- On the Motherboard Overview
- Processor Overview
- Processor Basics
- Speeding Up Processor Operations Overview
- Cache
- Clocking
- Threading Technology
- Connecting to the Processor
- Multi-Core Processors
- Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
- Virtualization
- Intel Processors
- CPU Sockets
- AMD Processors
- Processor Cooling
- Installing a Processor
- Upgrading Processors
- Overclocking Processors
- Installing CPU Thermal Solutions
- Troubleshooting Processor Issues
- Expansion Slots
- PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
- AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)
- PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)
- Chipsets
- Types of Motherboards
- Upgrading and Replacing Motherboards
- Motherboard Troubleshooting
- Soft Skills-Active Listening
- Chapter Summary
- Key Terms
- Review Questions
- Exercises
- Activities
- Labs
AMD Processors
AMD is Intel’s largest rival in computer processors. Anyone buying a processor should research all models and vendors. Table 3.4 lists the AMD processor families.
TABLE 3.4 AMD processor families
Processor family |
Comments |
FX |
Multi-core (4-, 6-, or 8-core) high-performance desktop processor. |
Phenom II |
Multi-core (2, 3, 4, or 6 cores in a single package) high-end desktop for HD support, multimedia creation and editing, gaming, and virtualization. Supports 32- and 64-bit computing, 3DNow!, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSE4a, HyperTransport, and Direct Connect technologies. |
Athlon II/Mobile/ and Athlon APU |
Multi-core (2-, 3-, or 4-core) desktop/mobile processor for productivity, photos, and music. |
Sempron APU/Mobile |
Lower-cost, low noise, low heat desktop/notebook processor for basic productivity, email, and web browsing or in a home theater computer. |
A-series APU/Mobile |
Multi-core (2-, 3-, or 4-core) high-performance processor with integrated GPU. |
Turion II |
Single- or dual-core notebook processor. |
Processor sockets are also called zero insertion force (ZIF) sockets; they come in different sizes. A processor socket accepts one or more specific processor models. The socket has a small lever to the side that, when lifted, brings the processor slightly up and out of the socket holes. When installing a processor, the CPU is aligned over the holes and the lever is depressed to bring the processor pins into the slot with equal force on all the pins. In Figure 3.17, notice the lever beside the socket that is used to lift the metal cover so the CPU can be installed into the socket. Table 3.5 lists the commonly used Intel and AMD CPU sockets and is a good study table for the A+ certification.
TABLE 3.5 Desktop CPU sockets
Socket |
Description |
LGA 775 |
775-pin for Intel Pentium 4s, Celerons, Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Extreme, and Core 2 Quads |
LGA 1150 |
1150-pin for Intel Core Haswell, Broadwell |
LGA 1155 |
1155-pin for Intel Core i7, i5, i3 |
LGA 1156 |
1156-pin for Intel Core i7, i5, i3 |
LGA 1366 |
1366-pin for Intel Core i7, Xeon, and Celeron |
LGA 2011 |
2011-pin for Intel Core i7 and Xeon |
AM3 |
940-pin for AMD Phenom II X3, X4, and Athlon II |
AM3+ |
942-pin for AMD FX, Phenom II, Athlon II, Sempron |
FM1 |
905-pin for AMD Athlon II, LIano |
FM2 |
904-pin for AMD APUs, Trinity |
FM2+ |
906-pin for AMD APUs, Kaveri, Godavari, and A8/A10 series |