Thoroughbred

[harbinger52]

Will the Thoroughbred use the current socket?

 

[meaty]

I think so

 

[AGodspeed]

Yes.

 

[dbal]

Don't be so sure. Reading Anandtech last Palomino article, says the issue is still foggy. And I think it's ridiculous AMD keeping it this way, while the first thoroughbreds will be shipping so soon....:disgust:

 

[AGodspeed]

Wanna bet money dbal?

 

[MisterNi]

<< Don't be so sure. Reading Anandtech last Palomino article, says the issue is still foggy. And I think it's ridiculous AMD keeping it this way, while the first thoroughbreds will be shipping so soon....:disgust: >>



The T-bred will still use the Socket A platform. Anand was referring to compatibility with current motherboards, which I'm sure should still be compatible unless AMD decides to suprise everyone and release only a 166fsb version.

 

[dbal]

<< Anand was referring to compatibility with current motherboards >>



Isn't that what we all care about???



<< unless AMD decides to suprise everyone and release only a 166fsb version. >>



Does the fsb version relate in any way to proccessor's socket compatibility? Couldn't it be 166mhz and fully compatible? I think the issue is much like the P4's 423 and 478 socket (meaning cpu pins etc.) not fsb version.....

Glad to hear your answer soon...!

 

[MisterNi]

<< Anand was referring to compatibility with current motherboards
Isn't that what we all care about??? >>


Regardless, it's a moot point in regards to this discussion. AMD stated they will use Socket A for the life of the Athlon which answers the original question posed by harbinger52.



<< Does the fsb version relate in any way to proccessor's socket compatibility. Couldn't it be 166mhz and fully compatible? I think the issue is much like the P4's 423 and 478 socket (meaning cpu pins etc.) not fsb version..... >>


I never stated the rated fsb of a processor had anything to do with socket compatibility. Current socket A motherboards only support up to 133mhz fsb (except for the Iwill XP-333), so yes I'd say there would be a compatibility problem if you were trying to use a hypothetical 166fsb Athlon in current motherboards.



<< Glad to hear your answer soon...! >>


Was this soon enough for you?

 

[butch84]

I think the bigger issue is new voltage requirements. The thoroughbred will be on a .13 process, which will demand much less voltage. So, it will use the same socket, but not all motherboards will have voltage regulators that will be able to supply the correct voltage. It is possible however that you could still run a thoroughbred in such a motherboard, but with a higher voltage- this would probably be bad for it. In short, some current mobos will work, but alot wont.

As for the increased FSB, i dont think it will happen:
1. DDR333 is too expensive/ has not been officially adopted
2. The athlon doesn't see too much performance increase from a higher fsb (not like northwood P4s anyway)
3. AMD will be focusing on the new "hammer" line of chips, the thoroughbread is simply an Athlon XP with a die shrink to allow for hihger clock speeds in the interim until the hammer chips are released

Read this somewhere recently, cant remember where (toms hardware??)

Butch

 

[dbal]

Anyway guys I 'd be really glad if AMD provided the opportunity to any AthlonXP mobo owner of throwing a 0.13 thoroughbred in his system without any second thinking as I can do with my P4T-E and any Northwood I 'd choose to replace my 1,5Ghz Willie...It's for the good of the whole industry that should avoid mistakes like Intel's "Tualerons" that required a new chipset to support them thus preventing easy upgrades that are so vital for all....