AMD Socket (A) M2: not just memory changes

AMD's upcoming processor socket for desktop systems will make another difference…

Now that they can finally produce DDR2 memories with adequate latency, AMD has seen the time to support it in its latest processors. But they still have a little surprise in store for us.

Surely everyone has long known that the new socket accommodates 940 pins. Of course, this is not compatible with Opterons, but AMD has further developed it in socket allocation. If we look at the picture below, the similarity is immediately apparent.

Socket AM2 processor

Socket 940 socket

If we grab the new processor on its back, the holes are omitted there. From this, it appears that they started from the socket for the old Opterons, but varied the foot layout so that it is not even accidental to put the AM2 processor in a 940 (Opteronos) motherboard. This prevented us from possibly destroying a new processor due to forgetfulness.

Now let’s take a look at the new processor frame that is responsible for mounting the heat sinks. Unfortunately, this has also changed, because so far three of the plastic pegs holding the heat sink have protruded on each side of the frame, but in the new one we can only find one in the middle of the pages. AMD has changed the mounting method because so far the frame (the radiator itself in the case of a heavier cooler) has been held in place by two screws, but now four are responsible for a safer mounting.

Current framework

New frame

For those who may have sacrificed a more expensive cooling, be it water, Peltier, or just some thicker air cooling, this is deservedly bad news, as their old cooler doesn’t fit into the new socket. Not to mention the new motherboard and the new DDR2 memories.