So you’ve already thought about updating the PC specs and are willing to play the new games. Opting for AM3+ and the AM4 could be the best options for you. It is important to choose the right type of socket for your PC because it’s life for gamers to have upgraded PC sets that will allow you to get the best results. It’s a tough call between AM3+ vs AM4. This is because it’s a direct upgrade to the next level of AMD sockets. If you have the am3+ right now, do you really need to upgrade it to the next step or not. Here’s a complete guide that you can follow up to know all about the differences between these devices.
Socket AM3+ vs. AM4
| Specifications | AM3+ | AM4 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 | Intel Core i5 |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 1060AMD | NVIDIA GTX 1060AMD |
| RAM | 4 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Video Output | DisplayPort 1.2 or HDMI 1.4 | DisplayPort 1.2 |
| USB Output | USB-A 2.0 | USB-A 3.0 |
Last update on 2023-02-20 at 04:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Heatsink
The concept of the heatsink is highly important as it allows the heatwave formed inside the processor to flow out. If the socket is too tight, it won’t allow any space for the heatwave to move out. When you play out games, heat is formed at a higher rate. This also depends on the CPU configuration. At the same time, it’s important to have a close look at the sockets that are available. You need to make sure that the socket is capable of handling the heatsink as per the necessity.
AM3+
Coming to the am3+, this product has around 4 holes on the base that allows the heatsink to operate. With 4 holes, you can expect the heatwave to move out of the socket faster. Coming to the dimensions, it retains the same specifications as the other traditional sockets from AMD. To be precise, the dimensions are around 48 x 96 mm.
AM4
The am4 on the other hand is a touch better when it comes to handling the heat sink. Although this product comes with the same number of holes, the dimensions of these holes are a touch better. As a result, the relative time for heatsink for this product is faster. The dimensions of this product are slightly better and it comes with 54 x 90 mm which makes a better space. The cooler mounting holes work better here.
Winner: AM4
RAM
To enhance the features, it’s important that the device must come with a proper RAM support. It’s obvious that you are looking for a better upgrade. Way back to ten years, the games launched were not of such high graphics. This is why the RAM requirements were neither high as well. However, now it’s time to focus on such aspects as well. This is because they are designed to handle high internal specifications. However, the sockets do have a capacity and minimum requirements as well.
AM3+
The Am3+ is a great choice for most of the gamers of modern day gaming. It obviously satisfies any gamers who have equipment of 4GB RAM. Till this mark, there’s no specific heat wave created within the device because of this. However, the higher capacity of adding RAM is set up to a strict limit so that you can get the best results.
Last update on 2023-02-20 at 04:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
AM4
The AM4 on the other hand comes with a better RAM requirement and always a great support. It can easily give you a space for adding 8 GB ram so that you can get to play the best games. There’s additional space for upgrading the RAM as well.
Winner: AM4
Processor
The most important component of the socket is to accomplish the processor. Now the processor comes with two parts that includes the GPU and the chipset. Both of these hardware components do have a direct aspect that allows you to get the fastest results. Today, whenever you go out to play any game, you will require good hardware support. Without proper hardware support, you won’t be able to play the best games. If you are an active gamer, it’s important to keep up with great hardware support that will give you complete support. Let’s have a look at the differences that are present.
AM3+
This device comes along with a decent minimal support of Intel i5 support. You can even add the new upgrades that will help you to get playing recent games. Coming to the model, the minimal requirements are from AMD FX 83250. Coming to the gpu support, this device comes with an impressive support of GTX 1060 AMD. You can start using the Radeon RX 480 or better models.
- Platform: Desktop
- Frequency: 4.0/4.2ghz (base/overdrive)
- Cores: 8
- Cache: 8/8mb (l2/l3)
Last update on 2023-02-20 at 04:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
AM4
The AM4 comes up as a great option for you to choose. Comparing the two devices, there’s not the biggest upgrades, but you will find slight upgrades on this product as well. It has similar support of core i5 or compatible chipset support. Another impressive part of this socket is the support of higher range GPU. You can add any GPU that is Radeon RX 480 or better.
Winner: AM4
Output
It’s not only the internal specifications that matter the most for this device. The output specifications also do matter. With a proper output, you will be able to connect the socket with multiple devices and get better results. There’s a big difference when it comes to the output configurations.
AM3+
The Am3+ leads the way when it comes to the video output. Unlike the other devices, it comes with both display port 1.2 and even an HDMI support. Not many devices do offer such features.
- Frequency: 3.6GHz precision boost
- 6 cores/12 threads unlocked
- Cache: 3MB/16MB (l2/l3)
- Socket type: Am4; Max Temps : 95°C; PCI Express Version :...
Last update on 2023-02-20 at 04:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
AM4
The AM4 comes with better resolution when it comes to the USB connectivity. It has a USB 3.0 support while the former model has only USB 20 support.
Winner: AM4
Conclusion
After a complete overview of the differences, it’s clear that there are obvious upgrades on the new model. Both of these sockets are for different purposes that are available for you to use. If you are looking for high budget gaming, the am4 is a great option to have. On the other hand, if you are looking for a small budget performance, the am3+ could be a good option for you. It’s important that you set up the priorities at the first position.
