Interest in AMD's next CPU release, specifically the Zen series.
Interest in AMD's next CPU release, specifically the Zen series.
At the computex event, when CEO Lisa Su displayed the chip, it looked slim like Intel's design. I wasn't sure if the pins were visible on the bottom of the chip—they might be similar to Intel's. The pins are likely on the motherboard instead. Please let me know. Not a PC expert.
JustinX:
I'm pretty sure, though, but what I understand is they're using an AM4 socket for the Zen CPU... Based on the old photos I see it's the same as the AMD motherboard sockets now. That's confusing for me. You might just have misidentified it. The Zen CPU uses an AM4 socket, which should work with both FX CPUs and FM socket CPUs... Basically, it still needs to use the pin method. The motherboards will come with pre-drilled holes for pin arrangements for all the AMD CPUs. Some of them might be empty when fitted with a specific CPU.
If that is the situation, it clearly relies on a comparable technology similar to Intel's. It seems when AMD attempts to boost performance and adopt newer components, they have shifted toward contact pins akin to Intel's approach. The CPU pins are outdated, matching the limitations of LGA 771. AMD arrived with a more aggressive design later, and now they appear to be replicating Intel's contact pin technology once again. Alternatively, these pins might be located on the motherboard, while the CPU features openings similar to those in the Ivy Bridge or Sandy Bridge architectures. Regardless, the pins will ultimately be produced by manufacturers. This change also helps reduce the CPU's weight and minimize copper usage. The contact pins versus the sharp holes offer a potential boost in speed and better IPC, since AMD can utilize significantly more contact pins compared to the AMD 903 pin configuration.
JustinX:
I'm pretty sure, though, but what I understand is they're using an AM4 socket for the Zen CPU... Based on the old photos I see it's the same as the AMD motherboard sockets now. That's confusing for me. You might just have misidentified it. The Zen CPU uses an AM4 socket, which should work with both FX CPUs and FM socket CPUs... Basically, it still needs to use the pin method. The motherboards will come with pre-drilled holes for pin arrangements for all the AMD CPUs. Some of them might be empty when fitted with a specific CPU.