What does the + mean in AM3+ or AM2+ (etc.)?

[Justiceinacan]

Hey all

Curious question as I'm an old-pc-restorer-complete-newb

What does AMx+ mean in the CPU socket? I noticed a 2008 Alienware for instance, has a motherboard listed for AM2+, or a 2014-bought gigabyte mobo listed AM3+ OR AM3 CPU only. What's the difference? Seems odd, it implies to me that a future CPU could be used on the old motherboard but I dunno if that's what it means.

 

[rgd1101]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_AM3#Socket_AM3.2B

 

[ThanatosFX]

Well, here's a comparison between AM3 and AM3+ sockets

The AM3+ socket is required for the FX series of processors based on Bulldozer.

AM3 supports Athlon II/Phenom II
AM3+ supports Athlon II/Phenom II/FX

AM3+ also brought back SLI to AMD motherboards too, really isn't anything else different.

The + means a step up from previous socket, AM2+ > AM2 which essentially means either new features or new CPU support such as the FX series.

 

[Justiceinacan]

Ah, that answers it. Got a bunch of AM2 and AM3+ motherboards and debating which to use on a "new" computer. Looks like it's pretty obvious which to choose based on a given CPU now, thanks.