ASRock FM2A88X Extreme4+

Hey everyone, I have a few questions about this board. I'm currently running an FX-6300 setup with an ASUS EVO 2.0, but I'm putting together a second PC now. I’m thinking about switching over to FM2 because those integrated graphics seem like a budget-friendly way to go. I was wondering what kind of graphics this specific board actually carries—I see R5 and R7 mentioned, but I'm not quite sure what that means since different processors have their own built-in chips.

For instance, if I pick up an Athlon that works with this board, does that mean I'll have an Athlon paired with R7 graphics? Or, if I buy a processor that already has an R7 chip built-in, does that mean I'd be running two R7s at once or something?

Just to give some context, my current rig has an R7 250 with 1GB of DDR5. Eventually, I'll probably upgrade to a stronger card, so I was hoping to use the current one alongside whatever integrated graphics the motherboard provides. I guess I could use a little clarification on how that all works together.

Also, if the board features R7 but the processor has an AMD Radeon HD 8370 D, which one is actually better?

If you're buying a new motherboard, you're looking at a dead socket like FM2. These days, you should be eyeing AM4 sockets and processors like the AMD G2200 or G2400.

You can check amd.com to see everything regarding compatibility between graphics cards and FM2 CPUs or integrated chips... they have tables there showing which card works with what.

Just head over to YouTube to see what kind of FPS you actually get with those specific combos...

In my opinion, those pairings don't give you much of a boost. It's a headache because some games work while others don't utilize the full potential, or they just won't run at all... again, check YouTube for exactly what you're interested in and obviously verify driver availability for that setup on amd.com.

Graphics aren't on the motherboards; they're in the processors if we're talking about FM2, FM2+, or AM4.

Basically, you pair a processor with your own graphics card on the FM2+ platform... meaning you check what graphics the FM2+ processor has and if it can work with your card in CrossFire mode.

If the G2200 is too expensive since it's nearly double the price, you could grab an APA 9600 for an AM4 board. It has decent graphics... maybe even better than what you find on FM2+ APUs... though naturally weaker than the G2200.

Here, this might help.

https://www.pcper.com/reviews/Graphi...g-Pacing-Fixed



A12 9800 (AM4) paired with an R7 250.



You could probably pair an A8 9600 (AM4) with an R7 250 too.

Thanks for the reply. I’m strictly browsing Craigslist, so my main goal is just finding the cheapest way to get something running where kids can play a few games here and there. I was thinking about going with a Phenom, but those seem to hold their value a bit too much. You can usually find an FM2 board and a CPU for around $133, and since I already have a power supply, RAM, and a hard drive, that should be everything. Your suggestions make sense, but I don't really want to drop that much cash on a whole second PC.
Everything is much clearer now. I guess I'll just wait to see what pops up on Craigslist.

Yeah, buying used makes sense, but FM2+ prices are dropping because that socket is basically a dead end... when you're picking out a CPU, make sure it actually has integrated graphics. Some models don't, so don't go rushing into anything without checking first....

Meanwhile, Phenom chips are holding their value for some reason... for instance, people are asking $50 for an old Athlon X2 7750, yet you could snag an Intel Core Duo E8400 for maybe 50-$23... and Intel usually ends up charging double

I've been an AMD user for about 15 years now. It's not that I'm unhappy with them or anything, but I don't really know much about Intel. I always get a bit lost trying to figure out all their different sockets, though I'm sure there's some good deals to be found over there if you look hard enough.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/am...listing-24764397

This looks like a decent enough deal. The board has some pretty weak integrated graphics that aren't really meant for gaming, but you're getting a solid processor and a motherboard for a pretty low price.

I sent an inquiry 😁
But yeah, they clearly don't want to do cash on delivery.

That integrated graphics is actually decent enough for Minecraft, which is what my kids play locally about 90% of the time anyway.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/motherboard-listing-example

I'm not sure if the link will even work for you; sorry, I'm a bit late to this.
One guy was selling a Phenom 960T, which usually unlocks to an X6, $167 including the motherboard, CPU, and a really solid aftermarket cooler

Honestly, you’re much better off avoiding those integrated graphics combos altogether. Instead, grab this, order a new Chinese generic motherboard with a socket 1155 from one of those sites (you know the ones), and then for the grand finale, snag a used GPU for around 300-$133. It’ll be incomparably more powerful than any integrated chip—even beating out an R7 250. Click (looks like this one might even be cheaper). For older games, it’s a total beast; obviously, it won't handle modern AAA titles, but they aren't exactly breaking the bank either.

Plus, you actually leave room for upgrades. You could eventually pick up an Ivy Bridge i5 for about 300-$133, which offers way more gaming punch than a quad Athlon or those old Phenoms. From there, you can always drop in an even beefier graphics card, provided your power supply can handle the load.

If you go the Athlon route now, you're basically stuck in a dead end. You'll have zero upgrade path, mediocre performance, and it won't even save you any money in the long run.

Can you send me that link for the Chinese generic motherboard? If you have one... also looking for something for socket 775

Otherwise, yeah. The HD7770 is a much better value than messing around with those FM2+ APUs

Found it on AliExpress here:

Chinese generic motherboard

Of course, unless you can score a decent CPU and motherboard combo on eBay for cheap—that would actually be a better value than buying new parts from China.

N/A, the HD 7770 isn't even that impressive $100. If you happen to stumble upon a GTX 660 or an HD 7850 2GB for $133, grab it. I only picked this one up because the price was low and it doesn't require a massive power supply. I definitely wouldn't trust any card pulling over 100W to a cheap generic power supply from a big-box retailer.

If the dollar is at 6 and this board is only 50 bucks, that’s $100 plus whatever tax... I might just head over to Best Buy and pick up a real motherboard for $150

Check this one out for $100

https://www.amazon.com/motherboard-example-link

Alright, the processor is going to cost me more than an old 775 socket or 1151 setup, but it'll be better performance anyway...

You won't find any of these new in stores anymore, and most people looking for used gear are hunting for $100. To give you an idea, here are the cheapest H61 boards I could find on eBay right now—take a look and see which one catches your eye:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/example-listing-1
https://www.ebay.com/itm/example-listing-2
https://www.ebay.com/itm/example-listing-3

That’s why I always say your best bet is stumbling upon a cheap bundle. Your second option is ordering from China, especially since you can save a massive amount on the CPU. If someone manages to snag an i5 for $133 and they already have DDR3 RAM sitting around, it honestly makes more sense to just grab the parts from China instead.

Drop a link for a new 1155 build, but please, nothing from some random Chinese generic brand

EDIT

Found an i5 3330 for $100 on eBay

https://www.ebay.com/itm/pc-build-example-link

You might want to jump on this one. It’s an H77 board... just toss in a decent GPU and you can pretty much play almost anything.

EDIT: I actually tracked down that i5 too. It's probably a solid deal if you can snag a matching motherboard for the same price.😬

Look, if you've still got a CPU left, you can always find a way to make it work...

There aren't any new 1155 parts hitting the market anymore...

I like these ideas, though I guess it's hard for me to wrap my head around how a professor from $17 could be okay with this 🙂 this build for $300 isn't bad