What is am4?

AM4, also known as Socket AM4, is a CPU socket used by AMD for its Ryzen processors (including desktop Ryzen, mobile Ryzen, and Ryzen Threadripper processors on certain platforms), as well as some Athlon processors. It was introduced in 2017 and replaced the previous AM3+ socket. AM4 brought several improvements over its predecessor, including support for DDR4 memory, PCI Express 3.0, and NVMe storage.

• Key Features:

  • DDR4 Memory Support: AM4 exclusively supports DDR4 memory, offering increased bandwidth and improved performance compared to the DDR3 memory used by older AMD platforms. This is a significant architectural improvement. https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/DDR4%20Memory
  • PCI Express Support: AM4 supports PCI Express (PCIe) lanes, which provide high-speed connections for graphics cards, storage devices, and other peripherals. The number of PCIe lanes available varies depending on the specific chipset and processor. https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/PCI%20Express
  • Unified Socket: AM4 is a unified socket, meaning it is used for a wide range of AMD processors, from entry-level Athlon CPUs to high-end Ryzen CPUs (excluding HEDT Threadripper chips on newer sTRX4 or TR4 platforms). This simplifies motherboard selection and allows users to upgrade their processors without necessarily needing a new motherboard (within compatibility constraints based on chipset).
  • Chipsets: Different AM4 chipsets (e.g., A320, B350, X370, A520, B450, X470, A520, B550, X570) offer varying levels of features and connectivity. Higher-end chipsets typically provide more PCIe lanes, USB ports, and other advanced features. It is crucial to understand the limitations and features of the individual chipsets when matching to a processor. https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Chipsets
  • CPU Compatibility: While AM4 provided a long-lived platform, not all AM4 motherboards are compatible with all AM4 processors. BIOS updates are often required to support newer Ryzen generations on older motherboards. It is imperative to verify motherboard compatibility before purchasing a processor. https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/CPU%20Compatibility
  • Lifespan: AM4 has had a relatively long lifespan in the PC market. AMD supported the platform across multiple generations of Ryzen processors, providing upgrade paths for users. However, AMD has transitioned to a new socket (AM5) for its latest Ryzen processors, marking the end of the AM4 platform's lifecycle for new CPUs. https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Lifespan

• Successor: The successor to AM4 is the AM5 socket, which supports DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0. https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/AM5%20Socket