Difference Between FM2 and FM2+ – Find The Best Socket for CPU/GPU

 

There are various sockets for CPUs and GPUs, which might seem awesome but it leads to a lot of confusion. Most users do not know how to pick out the best socket because they don’t understand the difference. Popular sockets today are FM2 and FM2+.  Each of them has a set of coolers and chipsets.

In this article, we would like to go into the details of the sockets to help you understand which one to pick and why. 

About the FM2 Socket

FM2 is a replacement of the FM1 socket, which was the first of its kind. The FM1 socket used early processors such as Llano-derived Athlon II and early A-series APUs. The FM2 socket came into the picture within a year in 2012. It connects the Richland APUs and AMD Trinity to the motherboard. It also connects the Athlon X2 and Athlon X4. 

The FM2 socket has a grid of 31 x 31 pins. It also has a central void measuring 5 x 7. You will see that there are a few missing pins in the corner. That’s, of course, by design. The FM2 socket has 904 pins, one less than FM1, which had 905 pins.

About FM2+ Socket

You could call the FM2+ socket an upgrade of the FM2 socket. Its FSB protocol is UMI/ports while the chip-form factor is PGA. This particular socket connects to Kaveri APUs and Godavari APUs. Another interesting point here is that it has 2 more pins than FM2 – a total of 906 pins. 

Difference Between FM2 and FM2+

Feature

FM2

FM2+

Pins 904 906
Processors Richland APUs

AMD Trinity

Athlon X2

Athlon X4

Kaveri APUs

Godavari APUs

FSB protocol UMI UMI/ports

The table clearly shows the main differences between the two sockets. Here, we would also like to speak about compatibility. FM2+ processors are not compatible with FM2 sockets but FM2 processors can be used with FM2+ sockets. This means there’s no back compatibility for these sockets. 

People also ask (FAQs)

Now that you know the differences between FM2 and FM2+, let’s take a look at a few FAQs on this topic:

Which is Better Between AM3+ and FM2+?

The AM3+ socket has been designed to be faster and more powerful than FM2 and FM2+ sockets.

What other AMD Processor will Often Fit in an FM2+ Socket?

The A6, A8, and A10 AMD processors will fit the FM2+ socket with ease.

Is FM2 Good for Gaming?

Yes, it is good for gaming, especially the A10 FM2 processor series.

Conclusion

Both the sockets we discussed have a set of available chipsets that you can explore. Make sure you check the compatibility before deciding. We hope this article helped you understand how FM2 and FM2+ are different. FM2+ is a successor, which means it has better features. But, which one you choose depends on why you need the socket. If you have any more doubts, kindly let us know.

Azad Shaikh

Azad Shaikh

Azad Shaikh is an internet geek at heart. From reviews about computer components to playing X-box one games, Azad takes pleasure in writing about anything and everything about computers. He is a computer engineering graduate and certified ethical hacker. In his leisure time, he reads and explores the internet.

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Internet Geeks
Logo
Compare items
  • Total (0)
Compare
0