Can anyone tell me what's the difference between Socket AM2,
AM2+ and AM3?
And can I use Socket AM2 CPUs on Socket AM2+ or even AM3
Sockets?
AM2+ is an upgrade to AM2, same number of pins. AM2+ brings with
it higher bandwidth support between to CPU and northbridge than
AM2. AM3 is an upgrade to AM2+, with support added for DDR3 (AM2
was DDR2 only).
AM2 is forwards compatible with AM2+. The reverse, however, is
dependent on manufacturer support. Some manufacturers refuse to
update support between AM2+ chips and AM2 boards.
AM3 CPUs MAY work in AM2/AM2+ motherbaords,
depending on manufacturer support. The reverse in, however,
NOT.
AM2 and AM2+ CPUs will NOT work in AM3 motherbaords due to the
lack of DDR3 support on their memory controllers as well as an
extra pin (preventing them from being inserted).