Can anyone tell me what's the difference between Socket AM2, AM2+ and AM3?
And can I use Socket AM2 CPUs on Socket AM2+ or even AM3 Sockets?
Originally posted by 3AD123HS481:Can anyone tell me what's the difference between Socket AM2, AM2+ and AM3?
And can I use Socket AM2 CPUs on Socket AM2+ or even AM3 Sockets?
AM2+ is an upgrade to AM2, same number of pins. AM2+ brings with it higher bandwidth support between to CPU and northbridge than AM2. AM3 is an upgrade to AM2+, with support added for DDR3 (AM2 was DDR2 only).
AM2 is forwards compatible with AM2+. The reverse, however, is dependent on manufacturer support. Some manufacturers refuse to update support between AM2+ chips and AM2 boards.
AM3 CPUs MAY work in AM2/AM2+ motherbaords, depending on manufacturer support. The reverse in, however, NOT.
AM2 and AM2+ CPUs will NOT work in AM3 motherbaords due to the lack of DDR3 support on their memory controllers as well as an extra pin (preventing them from being inserted).
in short, AM3 CPUs are backward compatible with AM2/+ motherboards, but AM2/+ CPUs are not compatible with AM3 boards.