Socket AM2 is a motherboard socket for CPUs with 940 pins and a higher memory bandwidth than its predecessors. It supports desktop CPUs like Athlon 64, Opteron, and Phenom, and was replaced by AM3 in 2009. AM2+ was an intermediate update that increased memory transfer speeds and CPU speeds. Both AM2 and AM2+ can work together on the same computer if the BIOS software is compatible. This socket was designed for high-end users who needed powerful CPUs but couldn’t afford more expensive sockets.
AMD® socket AM2 is a socket that is soldered to the motherboard, which enables central processing unit (CPU) hardware to work with the computer. Made as a direct upgrade from the earlier socket 754 and socket 939, socket AM2 – which was replaced by AM3 in 2009 – had a higher memory bandwidth carrying capacity. It also featured an intermediate update called AM2+, which further improved these features. This socket contains 940 pins, and while many older CPUs can fit into the socket, they will not work. Under the correct conditions, both AM2 and AM2+ can be installed on the same computer and can work together for powerful computing capabilities.
Socket AM2 had 940 pinholes and the CPUs had the same number of pins. Many older AMD® CPUs fit this pin configuration, but only AM2-specified CPUs will work. This is because the pin configuration is slightly different, so the electrical contacts will not match and the CPU will not be able to activate.
Socket AM2 speeds range from 1.8 gigahertz (GHz) up to 3.6 GHz, with most CPUs falling in the middle of this range, around 2.4 or 2.6 GHz. With the AM2+ update, speeds have increased from 2.8 to 4.2 GHz. This socket was made for desktop CPUs and did not have mobile CPUs for laptops or mobile computers.
Six major CPU versions are available for the AM2 connector. This range includes Athlon 64®, Athlon 64 X2®, Athlon 64 FX®, Opteron®, Sempron® and Phenom®. The thickness of the CPU, depending on the CPU model, ranged from 65 nanometers to 90 nanometers.
Socket AM2 received an upgrade, called AM2+, before AM3 was released. This new socket increased memory transfer speeds and also ran at faster speeds. Although the socket is slightly different, both AM2 and AM2+ can work at the same time. Concurrent operation can only be performed on computer platforms that have the correct Basic Input Output System (BIOS) software for such interoperability.
This socket was aimed at high-end users who needed powerful CPUs but didn’t have the money for more powerful sockets. Only desktop CPUs can be used in this socket. If you were looking for a mobile CPU, you needed Socket S1 instead, and socket F was needed for servers. Both the AM2 and AM2+ were completely replaced by the AM3 socket in 2009.
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