AMD Takes on Intel with AM2 and HT - Preparing Socket AM2 for Release

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Preparing Socket AM2 for Release

AMD has been pretty quiet about AM2, aside from a couple review samples they shipped out. Details from the preliminary tests and rumors have circulated about the progress and performance of the upcoming platform. Before looking at the comparison between AM2 vs. 939 performance, take a look at the a few of the minor changes.

AMD is going back to the 940 pin layout. Those who thought the old socket 940 was going to be the best upgrade path will be irritated to learn that the new AM2 is basically the same socket with the pin-less patches in different places.

Socket 940 CPU (left) and AM2 CPU (right)

This doesn't mean anything to the end experience, but the changed heatsink fan frame will. Computer enthusiasts will notice that the new bracket on the AM2 chipset lacks some of the pieces that expensive heatsinks use to latch onto their 939 motherboards. If you use stock cooling or don't mind buying a new cooler, this detail doesn't mean too much.

Socket 939 Heatsink Fan Cage

AM2 Heatsink Fan Cage

There is only one very tangible benefit of AM2 over the current 939 chipset: DDR2. AMD is not changing the core of its processors for some time yet, though the transition from DDR to DDR2 will help to keep them from bottlenecks when they do.

Next: AM2 Means DDR2 >>
 

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