MSI A78M-E45 FM2+ Motherboard: OC?

[box o rocks]

Looking at this board, I see it has solid caps and a heat sink on the VRMs, but I suspect it only has 3+1 or 4+1 phase power since it only has a 4 pin CPU power header. Would this be sufficient for overclocking the 95W Athlon X4 860K?
http://www.msi.com/product/mb/A78M-E45.html#hero-overview

I'm a little confused. Why have a line of affordable unlocked processors and then not have any/many boards available that are suitable for overclocking them? I did find the Asus Crossblade Ranger at $160 is about the only serious board available.

 

[rockie_]

8+2 phase power design for FX series like FX 6300
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-ga970aud3p

 

[mangodrinker]

I currently own an MSI-A78M-E35. I am able to change the multiplier in the UEFI, but the voltage is locked. It could be the same story for this board since it is the same chipset. I would recommend a different board just to be on the safe side.

EDIT: I think it will be able to overclock, my board is an E35 while the board you are seeking is an E45.

 

[box o rocks]

I currently own an MSI-A78M-E35. I am able to change the multiplier in the UEFI, but the voltage is locked. It could be the same story for this board since it is the same chipset. I would recommend a different board just to be on the safe side.

EDIT: I think it will be able to overclock, my board is an E35 while the board you are seeking is an E45.

Hey. Thanks for that info. That eliminates this board then. Thanks again.
Edit: Opps! Just saw your edit.

 

[rockie_]

4+2 phase power design , mATX mobo for 860K
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-fm2a88mextreme4

 

[box o rocks]

4+2 phase power design , mATX mobo for 860K
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-fm2a88mextreme4

Still 4+x and no heat sinks. But it's a consideration, I guess.

 

[mangodrinker]

I would go ahead and change from MSI to a different brand. I suspect that it won't allow all the overclocking features in its mainstream boards. The Asrock that rockie_ suggested would be a good choice as well as this Gigabyte board: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gaf2a88xmd3h

I like the reliabilty on Asus and Gigabyte, never had an Asrock though.

This could also work: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-fm2a88xbtc

 

[box o rocks]

I guess I just didn't look hard enough. Here is one that I may be able to afford that is 8+2 phase power. More than I wanted to spend. But I guess you get what you pay for. http://www.asrock.com/mb/AMD/FM2A88X%20Extreme6+/
Newgg has it for $105 (ouch)

 

[mangodrinker]

Yeah, overclocking can have a hefty price. If having the best conditions for your overclock is of the utmost importance to you, I would recommend you spend a bit more for the 8+2 phase and the heatsinks.

 

[rockie_]

You do you wish to overclock . Just get a better GPU ?

 

[box o rocks]

You do you wish to overclock . Just get a better GPU ?

Overclock. Multiplier and core voltage at least.