Socket AM3

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Socket AM3 / AM3 +
AMD AM3 CPU Socket-top closed PNr ° 0297.jpg, AMD AM3 + CPU Socket-top closed PNr ° 0376.jpg
Specifications
introduction Early February 2009
design type PGA - ZIF
contacts 941 (942 with AM3 +)
Bus protocol HyperTransport 3.1
Bus cycle 200 MHz system clock
up to 3.2 GHz HyperTransport
Processors Athlon II  X2 / X3 / X4
Phenom II  X2 / X3 / X4 / X6
Sempron 1xx
FX series (AM3 + only)

The socket AM3 is a processor socket from the company AMD . It was presented at the beginning of February 2009 and is the direct successor to the AM2 + socket . The biggest change is the switch from DDR2 to DDR3 memory : while AM2 and AM2 + CPUs contain a dual-channel DDR2 memory controller and the socket has to provide appropriate pins for connecting this memory bus, socket AM3 is for the dual -Channel connection of DDR3 memory designed. AM3 CPUs therefore have a DDR3 memory controller. So far, AM3 CPUs also have a DDR2 memory controller, which means that they can also run on older AM2 / AM2 + motherboards after a BIOS update. Older AM2 / AM2 + processors, including those from the first Phenom series with Toliman and Agena cores, cannot run on AM3 motherboards due to the missing or not activated DDR3 memory controller.

Macro shot of an AMD CPU in comparison with a 50 cent coin

The Phenom II, Athlon II and Sempron 1xx CPUs used on the AM3 socket do not have the 941 contacts like the socket itself, but only 938 pins.

Socket AM3 +

AM3 + is a modification of the AM3 socket, which is required for AMD processors of the FX series . All AM3 processors also work in an AM3 + mainboard, the reverse is only the case to a limited extent. While some motherboard manufacturers support this (after a BIOS update), AMD does not recommend it.

Differences between AM3 and AM3 +:

  • The AM3 socket is white, the AM3 + socket is black
  • The holes in the AM3 + socket are larger (0.51 mm instead of 0.45 mm). This prevents the CPU from not fitting into the socket or from bending pins when inserting it.
  • The AM3 + has a faster connection between CPU and power controller. With the AM3 socket it is 0.4 MHz, with the AM3 + 3.4 MHz. This enables better power management to be operated.
  • More efficient loadline support, i.e. H. Up to 11.8% energy savings compared to AM3.
  • Improvement of tension stability. In the VCore, the voltage is kept more stable and smoother. The "power noise" (voltage noise in the VCORE) is reduced by 22%.
  • The maximum current consumption has been increased from 110 A to 145 A. AM3 mainboards, which can only deliver up to 110 A, do not support all AM3 + CPUs.
  • The cooler bracket of the new AM3 + base is no longer closed, but consists of two individual brackets. This should improve the airflow of the CPU cooler and better cool other components on the mainboard.
  • The AM3 + has an additional contact compared to the AM3 (942 instead of 941).

Web links

Commons : Socket AM3  - collection of images, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. Heise Online: AMD CPUs - The next step , message from February 9, 2009
  2. ^ AMD: Model Number and Feature Comparisons - AMD Phenom ™ II Processors