educate me on cpu sockets

RoundBoy

Its time for the 4+ year computer upgrade, and information is out there for the taking.

What I *can't* find is reliable lists of AMD + Intel cpus by generation + socket type..

For instance, is the 'latest' socket for AMD the AM2, and for intel the 755? I can't reliably compare cpu's if I can't figure out if i am looking at a year+ old form factor, or the latest generation.

Tom's hardware used to give me this info, but I just can't make it appear.

For interested parties, I am comparing the benefits of a core 2 duo of a comparable AMD dual core.

<$200 amd with a higher clock is more attractive to me then a better performing, but MUCH higher price intel.. but, i want to decide my price point vs performance.

This isn't meant to spark this discussion, but i just need a nice listing of what cpu's + sockets are what... ie, what should I be looking for?

drinkinstout

A simple answer, yes. AMD's new socket is the AM2 and Intel has the LGA 775.

Just remember that a higher clock speed, when comparing totally different architectures, doesn't necessarily mean a better/faster processor.

Ruckus

Sockets in chronological order, by CPU manufacturer
AMD:
Socket A
S940
S754
S939
AM2
Socket F

Intel:
478
S603
S604
LGA775
LGA771

RoundBoy

This seems like conflicting answers...

unless socket F and the 771 are the quad cores ???

robaal

Socket F and 771 seem to be for server CPUs :roll:

Anyway, AM2 is the newest AMD socket, it was introduced... I think summer last year? But its future doesn't look too good, as there are already plans for socket AM2+, which will be compatible with older CPUs, but the newer Athlons will most likely run better on the new platform.
There's also socket AM3 (wikipedia claims late 2007/early 2008 as its release date) and supposedly AM3 CPUs will also work in AM2 motherboards - though again - most likely slower.


Socket 775, in itself doesn't guarantee CPU compatibility - the chipset must also support the specific processor family. I think you'd be relatively safe with a Core 2 Duo supporting motherboard. There are some CPUs on the horizon that will use a 1333MHz FSB (Instead of the current 1066MHz) but it's possible that at least some P965/975X/nforce 6 motherboards will work with them with just a BIOS update, as motherboards with those chipsets targeted at overclockers could get the FSB as high as 2000MHz, stable.
The Kensfield Quad-core CPUs work in Core 2 Duo compatible motherboards also...

RoundBoy

Thanks for that clarification.

I just don't want to buy a cpu framework that it EOL

drinkinstout

RoundBoy wrote:

Thanks for that clarification.

I just don't want to buy a cpu framework that it EOL

something to think about though is, that anything you buy now, thats bright new and shiny.... by the time you upgrade it, there will be all kinds of new, bright and shiny.

If you're going for longevity, you should definitely get the newest stuff that looks futureproof, but it you aren't planning on upgrading the CPU again in the next year or two, by the time you do, you'll probably want a new motherboard to support the newest thing anyway.

Just something to think about because I was in your shoes ~3 months ago and realized that I was keeping my PC for at least 4 years and by then, I'll be buying an entire new system more than likely anyway because all sorts of new things will be out.

JWFokker

771 is primarily for Xeon processors in dual processor systems. You're unlikely to find a motherboard that suits your needs using that socket. The CPUs are also considerably more expensive. Intel just announced they're releasing a couple Xeons for LGA 775 though...but they're also very pricey.


Back to the topic at hand however, I say go with Intel and get a Core 2 Duo. Intel has the performance crown on lockdown for at least the next year barring AMD pulling some massive architectural change out of their ass that NOBODY saw coming. K8L (the next CPU architecture change from AMD) was never intended to be that, so figure at least another year until AMD can even make a shot at one-upping Intel. Also, AM2 is worthless. While you will be able to use an AM3 processor on an AM2 motherboard, you won't want to because then you can't use DDR3 when it comes out, the only significant differentiating feature between AM2 and AM3 CPUs. At least with Intel, you get affordable quadcores in 6-8 months so you do have a worthwhile upgrade path. Not to mention crazy overclocking and superior gaming performance.

If you can wait another two weeks or so, Intel E4300's should start coming back in stock (everyone's sold out right now), which are around $180 and can potentially overclock from the stock 1.8Ghz clockspeed to 3.6Ghz. Even one that doesn't overclock well is going to do 3.2-3.4Ghz pretty easily. They're seriously the best value gaming chip OF ALL TIME. Nothing has ever overclocked like this before. A $180 chip is raping the very best AMD has to offer, just check out the HardOCP and Overclockers.com forums. I'm going to be picking one up soon myself. I highly recommend you do the same.


EDIT: Also, I'm not sure if you're aware, but clock for clock, Core 2 Duo's have turned the table on AMD chips and now outperform them while running at a slower clockspeed. It's the exact opposite of how things used to be. You can get a more powerful chip from Intel that runs at a lower clockspeed, runs cooler and is less expensive than what you can get from AMD. The real upside is that the Core 2 Duos can be overclocked like mad, up near P3/P4 speeds and then you have a monstrously powerful CPU.

Deusfaux

there are 2 socket F's, one for server cpus, and the 1207 one for the new FX line

JWFokker

The FX line is for dual core, dual processor systems, so I don't think Socket F is even a factor in the OP's consideration.

Demitri

http://www.c627627.com/