Difference between AM3 and AM3+

[podspi]

Check out this ASRock page on the differences between AM3 and AM3+

http://www.asrock.com/news/events/2011AM3+/


Although I'm pretty sure most of it is nonsense, I found this particularly interesting:

Thanks for the AM3+ MB 3.4 MHz Serial VID support, it provides
faster link between CPU and power controller. Compare to the old AM3 MB 400 KHz link,
the new AM3+ MB can support better power management & Power saving.

I think that is the TurboCORE magic 😀 Though as I've said in other posts, in a few tests I've done on my Thuban TurboCORE does seem to be kicking in and giving the linear increases in performance you'd expect.

 

[moriz]

actually, by far the most interesting data is the part where AM3+ support higher amperages.

since pretty much all phenom IIs are 1.375V parts, 110A x 1.375V = 150W, which leads me to believe that AM3 sockets have a rated max TDP of 150. assuming the same for AM3+ sockets, that means AM3+ cpus use 150W / 145A = 1.034V

 

[dma0991]

11% bigger pin hole which makes for zero performance gain. Would be a lot better if they had increased pin count density instead. Interesting to see that ASRock decided to go with a trimmed heatsink bracket.

I want the AM3+ boards but they all come in 800 series chipsets. If there is zero performance gain from the 900 series chipsets, only then would I consider buying a 800 series chipset motherboard. I hope my local distributor carries ASRock AM3+ boards. :\

Asrock 880GM Pro3 R2.0, I'm waiting. :sneaky:

 

[veri745]

actually, by far the most interesting data is the part where AM3+ support higher amperages.

since pretty much all phenom IIs are 1.375V parts, 110A x 1.375V = 150W, which leads me to believe that AM3 sockets have a rated max TDP of 150. assuming the same for AM3+ sockets, that means AM3+ cpus use 150W / 145A = 1.034V

Except they're talking about peak current, not sustained current, and you can't simply take P = I*V when the system is being clocked.

I'm guessing the change in board current has nothing to do with a change in Vcore.

This boards still support AM3 parts, too, so does that mean your PHII can now draw 145A * 1.375V = 200W?

 

[hans007]

actually, by far the most interesting data is the part where AM3+ support higher amperages.

since pretty much all phenom IIs are 1.375V parts, 110A x 1.375V = 150W, which leads me to believe that AM3 sockets have a rated max TDP of 150. assuming the same for AM3+ sockets, that means AM3+ cpus use 150W / 145A = 1.034V

bigger pin holes, would mean thicker pins, which would be higher gauge, which would allow more amps i think.

 

[moriz]

Except they're talking about peak current, not sustained current, and you can't simply take P = I*V when the system is being clocked.

I'm guessing the change in board current has nothing to do with a change in Vcore.

This boards still support AM3 parts, too, so does that mean your PHII can now draw 145A * 1.375V = 200W?

No phenom II use 110A sustained also. Please note that I was talking about maximum socket power draw, not maximum CPU TDP.

Anyway, its just speculation on my part. We can probably assume lower operating voltage fit zambezi due to the die shrink, but still 125W TDP due to it having eight cores. The only way to achieve it is by higher amperage.