First socket AM3 Phenom II spotted

Computerbase has published images of a Phenom II processor with a socket AM3 pin-configuration. Initially, the new 45nm quadcore will be released in Januaryin an AM2+ version. In February, AM3 models will be added to the line-up. The Phenom II processors that use this new socket have an integrated memorycontroller that works with both DDR2 and DDR3. This makes it possible for the AM3 Phenom II to be used in the older socket AM2+ motherboards.

The images below show a socket AM2+ Athlon X2 processor, next to it is the brand new 45nm Phenom II quadcore with the AM3 socket. The pin configuration shows a distinct difference. The current socket has gaps of 2 pins, while socket AM3 will feature two 3-pin gaps. 

 

Left an AM2+ processor and right the new Phenom AM3

The first Phenom II quadcores (X4 920 and X4 940) -set for launch in January- are only compatible with socket AM2+, meaning they cannot be used in the newer motherboards. As a result, the processors are more of a good upgrade to the current AMD systems, while the AM3 Phenom's are more future-proof with their dual channel DDR3 support.

The socket difference between AM2(+) and AM3

As mentioned, socket AM3 Phenom II processors will be released in February. Because of the 45nm production, AMD's new quadcore has become more efficient, and also houses more shared L3 cache. Phenom II's DDR3 memory controller providese the processor with more bandwidth, resulting in a greater performance than the AM2+ version. 

AMD's 45nm roadmap