AMD will gradually phase out production of processors with FM1 and AM3 sockets. The FM1 processors will disappear in the third quarter and the AM3-based chips will reach the end of their life at the end of the year. In 2014, all of AMD's high-end FX series processors will use the AM3+ socket, while mainstream processors will use FM2.
The AM3+ socket supports AMD's HyperTransport 3.1 and DDR3 memory up to 2133. There are currently several FX series processors including the eight-core 8350/8320, six-core 6350/6300, quad-core 4350/4300/4130, featuring the AM3+ socket.
Meanwhile, AMD's existing quad-core 5800K/5700/5600K/5500, dual-core 5400K/5300/4000 and Athlon quad-core and dual-core series feature FM2 sockets.
According to AMD's latest plans, the FX 8320, 6300 and 4300 will see price cuts of US$14-20 in the second quarter, and the FM2-based quad-core 5600K and 5500 will drop US$10.
AMD to phase out FM1 and AM3 sockets in 2014