Socket AM3+

Technical specifications

The AM3+ Socket specification contains a few noteworthy design changes over its AM3 predecessor. The 942 pin count for the AM3+ is an increase of one compared to the AM3 Socket layout. The AM3+ Socket has larger pin socket diameter of 0.51 mm compared to 0.45 mm with the AM3 Socket. There is a faster serial link of 3400 kHz from the CPU to the power controller, compared to 400 kHz. The AM3+ Socket offers improved power regulation and power quality specifications, including an increased maximum current support of 145 A versus 110 A. There is also a redesigned CPU cooler retention harness allowing for slightly better airflow for CPU cooling, while retaining cooler backward compatibility.

Compatibility

Processors accepted by the AM3+ socket

The 942-contact AM3+ socket accepts both the 940-pin AM3+ CPU and the 938-pin AM3 CPU. This backward compatibility is intentional.

Motherboards that can accept the AM3+ processor

AM3+ CPUs are not mechanically compatible with AM3 sockets as AM3+ CPUs have an additional pin that the AM3 socket can not accommodate. However, some manufacturers have found success in retrofitting AM3-technology motherboards for AM3+ processors by replacing the AM3 socket with AM3+ and providing a BIOS upgrade. This is called "AM3+ Ready". Potential incompatibilities with new AM3+ features include:

• Sideband temperature sensor interface for reading the temperature from the CPU. Without knowing the temperature, CPU PWM fan headers may only run at full speed.
• Certain power-saving features may not work, due to lack of support for rapid VCORE switching.

While AM3+ CPUs can be inserted into AM2 or AM2+ sockets, AM3+ CPUs could not operate in motherboards designed for AM2+ or AM2 CPUs. These motherboards are designed for DDR2 memory but AM3+ CPUs only have a DDR3 memory controller.

Heatsink

The 4 holes for fastening the heatsink to the motherboard are placed in a rectangle with lateral lengths of 48 mm and 96 mm for AMD's sockets Socket AM2, Socket AM2+, Socket AM3, Socket AM3+, Socket AM4, Socket AM5, Socket FM2, Socket FM2+, Socket FM1 and Socket AM1. Cooling solutions should therefore be interchangeable.

Socket AM3+ based AMD Steamroller CPUs are scheduled for a 2014 release. --

References

References

1. . (28 September 2012). ["AMD looks to standardise sockets after AM3+ and FM2"](https://hexus.net/tech/news/mainboard/45889-amd-looks-standardise-sockets-am3-fm2/).
2. (2011-04-04). "AMD Bulldozer CPUs get early motherboard support – News – PC & Tech Authority". Pcauthority.com.au.
3. (2012-02-13). "AMD FX-8150 3.60 GHz with Windows patches". TechPowerUp.
4. "ASRock AMD Real AM3+ motherboards". www.asrock.com.
5. "ASUS First to Provide AM3+ CPU Ready Solution for Current AM3 and Future AM3+ Motherboards".
6. (2011). "Cebit: ASRock zeigt eine Reihe an AM3+ Mainboards mit alten Chipsätzen". PCTreiber.Net.
7. "AMD sticks with Socket AM3+ for Steamroller- The Inquirer".