In 2003, AMD officially introduced its new computing platform, which was based on socket 754. Processors in this case for the first time received support for 64-bit computing. But also retained compatibility with 32-bit. It is about this revolutionary and at that time outdated computer platform that will be discussed in the framework of this material.
Appearance story
A rather interesting situation developed in the world of information technology in 2002. All computer platforms, which at that time were relevant and supported by manufacturers, reached the highest possible level. In addition, it was necessary to increase the capacity of calculations. All the chips released up to this point worked in 32-bit computing mode. And this fact was also a deterrent to the further development of computer technology. Therefore, microprocessor manufacturers have begun designing 64-bit CPU models.
All the above circumstances led to the fact that in September 2003 socket 754 was introduced. The processors in this case received a completely new architecture, code-named "K8". She determined the further development of computer technology. And even modern processor devices of this manufacturer are still based on it.
Microprocessor Connector Briefly
As it is not difficult to guess from the marking, this socket included 754 contacts. Its dimensions were 4 centimeters by 4 centimeters. Also, the chips that were supposed to be installed in it were connected not with pads, like modern such devices, but with pins. The most powerful processor on socket 754, which was released at the final stage of development of this platform, had the same design. That is, the CPU in this case had an outdated performance even at that time.
Chipset Models
Many chipsets for this processor socket were released at that time. Moreover, both by AMD itself and by third-party developers, of which there were much more.
The best were considered motherboards based on chips from nVidia. There were three such chipsets: nForce 6100, nForce 3 and nForce 4. All of them had sufficient specifications and an acceptable level of functionality. The first chipset was intended for budget computers, and the other two for premium system units.
In turn, VIA offered two chipsets. The youngest of them is K8T800, and the eldest is K8T890. The first of them filled the entry-level segment, and the second was the flagship.
A similar number of chipsets was presented for this computing platform by SIS. In this case, budget motherboards were based on 755 system logic, and advanced motherboards were based on 760GX.
But ATI for this socket released only one chipset - Xpress 200. The presence of integrated graphics once again indicated its budget affiliation.
Finally, it is also worth noting that the socket 754 did not support 2-core processors. More precisely, not a single model of such a CPU was released within its framework. They appeared much later and were installed in the AM2 connector. Therefore, such computers are very outdated and need urgent modernization. Their owners are advised to choose the latest AM4 platforms from AMD and LGA1151-v.2 from Intel.
Computing system layout
Has undergone dramatic changes in the performance of such computers. Prior to this, the CPU only included computing modules. In the same case, on one substrate, the processor part also contained the RAM controller. This arrangement allowed to increase the speed of the computer by reducing delays in the exchange of information with the CPU. But at the same time, a rigid binding to a specific type of memory was implemented. That is, when new RAM modules were released, it was necessary to process the controller.
The list of socket processors 754 indicates that all of them could only work with first-generation DDR modules. When newer RAM modules appeared, such computers did not support them. Also, the RAM controller could only function in single-channel mode. This circumstance significantly reduced the speed of the PC. At the same time, the predecessor of the hero of this review in the face of socket 462 had such a dual-channel controller. The same fully applies to the Socket 939 platform, which replaced the processor socket in question.
CPU lineups. Positioning
The processors for socket 754 belonged to one of two families. The youngest of them was Septron. These chips replaced the Duron CPU line. This renaming was due to marketing considerations. The direct competitor to this chip family was Celeron CPU. For the sake of consonance with him, this renaming was carried out.
The most efficient microprocessors in this case were Athlon 64 chips. The key differences in this case were the increased frequencies and the increased size of the second-level cache. It was a combination of these two factors that significantly increased the speed of such a computing system.
Budget CPUs
As previously noted, the chips of the Septron line were budget processors for socket 754. They had reduced the size of the second-level cache memory. Earlier devices had 128 Kb and were manufactured using 130 micron technology, while the CPUs released at the testament to the development of this platform were already equipped with 256 Kb and were manufactured using 90 nm technology. The minimum clock frequency of such microprocessors was 1600 MHz, and the largest - 2000 MHz. Moreover, all the chips without exception had a thermal package of 62 W, and the maximum temperature was 70 0 C.
Most optimally, such CPUs were used as part of office personal computers. Such computer systems solved the simplest tasks, and in this case the final cost of the PC came to the fore. Due to the use of cheaper components, this issue was solved very successfully.
Premium Processor Models
Now we will consider those chips that provided the maximum performance in a computer platform such as socket 754, and which processors in this case needed to be used. As in the case of Socket 462, the Athlon series occupied this niche. Only in this case, the manufacturer added the number 64 to their name. It indicated that such a CPU supports 64-bit applications.
This series of devices also all included one physical software processing unit. The key difference from the younger CPU models was the increase in the cache of the second level and the higher value of the clock frequency. The first Athlon 64 wave for socket 754 was equipped with 512 Kb, and the second - 1024 Kb. Also, the minimum frequency of such microprocessors was 1800 MHz, and the maximum - 2400 MHz.
The fastest CPUs
Among budget microprocessors, Septron with an index of 3400 was the fastest. This modification of the CPU was marked as follows - SDA3400AIO3BX. Its clock frequency was 2 GHz, and the cache of the second level was 256 Kb. But even such advanced parameters did not allow using it as part of entry-level gaming computer systems. His speed was too slow. But for the implementation of various office tasks, he was just perfect. This was the main scope of its use.
Well, the most "maximum" socket processor 754 & ndash; this is an Athlon 64 labeled ADA3700AEP5AR. This chip had a performance index of 3700. Its real operating frequency was 2.4 GHz. Also, the volume of the cache of the third level he had 1 MB. Due to the combination of these two factors, this CPU provided an uncompromisingly high level of PC performance. In this case, you could run any software that was relevant at that time. Therefore, all the gaming PCs of that time were most often based on it.
The relevance of the computer platform
Of course, socket 754 has not been officially supported by the manufacturer for a long time. Processors with 2 cores are not particularly relevant anyway, and the computing platform in question could only process program code in one thread. However, they lack a third cache level and low frequency values. Therefore, with modern software such a PC is very problematic to cope with. And even with the least resource-intensive tasks.
In addition, the CPUs of this platform were manufactured using outdated technology today and have a high level of energy consumption. All of the previously listed factors indicate that the further operation of such system units is impractical. Therefore, this processor socket is already outdated.
Conclusion
In this review, a computer platform such as socket 754 was considered. Processors released within its framework can process program code in only one thread. Now such CPUs are irrelevant and do not even provide the minimum required level of performance. These chips have only one core. And this circumstance restrains their speed. Therefore, such computers are outdated. They need modernization and replacement of most of the components.
This socket is currently out of date. But the technologies that were implemented on its basis laid a solid foundation for the development of computer technology in the future.