AMD Socket AM2 Family Preview

With AMD already having the AM2 readied for some time now, they had opted to wait for the perfect moment to launch -- which was just prior to Computex Taipei 2006, and primarily as the time is right for high frequency DDR2-800+ modules -- we would not anticipate at this time there to be much of a supply problem. This launch is also their last major launch where single-core processors will be provided, they have pledged in the future to utilize dual-core technology with all new models. AMD will be quickly pushing the new AM2 parts to market, to speed the adoption by all PC users. With today's launch, you simply will not find a few new high-end parts at your favorite retailer, but AMD has geared up a complete line-up for the Sempron, Athlon 64, and Athlon 64 X2 series. When it comes to the budget Celeron competition, the Sempron series will begin with the 3000+, which should retail for under $100 USD, and will go up to the 3600+ in the ball park of $130. With the Athlon 64 parts, AMD will be pushing its 3500+ and 3800+ models, while there will be a large selection of Athlon 64 X2 components. AMD also has the Athlon 64 FX-62 to rely upon for top-notch AM2 computing. While changing sockets, the numbering system with AMD's specifications is comparable to the existing Socket 939 components.

At this time it does not make too much sense to go straight out and upgrade to an AMD Socket AM2 system, but it would be perfectly logical for loyal AMD customers to jump to AM2 when building or purchasing a new system. There is also the potential for Intel's Conroe to execute on schedule, which has the potential for hitting AMD's latest achievements in the jugular.

Tyan will be coming to the market with their workstation/server oriented AM2 products upon the availability of NVIDIA's next-generation nForce Professional Chipsets, which will come later this year as the replacement for the nForce PRO 2200. Tyan's AM2 products will consist of both rackmount and tower focused solutions, and both with their own set of distinct features. The tower versions of their AM2 motherboards will continue in the success of the Tomcat S2865/S2866 motherboards. Some of the features on these workstation AM2 motherboards will include Scalable Link Interface, audio, video, Firewire, and much more -- along with the heightened overclocking abilities we found on the Tomcat S2866.

Unfortunately, due to time constraints before the launch we have yet to complete our usual array of Linux processor benchmarks, but you can expect to find a great deal of performance numbers to come out of Phoronix soon. At that time, we will also be commenting on our in-house Linux compatibility measurements with these processors and new Chipsets to come. Among the other AM2 articles intended for the next couple of days include a look at the DDR2 performance in the way of a memory round up, as well as a look at the overclocking performance. We will also have a AM2 Sempron to see how these budget-oriented chips are able to perform.