AMD releases AM2 socket for all desktop computers

AMD has updated its CPU socket for desktop computers, introducing a 940 pin design that uses faster DDR2 memory and Nvidia's latest Nforce 5 chipset.

The AM2 will become the single socket for all of AMD's Athlon- and Sempron-based desktop PCs (although not servers - despite being 940 pin, AM2 is not compatible with the Opteron processor).

AMD is pushing this as a 'top-to-bottom' transformation to the new socket.

The architecture of the AM2 is similar to the current socket 939, but is designed to take better advantage of DDR2 memory speeds among other improvements. It also coincides with the launch of Nvidia's Nforce 500 series chipset, which is released today, although ATI will also make use of the AM2 in its chipsets.

The first processor to take advantage of this new socket will be AMD’s high-end dual-core Athlon 64 FX-62, which comes out today along with the Athlon 64 X2 5000+.

View full Athlon 64 FX-62 performance results 
View full Athlon 64 X2 5000+ performance results 
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