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 It is about this revolutionary at that time and outdated today computer platform that will be discussed within the framework of this material.
History of Appearance
Quite an interesting situation developed in the world of information technology in 2002. All computer platforms that were relevant at that time and supported by manufacturers reached the highest possible level. In addition, it was necessary to increase the bit depth of calculations. All chips released up to this point worked in 32-bit computing mode. And this circumstance was also a deterrent to the further development of computer technology. Therefore, microprocessor manufacturersstarted designing 64-bit CPU models.
All the previously stated circumstances led to the fact that socket 754 was introduced in September 2003. The processors in this case received a completely new architecture, codenamed "K8". She determined the further development of computer technology. And even modern processor devices of this manufacturer are still based on it.
About the microprocessor socket
As you might guess from the markings, this socket included 754 pins. Its dimensions were 4 centimeters by 4 centimeters. Also, the chips that were supposed to be installed in it were connected not by contact pads, like modern such devices, but by “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 That is, the CPU in this case had an outdated execution even at that time.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.
Motherboards based on chips from nVidia were considered the best. 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 remaining two were for premium system units.
In turn,VIA offered two chipsets. The youngest of them is K8T800, and the older one is K8T890. The first of them filled the entry-level segment, and the second was the flagship.
A similar number of chipsets were introduced for this computing platform by SIS. In this case, the budget motherboards were based on the 755 system logic, while the advanced ones were based on the 760GX.
But ATI released only one chipset for this socket - Xpress 200. The presence of integrated graphics once again indicated that it belongs to the budget.
Finally, it should also be noted that socket 754 did not support 2-core processors. More precisely, within its framework, not a single model of such a CPU was released. 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 current AM4 platforms from AMD and LGA1151-v.2 from Intel.
Computer system layout
The performance of such computers has undergone drastic changes. Prior to this, the CPU included only computing modules. In the same case, the RAM controller was also located on the same substrate as the processor part. This arrangement made it possible to increase the speed of the computer by reducing delays in the exchange of information with the CPU. But at the same time, a hard binding to a certain type of memory was implemented. That is, when new RAM modules were released, it was necessary to recycle the controller.
The list of socket 754 processors indicates that all of them could only work with DDR modulesfirst generation. When newer RAM modules appeared, these 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 two-channel controller. The same fully applies to the Socket 939 platform, which replaced the processor socket in question.
CPU lineups. Positioning
Processors for socket 754 belonged to one of two families. The youngest of them was Septron. These chips have replaced the Duron line of CPUs. This renaming was due to marketing considerations. Celeron CPUs were the direct competitor of this family of chips. Here, for consonance with him, this renaming was carried out.
The most productive microprocessors in this case were Athlon 64 chips. The key differences in this case were the increased frequencies and the increased L2 cache size. It was the combination of these two factors that made it possible to significantly increase the speed of such a computing system.
Low-end CPUs
As previously noted, the Septron line of chips were socket 754 budget processors. They had a reduced L2 cache size. Earlier devices had 128 Kb and were manufactured according to the 130 micron technology, and those released at the testamentary stagedevelopment of this platform, CPUs were already equipped with 256 KB and were produced using 90 nm technology. The minimum clock frequency of such microprocessors was 1600 MHz, and the highest - 2000 MHz. At the same time, for all chips, without exception, the thermal package was 62 W, and the maximum temperature was 70 0С.
The most optimal use of such CPUs was as part of office personal computers. Such computing systems solved the simplest tasks, and in this case, the final cost of a PC came to the fore. Due to the use of cheaper components, this issue was resolved very successfully.
Premium processor models
Now let's look at those chips that provided maximum performance within a computer platform such as socket 754, and which processors in this case had to be used. As in the case of Socket 462, this niche was occupied by devices from the Athlon series. 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 still included one physical software processing unit. The key difference from the lower models of the CPU was the increase in the second level cache and the higher clock speed. The first wave of Athlon 64 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 frequency was 2400 MHz.
Fastest CPUs
Amongbudget microprocessors, Septron with an index of 3400 had the highest performance. This modification of the CPU was marked as follows - SDA3400AIO3BX. Its clock speed was 2 GHz, and the L2 cache was 256 KB. But even such advanced parameters did not allow it to be used as part of entry-level gaming computer systems. He had too low speed. But for the implementation of various office tasks, he was just perfect. This was the main area of its use.
Well, the most "maximum" socket 754 processor is Athlon 64 marked ADA3700AEP5AR. This chip had a performance index of 3700. Its real operating frequency was 2.4 GHz. He also had a third-level cache of 1 MB. By combining these two factors, this CPU provided an uncompromisingly high level of PC performance. In this case, it was possible to run any software that was relevant at that time. Therefore, all gaming PCs of that time were most often based on it.
Relevance of the computer platform
Of course, socket 754 has not been officially supported by the manufacturer for a long time. Processors for 2 cores are not particularly relevant anyway, and the computing platform in question could process program code only in one thread. At the same time, they lack the third cache level and low frequency values. Therefore, it is very problematic to cope with modern software for such a PC. And even with the least resource-intensivetasks.
In addition, the CPUs of this platform were manufactured using outdated technology today and have a high level of power consumption. All of the previously listed factors indicate that the further operation of such system units is impractical. Therefore, this processor socket is already obsolete.
Conclusion
In this review, such a computer platform 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 provide even the minimum required level of performance. These chips have only one core. And this circumstance hinders their speed of work. Therefore, such computers are obsolete. They are in need of modernization and replacement of most of the components.
This socket is currently deprecated. But the technologies that were implemented on its basis laid a solid foundation for the development of computer technology in the future.
