ASUS DDR3 1800 AMD AM3+ Motherboards M5A97 R2.0

Name: ASUS DDR3 1800 AMD AM3+ Motherboards M5A97 R2.0
Brand: Unbranded
SKU: B008V9959O
Price: 269.99 USD
Availability: InStock

By Mike Perry, Hardware Editor · Verified 2026-09-15

Mike Perry has researched PC hardware since 2014, tracking 80+ GPU generations, 50+ retro handheld platforms, and 30+ vintage PC configurations. He synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides. View full credentials →

$269.99

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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Price and availability subject to change.

Bottom line: The ASUS DDR3 1800 AMD AM3+ Motherboards M5A97 R2.0 is a specs-and-price decision rather than a crowd-consensus one in the retro motherboards category, priced around $269.99. Check the specification table above against one or two close alternatives — on price and spec fit, not on star ratings.

The ASUS M5A97 R2.0 is a socket AM3+ ATX motherboard built on the AMD 970/SB950 chipset, and it remains one of the more practical foundations for a late-era AMD retro build. Because AM3+ is backward-friendly, you can drop in an older Socket AM3 chip or step up to an 8-core FX processor without changing boards, which makes this ASUS motherboard useful whether you are restoring a period-correct rig or rebuilding one around the fastest FX silicon you can find. ASUS pairs its Dual Intelligent Processor design here: the EPU moderates power and load in real time, while the TPU handles processor…

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored ASUS DDR3 1800 AMD AM3+ Motherboards M5A97 R2.0 using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to our editorial and benchmark analysis across the retro motherboards category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the retro motherboards category before committing. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for retro motherboards of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the Amazon listing before purchase. Prices, stock, and Prime eligibility update directly from Amazon's catalog and may have moved since this page was last verified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this board work with an 8-core AMD FX processor?

Yes. The M5A97 R2.0 uses Socket AM3+ on the AMD 970/SB950 chipset and supports AMD 8-core processors. Confirm the specific FX model against ASUS's CPU support list for this revision, since a BIOS update may be required for later chips.

Can I reuse my older Socket AM3 CPU in this motherboard?

Yes. ASUS states the AM3+ socket on this board offers usability of Socket AM3 or AM3+, so you can run a previous-generation AM3 chip or a current AM3+ part without swapping boards.

What kind of memory does the M5A97 R2.0 take?

DDR3. This is a DDR3-era board, so DDR4 and DDR5 modules will not fit physically or electrically. Check the product listing for the supported speed grades and maximum capacity for this revision.

What is DirectKey and why would I use it?

DirectKey is a physical button that takes the PC from standby directly into BIOS with one press. It removes the need to catch the POST keypress window, which is useful on a retro build where you tune memory timings or boot order often.

Is this ASUS motherboard well reviewed?

It holds 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,016 reviewers. That is a solid score for a board of this vintage, though it is short of the 4.5-plus range, so read recent reviews for BIOS-revision and DOA reports before buying.

Pros & Cons

Pros

✓ DirectKey Easy access BIOS when PC is on standby with the push of a button
✓ Ships via Amazon with Prime eligibility and the standard returns policy

Cons

✗ Confirm socket / form-factor / power-rating compatibility against your build before ordering
✗ Price, stock, and Prime eligibility update from Amazon and may have changed since this page was last verified

Key Features

ASUS Exclusive Design consists of the EPU (Energy Processing Unit) and the TPU (TurboV Processing Unit), guaranteeing superior performance for every task, bringing users an unbeatable experience
Network iControl Gives user real-time bandwidth allocation control to insure efficient bandwidth usage
DirectKey Easy access BIOS when PC is on standby with the push of a button
Windows 8 Ready Meets strict hardware requirements for Windows 8 support
Remote GO! One-stop PC Remote Control and Home Entertainment

Full Specifications

Brand	ASUS
USB 2.0	6
Platform	No Operating System
CPU Model	FX 8-Core
CPU Socket	Socket AM3+
Model Name	M5A97 R2.0
Unit Count	1.0 Count
Chipset Type	AMD 970/SB950
Model Number	M5A97 R2.0
Compatibility	PC
Mfr Part Number	M5A97 R2.0
Number of Ports	11
Total Usb Ports	11
Item Part Number	90-MIBJK0-G0EAY0MZ, 90MIBJK0G0EAY0MZ, M5A97 R2.0
Processor Socket	Socket AM3+
Total PCIe Ports	4
Total SATA Ports	6
Compatible Devices	Personal Computer
Memory Clock Speed	1333 MHz
Compatible Processors	Socket AM3+

Ready to buy?

ASUS DDR3 1800 AMD AM3+ Motherboards M5A97 R2.0 is sold on the used and vintage market, where eBay carries the live inventory — Amazon does not stock this part. Prices and condition vary by seller and move in real time, so we link the live listing rather than quote a cached price. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Price and availability subject to change.