Sockets

[Merlin]

I see a lot of MB that can take AM2 , AM2+ and AM3 CPUs does that mean that a MB that only lists AM3 can run an AM2 CPU like that listed in my Sig??

[XstollieX]

Unfortunately no, Socket AM3 boards can only run AM3 CPU's. AM2 and AM2+ chips only feature DDR2 memory controllers while AM3 chips have both DDR2 or DDR3 memory controllers on them

[Merlin]

So If I have to do a piecemeal upgrade the CPU would need to be first.

[skier]

So If I have to do a piecemeal upgrade the CPU would need to be first.

yes