AMD Vows Not to Drop Microprocessor Sockets in Next Two Years

From X-bit Labs: As the rumours about Intel Corp.’s plan to abandon microprocessor sockets in the future mainstream desktop platforms emerge and then get partly denied, Advanced Micro Devices promised to continue using sockets for its chips for at least another two years. Considering the fact that the company will barely change its product line in the next couple of years, it is logical to expect the firm to remain committed to sockets.

“AMD has a long history of supporting the DIY and enthusiast desktop market with socketed CPUs and APUs that are compatible with a wide range of motherboard products from our partners. That will continue through 2013 and 2014 with the ‘Kaveri’ APU and FX CPU lines. We have no plans at this time to move to BGA-only packaging and look forward to continuing to support this critical segment of the market,” said Gary Silcott, a spokesman for AMD.

As it emerged this week, AMD will delay the roll-out of its Steamroller micro-architecture powered server and desktop processors till late 2014, hence, the firm will continue to sell FX-series chips in AM3+ form-factor throughout 2013 and most of 2014. It is logical to expect AMD to continue offering interchangeable high-end desktop central processing units after 2014 to provide necessary flexibility to enthusiasts.

It is also not a secret that Fusion A-series code-named Richland (32nm, Piledriver x86 cores + GCN graphics cores) and Kaveri (28nm, Steamroller x86 cores + GCN graphics cores) accelerated processing units are compatible with FM2 infrastructure, hence, their release in 2013 and 2014, respectively, will not affect platforms.

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