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AM3+ or FM1???

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Ok, I've looked this up alot and I just can't figure it out. I've been expecting the AM3+ socket to come out, which it finally is now, but still no processors for it. What I don't get, though, is the FM1.... What is it?!! How does this socket differ from the AM3+?

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FM1 is for Fusion processors (AMD is calling them APU or Accelerated Processing Unit) it is a "cpu" with the gpu on the die, as well as some PCI and DDR3 control.

This is the A series processors (A8-3850 Llano is the top right now)

AM3+ is READY for AM3+ chips that don't exist yet (bulldozer) but can accept all AM3 cpus (phenom II, Althlon II, sempron)

When Bulldozer hits, it will be AM3+

There will be a bulldozer-like APU as well scheduled for 2012 (Piledriver iirc?) but this will not fit in FM1 OR AM3+ but a brand new FM2 socket board (probably not compatible with FM1)


The ONLY things I have seen that haven't changed would be the brackets for the HSF (am2/am3/am3+/fm1 coolers are all swappable afaik)

That's pretty helpful.. so the FM1 socket is more of a .. get-me-by until the AM3+ Bulldozers come out?

Also wondering, do the APU's make a huge difference in gaming or is it more like ATI's hybrid just thrown on a processor instead of a mobo?

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it's like a REAL gpu thrown on there. Can play crysis2 and starcraft 2, etc.

It is not a holdover - if you want a holdover for bulldozer, get AM3+ mobo and a cheapo dual core AM3 that may or may not have 4 cores. THEN just get a new chip.

If you get FM1, you'll get your 2.9 quad for 140-150 and a mobo for 100ish, then when bulldozer comes out, shell out a real 150-200 for a decent mobo and, from what I've read, 300 for the flagship cpu.

It's a different path - 4cyl turbo car doesn't hold you over until the V8 comes out, it's a different platform (AMD is branching itself.....)

the APU is like Sandy Bridge, except worth it for cheap gaming pc. You can build a PC capable of playing games (not games that require $500 in gpu, but normal games) for like $300 +case/psu/hdd/dvd and that's not bad. They also crossfire with 6670 with a 125% increase over the 6670 by itself... not sure how, maybe the pcie controller on die?

Anyway, for budget gaming, my vote goes to APU over Sandy Bridge atm, but I might be a bit biased (coke vs pepsi)
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FM1 isn't really "get me by" until Bulldozer comes out, it's a different platform. APU are meant for simple systems like basic office machine or HTPC. APU are better in games when compare to Intel integrated graphics, but they're not replacements to dedicated graphic cards.
Bulldozer should be out soon, so it's no point on getting FM1.
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