "4X," or "8X."

6. Pick a motherboard with an 8X speed AGP slot if you plan on using software that has high graphical requirements, such as games or video editing programs. Go with a motherboard with a lower speed AGP slot if graphics aren't as important to your needs.

7. Check to see how many AGP slots the motherboard has and find out if it has extra PCI slots as well. Pick a motherboard with extra PCI slots if you will be installing other expansion cards such as a high end sound card or a wireless network card.

Tips & Warnings

• Before making your final purchase you may want to check the website of the motherboard's manufacturer. Ensure that they have an extensive support section to help with any problems that occur during the installation process. Most motherboards that use the AM2 socket will have a PCI-Express slot instead of an AGP slot. The majority of motherboards that have both an AM2 socket and AGP slot will be manufactured either by MSI or by ASUS.
• The AM2 processor socket does not support any Intel brand processors at all, such as the Pentium.

References

• Motherboard with both AGP and AM2
• Choosing a Motherboard