Why won't BD be backwards compatable?

[gregoryvg]

I was just thinking that it's too bad that Bulldozer will not be backwards compatable with the AM3 motherboards. Would be nice to be able to do a 'budget' AM3 build now and have the option later on of upgrading with a simple CPU upgrade. Is there a reason they can't make it backwards compatable? Couldn't it be just an easy BIOS upgrade to lock out the on-chip graphics? <- assuming that is the only reason for BD to not be backwards compatable.

 

[richierich1212]

Because AM3 is already pushing it enough already being compatible with AM2+ boards. You could wait for AM3+ boards to be released, then buy an AM3 CPU and upgrade to BD later. But the AM3+ boards most likely won't be released until May.

 

[LoneNinja]

Bulldozer doesn't have an integrated gpu, it's a cpu not an apu like bobcat and llano.

I believe when it was first announced Bulldozer would require an AM3+ motherboard AMD said something about they would have had to sacrifice features that would have resulted negatively on performance for it to remain compatible with AM3.

Llano still doesn't have a confirmed socket as far as I know, it could still be separate from AM3+ due to the graphics, or perhaps they've modified AM3+ for that purpose as well.

 

[Idontcare]

There are a lot of new features in Bulldozer that simply weren't an option for AMD to incorporate in past processors thanks to HKMG and 32nm. Power-gating being one that I would expect to require a new socket to support.

You also have to consider the bigger picture here from a secondary market support perspective...AMD doesn't make motherboards.

If AMD desires there to be a lively, functioning, and diverse motherboard industry out there that delivers options for AMD's customers then AMD needs to ensure they "build-in" a certain amount of TAM (gross market value) for the mobo makers to see it worth their while to continue developing new AMD mobo's.

Those free BIOS updates every 3 months to enable backwards compatibility of AMD's newest CPU (sales for AMD) on a mobo makers already sold mobo can't be expected to pay the bills at the mobo maker year after year.

the art of the upsell

 

[PreferLinux]

believe when it was first announced Bulldozer would require an AM3+ motherboard AMD said something about they would have had to sacrifice features that would have resulted negatively on performance for it to remain compatible with AM3.

I thought they initially claimed it would work on current boards and chipsets?

 

[veri745]

I thought they initially claimed it would work on current boards and chipsets?

I heard the same, but that they couldn't do that anymore due to electrical differences to support the new features.

Probably power gating like Idontcare mentioned and/or improved "boost" capabilities.

 

[Vette73]

I thought they initially claimed it would work on current boards and chipsets?

That was their goal. AMD does listen to users adn system makers. The problem is as said they would have to give up to much.

But AM3 cpus will work on AM3+ so you will have options if you build a AMD system.

i.e. build grandma a system with a AM3+ board but be able to use your last CPU.