AM2, a CPU socket designed by AMD for desktop processors, was released on May 23, 2006.
Understanding the AMD AM2 Socket
The Socket AM2 represents a significant milestone in AMD's processor architecture for desktop systems. Introduced as an evolution from previous designs, it aimed to support a new generation of CPUs while embracing updated memory technologies.
Key Aspects of AM2's Introduction
- Launch Date: The official release of Socket AM2 took place on May 23, 2006. This marked its availability as a new standard for AMD's desktop processors.
- Purpose and Segments: Designed by AMD, Socket AM2 was engineered to accommodate processors across various market segments, including those targeting high performance, mainstream users, and value-oriented systems.
- Successor to Socket 939: AM2 was introduced as the direct replacement for Socket 939, which had been a prevalent platform for AMD's Athlon 64 series processors. This transition brought crucial updates to the desktop ecosystem.
- Renaming from Socket M2: Initially, the socket was conceptualized and internally referred to as Socket M2. However, to prevent any confusion or overlap with Cyrix MII processors, AMD wisely decided to rename it to Socket AM2. This renaming ensured distinct branding and clear market identification for their new CPU interface.
Impact and Technological Advancements
The launch of Socket AM2 was particularly notable because it introduced support for DDR2 SDRAM to AMD's desktop lineup. Prior to AM2, AMD processors primarily utilized DDR1 memory. The move to DDR2 allowed for faster memory speeds and increased bandwidth, contributing to overall system performance improvements. While AM2 itself was later succeeded by sockets like AM2+ and AM3 to incorporate further technological enhancements, its introduction was a foundational step in AMD's continuous evolution of processor platforms.
Summary of AM2 Release Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release Date | May 23, 2006 |
| Developer | AMD |
| Type | CPU Socket (for desktop processors) |
| Predecessor | Socket 939 |
| Original Name | Socket M2 (renamed to Socket AM2) |
| Key Change | Introduced DDR2 memory support |
