AM4 Socket: CPU list, Chipset Compatibility and History Platform

The AM4 socket is a CPU socket used for AMD processors that was introduced in 2016. It replaced the AM3+ socket and is still in use today, although it has recently been replaced by the newer AM5 socket. In this article, we will take a closer look at the AM4 socket, what it is, and why it has become such a popular choice for many computer builders.

What is the AM4 socket?

Firstly, what is the AM4 socket? Simply put, it is a physical interface between the CPU and the motherboard. The AM4 socket was designed to support a wide range of AMD processors, including the Ryzen, Athlon, and A-series CPUs. It has a pin count of 1331, which is a significant increase from the 942 pins used in the previous AM3+ socket. This allows for more advanced features, such as support for high-speed DDR4 memory and PCIe 4.0, which provides faster data transfer rates between components.

The AM4 socket has seen several generations of processors released for it, each offering significant improvements in performance and power efficiency. The first generation of Ryzen processors was released in 2017, followed by the second generation in 2018, the third generation in 2019, the hybrid fourth generation in 2019-2022, and finally, the fifth generation in 2020-2022. The AM4 socket has also seen the release of Athlon and A-series CPUs, providing a wide range of options for different needs and budgets.

One reason for the AM4 socket’s popularity is its longevity. While it has now been replaced by the newer AM5 socket, the AM4 socket was in use for over six years, providing a stable and reliable platform for many computer builders. This allowed for easier upgrades and compatibility with a wide range of components, making it an excellent choice for those who want to build a PC that can be easily upgraded and maintained.

Another reason for the AM4 socket’s popularity is its compatibility with a wide range of chipsets. The AM4 socket is compatible with a variety of chipsets, including the A320, B350, X370, B450, X470, B550, and X570. This provides builders with a wide range of options to choose from when selecting a motherboard, and allows for greater customization and flexibility when building a PC.

List of AM4 Processors

History of the Socket

The AM4 processor socket was introduced by Advanced Micro Devices in 2016, with mass shipments to the market starting in 2017.

• Initially, the A-9000 series of hybrid processors were the only ones available for the platform, and later, the first generation Ryzen 1000 series CPUs, built on the 14nm Zen architecture, were added to it.
• In 2018, AMD released the Ryzen 2000 series processors (12nm Zen+ architecture).
• In 2019, AMD released the Ryzen 3000 series processors (7nm Zen2 architecture) and the Ryzen 4000 series processors (7nm Zen2 architecture).
• In 2020, AMD released the Ryzen 5000 series processors (7nm Zen3 architecture).
• In 2022, AMD released the Ryzen 7 5800X3D processor (7nm Zen3+ architecture with 64 megabytes of additional L3 cache memory).

Compatibility Table of AMD Ryzen Processors and Chipsets

AM4 vs AM5

With the release of new processors, manufacturers have to revise the architecture of their products. One of the key components of any computer is the processor and its corresponding socket.

The AM4 socket was introduced by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) in 2016 and has since become the primary socket for most AMD processors. The AM5 socket was announced in 2021 and became the replacement for the existing AM4 in 2022.

One of the main features of the AM4 socket is its versatility. AM4 supports all generations of AMD Ryzen processors, starting from the first generation, as well as AMD APU processors, including Radeon Vega graphics. This means that when choosing a processor for the AM4 socket, you have a huge selection of processors of different generations and types.

The AM5 socket, on the other hand, is specifically designed for the new generation of AMD Zen 4 processors. These processors are built on 5-nanometer technology, which will allow them to provide higher performance at lower power consumption. However, the AM5 socket is not compatible with previous generations of AMD Ryzen processors.

One of the main differences between the AM4 and AM5 sockets is the number of contacts. AM4 has 1331 contacts, while AM5 has 1718 contacts. This means that AM5 supports higher data transfer speeds and greater bandwidth.

Denis B.

Author and developer of the website

For many years, I have been following the PC and component market, building computers, and constantly improving my expertise in this field. With my website, I aim to share my knowledge and provide helpful guides and advice for those interested in building and upgrading their own computers.