AMD is ditching the archaic PGA system motherboard makers loved so much and switching to Intel’s side in its mainstream processor line with the new AM5 socket. This is something Threadripper had already overcome from the start and now it is going to do it in a big way with its new processors, but the leaked renderings have muddled the innovation aspect of the business for these new processors somewhat.
Socket AMD AM5: Retention design almost identical to Intel in form and workmanship
Looking at the pictures, it’s impossible not to think that we are dealing with a socket designed by Intel. Blues have had very advanced socket retention systems for decades, have evolved from time to time and of course, using the LGA pin system.
But how could it be otherwise, AMD has given its vision and its special touch to this new retention system. And, as we can see, there are substantial changes that may go unnoticed.
First of all, we see it’s a big catch, not as much as Intel LGA 20XX, much smaller than SP3r2 of course, halfway between the general public and the HEDT range which is more sympathetic to the first than to the second.
What is new, however, is its height, as it seems taller than the processor itself. This may be due to the tradeoff that has to be made in the vertical stacking of the new AMD and TSMC system.
Two well-differentiated parts reminiscent of the Core 2 Duo
In a flashback and continuing the similarities of Intel, we can see how the retention system consists of two parts: the lever and the pressure cover.
- The lever holds the cover stationary and motionless, exerting pressure to “seal” the processor with the pins on the motherboard.
- The aluminum cover will be lifted independently of the pressure lever and therefore not part of it, being two different parts. The pressure is made at a single point which pushes the whole structure.
In addition, the cover pushes the IHS at two pressure points that are on the sides, a bit like the Skylake-X that has given Intel such good results. However, we surprise the greater distance of the edge of the socket itself for the CPU and anchor itself, which could show that we are dealing with processors of a larger general size, very square (we say that 45 x 45 mm).
The reason is believed to be better pressure distribution to better balance heat load. In any case, we’ll have to wait for AMD to show us all the details to find out, but we can’t say that it didn’t work, far from it.
