I too was expecting more when I saw the title. As AMD is selling more CPU-in-a-box than the OEM to the public. You are going to get a HSF anyway. So the added cost are to enthusiasts which will spend it anyway.

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quote:

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those moving to AM2 will at a minimum need a new processor for a new Socket 940, new DDR2 memory to replace existing DDR memory for Athlon 64, and a new or revised heatsink/fan cooling solution.

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Since the "new Socket 940" will basically mean a new motherboard, doesn't this pretty much sum up to "a whole new computer"?

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No. Existing F/H/ODD, PCI(-E) cards, case and PSU can be used.

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Hi Wesley Fink,

Could you pls label your pictures/figure? It look a little bit confusing. Thanks.

Chen

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Labels were added to the side-by-side comparisons.

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So in order to utilize ddr2 there is an entirely new formfactor? AMD is a bit too quick to change sockets imo.

This just makes no sense to me.

R

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So you'd rather have the same socket with completely different singnal traces?

That'd enable you to A: possibly blow up your CPU if you insert the wrong CPU in the socket (memory voltage is different for DDR/DDR2, traces are different) B: buy a new motherboard and then notice you cannot use your current CPU and memory.. But still it has the same socket.

i rather have a new socket when memory changes, then keeping the same socket.. Makes it alot easier to find the correct motherboard for the new CPU's, especially for the non-enthousiasts out there buying PC's..

Btw: if you think AMD is changing quickly (s939 is NOT dead yet btw ;)), take a look at inbtels track record for needed mainboard changes with CPU versions changing, and then i'm not even talking about a memory controller change...

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i think what one dude was reffering to above was it would be great if amd made a socket that was obviously different -- having 2 socket 940's that are not compatible may lead users to jam an old socket 940 cpu into a am2 mobo and bend the pins

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...which is a pretty good sign they shouldn't be working inside a pc.

If people don't understand the ZIF concept, they need to leave CPU installation to somebody who does.

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If the northbridge had a DDR memory contoller built in, then the CPU could reuse the old stuff as additional RAM (slower + more latency) or the OS use it as a RAMdrive.

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