AMD Athlon 1400 (C) socket: Socket 462

What the Athlon 1400 (C) is

The AMD Athlon 1400 (C) is a 1400 MHz single-core desktop processor from June 2001. It runs one K7 Thunderbird core at 1400 MHz with no turbo, so 1 core gives 1 thread. Cache is 256 KB of full-speed L2 on a 180 nm process. The package is Socket 462 with part number A1400AMS3C on a 266 MT/s front side bus with a 10.5x multiplier at 253 dollars. This page omits a TDP rating because the table gives no power figure for the 1400C, while the cpu_list 72 W matches the 1400B on a slower bus with different power handling.

The parenthetical C marks the 266 MT/s bus version against the B version at 200 MT/s with the same 1400 MHz and 256 KB rating. Both share frequency and cache, yet the faster bus needs 266 MT/s chipset paths. AMD sold both in June 2001. The chip supports MMX and Enhanced 3DNow.

Bus suffixes with matching clocks need exact board paths. A 266 MT/s board runs both B and C versions, while a 200 MT/s board downclocks the C version without proper chipset support. That is why the suffix stays in the model here.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Athlon 1400 (C) fits Socket 462 DDR desktops with a 266 MT/s bus and Thunderbird support. It needs 266 MT/s chipset paths. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.

DDR towers are the natural match. Boards listing Thunderbird 1400C accept the chip with a Thunderbird-rated cooler. The 1400B needs 200 MT/s paths instead.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory is DDR through the board chipset, matched to the 266 MT/s bus. The CPU has no controller.

A 266 MT/s bus ties the CPU to the chipset, while AGP and PCI hang off the chipset. No PCIe lanes originate on the die. Cooling uses the socket lug clip with a Thunderbird-rated heatsink.

Upgrade paths

On Socket 462 the 1400C tops the 266 MT/s Thunderbird line with the 1400B as the 200 MT/s twin. Palomino Athlon XP parts offer lower voltage successors. Beyond Socket 462 a move to Socket 754 needs a new board. The chip lifts with the lever, so swaps need no solder work.