Need a AM3+/UEFI Motherboard; 4 Choices

[Espionage724]

I'm looking for a AM3+ compatible motherboard with UEFI support, that also has Crossfire support, within a $60-$84 price range, preferably new.

These are the 4 motherboards I've been looking at:

ASRock 970 PRO3 R2.0
ASUS M5A97 LE R2.0
BIOSTAR TA970
MSI 970A-G46

I was almost going to choose the MSI board, but backed down after reading how it apparently just fails with any processor that pulls past the 125W limit (apparently a FX-8350 with stock clocks can do 140W+). I currently unlock and OC my Phenom II X3 720 processor, but have no idea what it's pulling (HWMonitor says 142W but not sure on the accuracy of that). Really would of liked this board...

The BIOSTAR board was my next choice. I own a BIOSTAR board currently (A880G+) and it's worked pretty nicely for 2+ years. Main plus of this board is that it has VRM cooling, but only a 4-pin CPU power connector. Was warned of BIOSTAR build quality.

Been looking at the ASRock board too. It has a 8-pin CPU power connector, but lacks VRM cooling.

The ASUS board lacks VRM cooling and only has a 4-pin connector. Was recommended this board due to build quality.

I'm mainly looking for something that would do me well in the future and can handle a little bit of OC if needed. Didn't plan on buying anything more than the board itself, but VRM heatsinks can be looked into in the future possibly.

 

[Tradesman1]

I'd lean to ASRock as primary and Asus secondary, MSI has had problems as you say and just a personal preference but I've never been pleased with any builds I've done on BioStar, they may have gotten better, but I quit building on them a few years back. I primarily always look to ASRock, Asus and GB in that order based on past experiences

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

ASRock 970 PRO3 R2.0
ASUS M5A97 LE R2.0

The choice is between these 2 , I prefer ASUS boards , but I have to give the nod to the Asrock.