AM4 and AM5 are the two latest socket designs for AMD processors. Introduced in late 2022, the AM5 is the latest revision and a clear future socket for all upcoming Ryzen processor roadmaps. But how do AM4 and AM5 compare?
AMD Socket – A Little History
A CPU socket is the physical connection between the motherboard and the processor, which basically defines how the CPU communicates with the rest of the system components and how the processor is powered. While Intel is known to refresh its CPU sockets every 2-3 generations of processors, AMD has taken a more stable approach, using longer life cycles to improve critical features and performance. Focus on updates. Here’s a quick overview of previous sockets:
| Socket A | Socket 754 | socket 939 | AM2/AM2+ | AM3/AM3+ | AM4 | |
| Release year | 1999 | 2003 | 2004 | 2006 | 2009 | 2016 |
| pin | 462 | 754 | 939 | 940 | 938 | 1331 |
| CPU width | 32 bit | 64 bit | 64 bit | 64 bit | 64 bit | 64 bit |
| Notable Chipset | AMD750 | AMD750 | 580X | 790 | 890FX | X470 |
| AMD760 | AMD760 | 570X | 780 | 990FX | X570 | |
| Notable processor | Athlon | Athlon 64 | Athlon 64 | Athlon II | Athlon II | Reisen |
| Athlon XP | sempron | AMD Athlon 64 X2 | Phenom II |
What is AM5
AM5 is AMD’s first consumer desktop socket refresh since AM4 in 2016. Supports the latest Ryzen 7000 series processors and X670 chipsets. Though currently relegated to the enthusiast segment as of this writing, it is set to become AMD’s new socket standard as AM4 is phased out.
AM4 and AM5 – feature comparison
From a consumer perspective, there are two very notable new features that AM5 offers worth considering, and one addition that will impact future top-end CPU performance.
- DDR5 Support – AM5 is the first AMD socket to support DDR5. Unlike Intel’s newer Z690 and Z790 chipsets, the AM5 socket doesn’t have a DDR4 option.
- PCIe – Like Intel’s new chipset, the AM5 now supports PCIe Gen 5 inside the expansion slot and M.2 port. This means better throughput for next-gen graphics and support for Gen 5 NVMe storage (when available).
- Higher TDP Support – This feature does not directly affect the performance of additional components or peripherals, but it does affect the overall performance headroom available in future AM5 processors. By supporting a total power delivery of up to 230W, AM5 processors could potentially offer significantly higher frequencies and total core counts than their predecessors.
Here’s a full breakdown of AM4 and AM5 specs and features:
| AM4 | AM5 | |
| processor | Ryzen 1000-5000 series | Ryzen7000 series |
| architecture | Zen, Zen 2, Zen 3 | Zen 4 |
| pin | 1331 | 1718 |
| chipset | X470, X570 | X670 |
| socket power supply | 142W TDP | 230W TDP |
| Supported memory | DDR4 | DDR5 |
| PCIe generation | Generation 3.0, Generation 4.0 | Generation 5.0 |
AM4 vs AM5 – Which Should You Choose?
Which platform is right for you depends on the type of PC on the market. If top performance, support for the latest technology, and an upgrade path are your priorities, AM5 with Ryzen 7000 is the obvious choice. But being on the cutting edge always comes with a price premium, so if value is your priority, the Ryzen 5000 and AM4 still offer a lot of value.
Now configure the AM5-based Z95A.
“The Raptor Z95 is a high performance desktop for those who want the best in terms of components and performance.” – Tech Radar
Configure AM4 based Z55A here.
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Josh has been with Velocity Micro since 2007, holding various marketing, PR, and sales-related roles. As Director of Sales & Marketing, he is responsible for all direct and retail sales and marketing activities. He enjoys reruns of Seinfeld, Atlanta He Braves, John, Paul, or Beatles songs written by George. I’m sorry, apple.
