AMD Socket-AM2: Same Performance, Faster Memory, Lower Power

Outside of DDR2 support, there are a couple of other features that are introduced with Socket-AM2.  The new AM2 CPUs now all support AMD's Virtualization (Pacifica), although we're still fairly short on ways to truly evaluate the performance of both AMD's and Intel's Virtualization support - other than to tell you that it works and can be quite useful when supported by software. 

As we've already reported, the Socket-AM2 heatsink retention mechanism has been redesigned potentially requiring new heatsinks depending on the configuration of your old Socket-939 unit.  The new heatsink tray is significantly sturdier as it now uses four mounting screws compared to two with the old Socket-939 trays.  AMD continues to have a far superior heatsink mount to Intel's from an end-user perspective, as installing a heatsink is as simple as can be on Socket-939 and AM2 compared to the unnecessary complexity of Intel's LGA-775 heatsink mount. 

Socket-939

Socket-939

Socket-AM2 (note the four mounting screws)

Socket-AM2