Understanding AMD CPUs?

[orangecat]

I remember when it was just AM2, AM2+, AM3 and AM3+ now there is like FM1 and a bunch of other confusing stuff like APUs and new bulldozer and piledriver CPUs. I would like to build my dad a AMD pc but I can't figure it out at all Iv been sticking with Intel for quite some time I just don't follow AMD anymore.

[mvitkun]

@Kilobytez95

FM1 is dead,replaced by FM2

 

FM2 is intended for 

-budget gamers (low-medium settings on average games)

-HTPC

-budget browsing/surfing web

 

AM2/AM2+ is pretty much a dead socket.

 

AM3 is pretty much dead.

 

AM3+ is still in use,intended for

-budget browsing/surfing web (FX 4300,6300)

-intensive video editing,3d modeling/animation,etc (FX 8320,8350)

-gaming (FX 6300,FX8350,FX 8320)

 

EDIT:

so just to clear it up,only 2 consumer grade sockets are truly still alive on AMD's side.

 

on intel's there's

-LGA 1155/LGA 1150

 *mainstream

-LGA 2011

 *enthusiast/low price workstation

 

yes there are other processors for other sockets available.

for example you can still buy a phenom x4 965 BE AM3....but try finding other AM3 processors,I'll be shocked if you find any X6 processor new for an appropriate price.

[extremescouter]

@Kilobytez95

FM1 is dead,replaced by FM2

 

FM2 is intended for 

-budget gamers (low-medium settings on average games)

-HTPC

-budget browsing/surfing web

 

AM2/AM2+ is pretty much a dead socket.

 

AM3 is pretty much dead.

 

AM3+ is still in use,intended for

-budget browsing/surfing web (FX 4300,6300)

-intensive video editing,3d modeling/animation,etc (FX 8320,8350)

-gaming (FX 6300,FX8350,FX 8320)

 

Thanks for the info. I too need to learn more about AMD cpus, as they are definitely a viable option.

[Darell3]

For just surfing web etc.. just get a dual core cpu from AMD.

[Art Vandelay]

-LGA 2011

 *enthusiast/low price workstation

2011 is high price workstation as well. Xeons are like $2000-$4000, and a 4p motherboard is probably like $2000 on its own, so that could be like $20000 altogether.

[mvitkun]

2011 is high price workstation as well. Xeons are like $2000-$4000, and a 4p motherboard is probably like $2000 on its own, so that could be like $20000 altogether.

I meant 2011 cpu's like the 3930K.

though since intel uses the same socket for server and consumer grade I guess I should have mentioned xeon as well.

[Glenwing]

FM(x): Basic to midrange CPUs with decent integrated graphics

 

AM(x): Performance segment, drops integrated graphics and uses space for more CPU power.  Requires video card.

[Richyo]

For just surfing web etc.. just get a dual core cpu from AMD.

To clarify a dual core is like a FX 4000 series (AM3) or a A4/A6 (FM2) due to the AMD architecture.

[Glenwing]

To clarify a dual core is like a FX 4000 series (AM3) or a A4/A6 (FM2) due to the AMD architecture.

 

They are still quad cores.  A module is a group of 2 cores.

[Darell3]

Still its quad core, each  'logical processor' contains 2 modules. making quad core.

[Godlygamer23]

To clarify a dual core is like a FX 4000 series (AM3) or a A4/A6 (FM2) due to the AMD architecture.

Still 4 physical cores within the modules.

[Richyo]

Yes im aware that its still a quad,6 or 8 but just trying to make it simple

[asusfan]

I remember when it was just AM2, AM2+, AM3 and AM3+ now there is like FM1 and a bunch of other confusing stuff like APUs and new bulldozer and piledriver CPUs. I would like to build my dad a AMD pc but I can't figure it out at all Iv been sticking with Intel for quite some time I just don't follow AMD anymore.

To make it simple most of the older chips are now gone but usually backwards compatable, an FM2 is an all in one intrigrated cpu with gpu built in (simular to what you get with Intel's chips) so you don't need a seperate graphics card.

Then the AM3+ socket which is just a CPU is ideal for gamers and workstations. The AM3+ will accept some older cpu's (phemon II) but is mainly for the newer cpu's like the current FX series.

FX consists of Bulldozer (1st gen) and piledriver (2nd gen) just look for the 2nd number in the chip model. a 1 = 1st gen, a 3=2nd gen

The first number represents the number of cores, and the last 2 is like the model number.

8150 = 8 cores, bulldozer @ 3.6 base clock speed

4120 = 4 cores, bulldozer @ 3.9 base clock speed

6300 = 6 cores, piledriver @ 3.5 base clock speed

8350 = 8 cores, piledriver @ 4.0 base clock speed

so yeah you have to look at the 2nd number to get the newer chips, and pick the number of cores and clock speeds depending what you need and can afford.