Opteron socket vs. ...well ....everything else AMD has.

[FLUFFYJELLO]

This isn't a topic regarding performance, but more a general question about AMDs practices when it comes to multiple lines of products.

Anyone familiar with the Opteron series of processors from AMD (their server grade products if you aren't familiar) use an "LGA" (Land Grid Array) format for the motherboard, where the pins are on the motherboard, and contacts are on the processor itself. From there, going to pretty much everything else AMD offers in the CPU side of things, they use the "socket" system with the pins on the CPU and contacts on the motherboard.

I guess I just want  to ask: Why? To me it seems the "LGA" system it self can offer much better performance and data transfer due to the larger number of contact points. But regardless of performance, I just find it odd that they would use two different methods of processor "mounting". Someone want to fill me in?

[FLUFFYJELLO]

*bump*

[harrynowl]

Well I imagine a LGA implementation might cost more to produce due to being a bit more complicated. I read that LGA is better for lower voltage designs while PGA is good for high voltage designs, however I cannot verify that information is entirely accurate/true.

[FLUFFYJELLO]

Well I imagine a LGA implementation might cost more to produce due to being a bit more complicated. I read that LGA is better for lower voltage designs while PGA is good for high voltage designs, however I cannot verify that information is entirely accurate/true.

I can see that as a possibility. With that in mind, it is also possible that Zen may use the LGA form as opposed to PGA. Ah speculation, my good friend has returned.