AMD A8-3550MX socket: Socket FS1
The AMD A8-3550MX uses the Socket FS1 socket. It is a socketed 45 W quad core Llano mobile APU at 2.0 GHz to 2.7 GHz with Radeon HD 6620G graphics.
- Socket
- Socket FS1
- Launched
- December 2011
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 4
- Default TDP
- 45 W
- Codename
- Llano
- Segment
- Mobile (socketed)
- Family
- AMD A8
- Clocks
- 2.0 / 2.7 GHz
AMD A8-3550MX specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Stars (K10) cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.0 GHz base, up to 2.7 GHz Turbo Core |
| Cache | 4 MB L2 (1 MB per core) |
| Default TDP | 45 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1600, two channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 from the APU (lane layout varies by board design) |
| Integrated graphics | AMD Radeon HD 6620G (444 MHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | Socket FS1 (PGA, 722 contacts) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD A8-3550MX needs a motherboard with a Socket FS1 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| Hudson mobile | A60M, A70M | Works out of the box |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for Socket FS1.
Socket FS1 at a glance
| Type | rPGA, 722 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | June 2011 |
| Memory | DDR3-1333 and 1600, two channels |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (laptop heatsink) |
What the A8-3550MX is
AMD A8-3550MX is a quad core Llano mobile APU that AMD released in December 2011 for socketed performance laptops. It uses the Stars K10 core design on a 32 nm process, running at 2.0 GHz base with Turbo Core to 2.7 GHz. The cache is 4 MB of L2 with 1 MB per core. Power is 45 W. Graphics come from AMD Radeon HD 6620G with 400 shaders at a fixed 444 MHz. The database dates it December 20 against December 7 in the APU list; both agree on December 2011, which is used here.
The late 2011 refresh lifts base by 100 MHz and turbo by 100 MHz over the A8-3530MX at the same power and graphics. Four threads with the strongest mobile Llano graphics cover office work and period games without a card. Threads equal cores at 4.
Performance laptops pair it with DDR3-1600 SODIMMs and MX rated cooling. Boards need a BIOS new enough to list this December model. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide explains why this socketed PGA part can be serviced.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The A8-3550MX fits Socket FS1 with 722 contacts in pin grid form. Hudson A60M and A70M boards carry it where the BIOS lists the exact A8-3550MX string with 45 W tables. Late 2011 firmware matters more than the chipset name.
Memory choice follows the MX class with DDR3-1600 SODIMMs. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide explains why the maker list decides.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1600, two channels. Two matched 1600 MT/s SODIMMs feed four threads and the 400 shader block.
PCI Express is revision 2.0 from the APU for discrete graphics options, Wi-Fi and storage.
Cooling is board specific for 45 W. Cleaning holds the 2.7 GHz burst longer.
Upgrade paths
On Socket FS1 the A8-3550MX already tops the A8 MX range, so faster moves mean a platform change. Memory and storage carry over to newer laptops. A slower comparison at the same power is AMD A8-3530MX on the same socket.
A platform move means a new laptop on a newer BGA package.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD A8-3550MX use?
It uses Socket FS1 in pin grid form with 722 contacts.
How is the A8-3550MX different from the A8-3530MX?
Base is 2.0 GHz instead of 1.9 GHz, and turbo is 2.7 GHz instead of 2.6 GHz.
What memory does the A8-3550MX use?
DDR3-1600, two channels.
Can the A8-3550MX be replaced?
Yes, in socketed laptops with a 45 W heatsink and BIOS support.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .