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AMD AM2: More than just a Memory Change
AMD AM2: More than just a Memory Change
Date: February 6th, 2006
Topic: CPU & Chipset
Manufacturer: AMD
Author: Wesley Fink
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AMD AM2: More than just a Memory Change

The new AMD technology refresh, now called AM2, will bring DDR2 memory to the Athlon64 on-processor memory controller. Many in the industry have speculated about the impact of this low latency memory controller on DDR2 performance, which to this point has suffered under the impact of the higher latency Intel Netburst architecture. We are looking forward to the opportunity to take a closer look at DDR2 performance on AM2 - which is everyone's big question.

There will be more than just new memory with AM2, however. We now have details on the new Socket 940 for AM2. It has been widely reported that the new Socket 940 will not be compatible with the existing Socket 940 used for Opteron and early Athlon 64.

Photos of the back of the new AM2 processor show how very close the new design is to the current Socket 940.

AM2 Processor


Current Socket 940 (Reversed)

By flipping the current 940 socket photo and comparing pin-outs to the back of the AM2, you can clearly see the top 2 "lands", areas without pins, are identical in the current Socket 940 and the AM2 Socket 940. However, the bottom two lands are in different locations. The bottom right land is the same 2 pins up, but 7pins form the edge instead of the 5 in the current 940 design. The left land is also in the same row position as the current 940, but it is 6 pins from the left edge instead of 8 as in the current 940 design.

The AM2 940 and current Opteron 940 are so close in design; you have to conclude that AMD could have used the same socket design. But there are numerous electrical differences and different memory is required. AMD apparently used a revised Socket 940 to prevent any possibility that AM2 chips might get accidentally mounted in current Socket 940 motherboards. That is probably a very wise decision.
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50 Comments - Last by WhoBeDaPlaya, 1381 days ago
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RE: Well, shite... by MadAd, 1383 days ago
Same here, I'm using an Si-120.... hopefully there will be conversion frame available for a small price- anythings better than having to fork out for a new one as I cannot see M2 CPUs having a hugely greater thermal density to outpace the Si.

Reply
Very comfortable to work with by fzkl, 1383 days ago
The HSFs that came with some of the samples AM2's I used for testing were very comfortable to work with. It was a breeze to mount the HSF on the board. This is a move in the right direction though it definitely means more money to upgrade. Anything better = more money. Guess we just have to get used to that funda.

Reply
RE: Very comfortable to work with by BlvdKing, 1383 days ago
I was hoping the new socket would be pinless like the Intel LGA 775 socket.

Reply
July Release Date? by KayKay, 1383 days ago
That's really pushing the Q2 2006 target that we'd been hearing about.

I have seen an AM2 board photo, so I'm hoping we're not that far off
http://www.nordichardware.com/news,2968.html

Reply
Any chipset info? by DigitalFreak, 1383 days ago
Any info on the new chipsets? Maybe the folks at DailyTech could leak some info that Anandtech can't post... :-)

Reply
RE: Any chipset info? by rpsgc, 1383 days ago
Look here :)

Reply
RE: Any chipset info? by Orbs, 1383 days ago
What about for ATI? Will the RD580 support AM2?

Reply
RE: Any chipset info? by Wesley Fink, 1383 days ago
The RD580 fully supports AM2.

Reply
by Avalon, 1383 days ago
Not as much info as I had hoped for. I was a bit disappointed when I read that most current A64 heatsinks will not be compatible with AM2 and the new socket, but then a previous user pointed out that Thermalright and the like are usually pretty quick to make socket adapters for new socket changes. Spending $5 for an AM2 s940 adapter for my SI-120 is much better than me having to use whatever stock HSF comes with new AM2 processors or buying a whole new HSF.

Other than that...I'm mostly interested in seeing what effect DDR2 memory has on AMD's lineup. It might almost be worth an upgrade if it was something around the 10%-15% range, although that's probably wishful thinking.

Reply
It should sit fine by Zebo, 1383 days ago
Looks like old HSF will fit to me. The center hooks where CU clips attach on the hold down plates looked like they are in same place in both sockets. All that's changed from my limited no in front of me view is one hold down plate is done with 4 screws to back plate while the other uses two

Reply
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