Socket AM3

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Socket AM3
Socket AM3
Release dateFebruary 2009 (2009-02)
TypePGA-ZIF
Chip form factorsPGA
Contacts941 (Socket)
938 (CPU)
FSB protocolHyperTransport 3.x
FSB frequency200 MHz System clock
HyperTransport up to 2.6 GHz
ProcessorsPhenom II
Athlon II
Sempron
Opteron 1380 Series
PredecessorAM2+
SuccessorAM3+
Memory supportDDR2 or DDR3

This article is part of the CPU socket series

Socket AM3 is a

Phenom II X6 1100T
.

Like the previous AMD socket, the "AM3 Processor Functional Data Sheet" (AMD document number 40778) has not been made publicly available. The "Family 10h AMD Phenom™ Processor Product Data Sheet" (document 446878) has,[2] but contains only a brief list of features of the Phenom, and does not contain any substantive technical data regarding socket AM3.

Compatibility

Socket AM3 breaks compatibility with AM2/AM2+ processors due to a subtle change in key placement. The AM3 socket has 941 pin contacts in a different layout[3] while AM2+ processors have 940 pins. Tom's Hardware removed the two obstructing key pins from an AM2+ Phenom processor in order to fit it into an AM3 socket. The processor did not work in the AM3 socket, but still worked in an AM2+ socket, suggesting that compatibility issues run deeper than merely the key pins.[4] It is likely because the built-in memory controller in AM2/AM2+ processors only supports DDR2 (unlike AM3 processors, which support both DDR2 & DDR3 memory).[5] In fact, a few motherboards were manufactured that supported both DDR2 and DDR3, however only one type could be used at a time. Despite using an AM3 socket and despite using a northbridge and southbridge found on AM3 motherboards, they support any AM2, AM2+, or AM3 processor.[6]

As AM3 processors also support DDR2, they are backwards-compatible with Socket AM2/AM2+, contingent upon a BIOS update for the motherboard. Manufacturers including Asus,[7] Gigabyte,[8] and others have labeled existing AM2/AM2+ boards as being "AM3 Ready" or similar, indicating that BIOS support is provided for the specified boards. This allows existing AM2/AM2+ systems to upgrade the CPU without having to upgrade any other components.

Heatsink

The 4 holes for fastening the heatsink to the motherboard are placed in a rectangle with lateral lengths of 48 mm and 96 mm for AMD's sockets Socket AM2, Socket AM2+, Socket AM3, Socket AM3+ and Socket FM2. Cooling solutions should therefore be interchangeable.

Socket AM3+

AM3+ is a modification of the AM3 socket. It has one additional pin for new Bulldozer-based AM3+ processors and is backwards-compatible with AM3 processors. It broke backwards-compatibility between AM3+ processors and AM2 and AM2+ motherboards because the processors do not support DDR2 memory.

See also

  • CPU Socket
  • Athlon II
  • Phenom II
  • List of AMD Phenom microprocessors
  • List of AMD FX microprocessors

References

  1. ^ The Phenom II X4 810 & X3 720: AMD Gets DDR3 But Doesn't Need It, AnandTech, 2009-02-09, retrieved 2012-01-10
  2. ^ Phenom II Processor - Product Data Sheet (PDF), Amd.com, retrieved 2012-01-10
  3. ^ MSI Releases AM3 Gaming Series Motherboards, Hothardware.com, 2009-01-22, retrieved 2012-01-10
  4. ^ Modding And Overclocking–Doable? : Socket AM3: AMD's Phenom II Gets DDR3, Tomshardware.com, 2009-02-09, retrieved 2012-01-10
  5. ^ AMD Phenom II - DDR2 vs. DDR3 Performance, Tweaktown.com, 2009-03-11, retrieved 2012-01-10
  6. ^ MSI Unveils DDR2+DDR3 Combo Motherboard, Tom's Hardware, 2009-03-07, retrieved 2014-12-31
  7. ^ ASUS Motherboards Now Supports AMD AM3 Processors, Event.asus.com, retrieved 2012-01-10
  8. ^ "Gigabyte: Products: Motherboard". Gigabyte Technology.