Attention PC builders and AMD enthusiasts! Significant developments are emerging regarding AMD's next-generation CPU socket. According to sources at Bits and Chips, AMD is finalizing the design for its upcoming AM6 socket, slated to replace the current AM5 platform. This new AM6 socket will reportedly feature approximately 2100 pins, a notable increase compared to the AM5 socket's 1718 pins.
AMD's plans for the AM6 socket include integrating support for cutting-edge PCle 6.0 and DDR6 memory technologies. To achieve this enhanced functionality within the same physical dimensions as the AM5 socket, AMD has significantly increased the pin density. Crucially, this design approach reportedly allows the AM6 socket to maintain compatibility with existing AM5 CPU coolers. AMD has a tradition of cooler compatibility, as seen previously when Socket 939 coolers could be used on AM4 sockets. Sources indicate the AM6 socket will be very similar to AM5 specifically to enable this cooler reuse.
AMD has committed to supporting its AM5 CPU socket beyond 2025. Expectations are that next-generation Zen 6 CPUs will still utilize AM5 motherboards, meaning a new consumer socket isn't anticipated until at least Zen 7. If Zen 6 releases in 2026, Zen 7, and consequently the AM6 socket, is expected around late 2027 or 2028, with commercialization likely during 2028. Recent AMD patents, such as US 20250149428, relate to achieving the necessary high pin density for this transition.
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