Question MSI 970A-G43 and FX-8350

Pimpom

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May 11, 2008
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I've done some research and the majority of opinions seems to be No, you can't/shouldn't use an FX-8350 on an MSI 970A-G43. The reasons given range from "It's not on the list of compatible CPUs" to "The VRM may explode or catch fire". So I'm not asking if I can/should fit an FX-8350 on an MSI 970A-G43. I'm instead asking for some clarification.

The main reason for the sometimes-vehement objection to running an 8350 on a 970A-G43 seems to be that the 4+1 VRM simply can't handle the power drawn by an FX-8350. Thing is, I've been using the 970A-G43 with a Phenom II x4 970 for more than five years - and I bought the mobo second-hand. My computer is on an average of 15-16 hours a day every day. Besides web browsing, word processing, playing videos, etc., I also do CAD and occasional gaming.

So my question is: If the motherboard can handle the older CPU, why not the FX which has the same TDP?