In 2009, AMD released the AM3 to replace the main processor socket AM2 +. This socket received a number of significant changes, which in practice allowed products based on it to receive a significant increase in productivity. Another significant nuance is support for 6-core CPU models.
Appearance story
At the beginning of 2009, socket AM2 and its further modification AM2 + completely exhausted themselves. They were focused on installing obsolete RAM, supporting only 4-core CPU models. As a result, the level of their speed did not allow solving the most resource-intensive tasks. Therefore, AMD also released an updated processor socket, which was called AM3. Something revolutionary in this case was not released, and it became a logical evolutionary development of the previous processor sockets. In 2012, AM3 was replaced by AM3 +. The last processor socket continues to be current at the moment. It is the most productive platform for this semiconductor solution manufacturer.
Predecessors and subsequent products. Key differences
The first significant difference from the previous generation sockets represented by AM2 and AM2 + in AM3 was that it was focused on installing RAM modules of the DDR3 standard. Also, the CPU in this case, as noted earlier, could already contain 6 cores and already a 3-level cache. It was also possible to install chips of the AM2 + family in this processor socket. But AM3 processors can, in turn, be installed in AM3 + motherboards. Among other features of the AM3 platform, it should be noted that it essentially became the basis for AMD chips with an integrated graphics accelerator. That is, such computing platforms as FM1 and the FM2 socket that came to replace it later came out of this processor socket. The processor components of these platforms did not differ significantly. They were just identical. The key difference is the presence of integrated graphics on a single silicon chip along with the processor part.
Processor solutions
An impressive list of models of central processors could be installed in the socket AM3. The socket was focused on such of them:
The most affordable products in this case were Septron family chips. They included only one computing module, had operating frequencies from 2.6 GHz to 2.9 GHz and a two-level cache (L1 = 128kb / L2 = 1Mb). These semiconductor products were manufactured at 45nm. These were great solutions for office systems combined with an integrated graphics card.
To build a mid-range PC, Athlon II chips were intended. They could include 1, 2, 3 or even 4 computing units. All of them were presented in 2009 and were based on the K10 architecture. The operating frequency range in this case began with 1.6 GHz and ended with 3.4 GHz. The technological process was exactly the same as the younger models - 45nm. Also, the cache structure in this case did not undergo significant changes and remained 2-tier.
Phenom II processors for this socket provided an even higher level of performance. This was ensured by higher clock frequencies (up to 3.7 GHz), an increase in the number of code processing blocks (up to 6) and a cache memory with 3 levels. Such PCs could be safely attributed to the premium segment.
Also, based on the processor socket AM3, it was possible to assemble entry-level servers. For this market segment, the Opteron family of 1381 chips were released (the operating frequency in this case was 2.5 GHz), 1385 (2.7 GHz) and 1389 (2.9 GHz). All of them included 4 cores and had an increased size of cache memory of the 3rd level. Otherwise, they were an exact copy of the 4-model Phenom II X4.
Chipset Models
The 8XX series chipset series was released simultaneously with the introduction of the processor socket AM3. The socket for installing chips essentially did not undergo significant changes, it was possible to install in it, as noted earlier, the earlier CPUs of the AM2 + family. The key innovation of AM3 is the support of the new RAM at that time - DDR3. But also in the chipsets, advanced technologies of that time were implemented. The flagship chipset is the 890FX. Compared to its predecessor, the 790FX internal bus A - Link Express could work with a bandwidth of GB / s. This, in turn, allowed the chipset to implement technology support for connecting SATA III drives. In this case, 6 ports were provided for such ports. Like its predecessor, this set of system logic allowed installing video cards in the amount of 1 (16X mode), 2 (16X + 16X modes) or 4 (8X + 8X + 8X + 8X modes). Mid-tier solutions were targeted at the 890GX and 880G chipsets. They differed from the previous chipset in that the video card was integrated in them, and discrete graphics accelerators could function in the modes for the first product 1 (16X) or 2 (8X + 8X) or for the second only one video card in 16X mode. Based on the set of logic 870, the least functional motherboard was obtained in this case. In this case, the AM3 socket allowed the CPU to be supplemented with only 1 discrete graphics card, which could only work in 16X mode. Integrated graphics subsystem such products are not equipped.
RAM. RAM controller
The AMD AM3 socket received one important innovation compared to its predecessors - it is an integrated dual-channel microcontroller of RAM. In addition, he could work in dual channel mode. The only limitation in this case is the operating frequencies of the modules, which are limited by only two possible values at 1066 MHz or 1333 MHz. In practice, in these same slots you can install more high-speed RAM strips, but in this case their frequency will be automatically reduced to the maximum possible 1333 MHz.
Relevance to date. Prospects
AM3, like socket AM2, is outdated both morally and physically. Of course, both the components for it and fully assembled PCs based on them can still be found on sale. Moreover, these are completely new products from stocks. Their indisputable advantages include an acceptable level of performance for an entry-level platform and a very affordable cost. But there is nothing more to be expected from such personal computers. The most recent AMD solutions look more profitable in this regard - this is the socket FM2 + and AM3 +. In this case, the price rises insignificantly, but the level of speed increases dramatically. Also, at the last processor socket, all the CPUs come with an unlocked multiplier, which allows for a properly configured PC to get an impressive performance boost by simply increasing the chip clock multiplier.
Summary
Of course, now it is already a thing of the past and the AM3 processor socket is completely irrelevant. This socket is outdated both morally and physically and in most cases only allows solving tasks of an elementary or intermediate level. Certainly nothing more will come of such computers.