AMD Athlon 64 FX-72 socket: Socket F
The AMD Athlon 64 FX-72 uses the Socket F socket. It is a 125 W unlocked dual-core Windsor Quad FX part at 2.8 GHz with 2x1 MB of L2 cache for dual-socket enthusiast machines.
- Socket
- Socket F
- Launched
- November 2006
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Default TDP
- 125 W
- Codename
- Windsor
- Segment
- HEDT
- Family
- AMD Athlon 64 FX
- Clocks
- 2.8 GHz
AMD Athlon 64 FX-72 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Windsor cores on 90 nm |
| Clocks | 2.8 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 2 MB L2 (2x1 MB) |
| Default TDP | 125 W |
| Manufacturing process | 90 nm |
| Memory support | Registered DDR2-667, two channels per chip |
| PCI Express | PCIe from the board chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Unlocked |
| Package | Socket F (1207 lands) |
Motherboard compatibility
AMD Athlon 64 FX-72 needs a motherboard with a Socket F socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the Socket F chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
Socket F at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,207 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | August 2006 |
| Memory | DDR2-667 ECC, two channels |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (server heatsink) |
What the Athlon 64 FX-72 is
The AMD Athlon 64 FX-72 is a 2.8 GHz unlocked dual-core enthusiast processor from November 2006. It runs two K8 cores at 2.8 GHz with no turbo, so 2 cores give 2 threads on each chip. Cache is 1 MB of L2 per core on a 90 nm process. Power is rated at 125 W per chip on Socket F.
The FX-72 served the Quad FX platform on 1207-pin Socket F boards with a 1000 MT/s HyperTransport link and a 14x unlocked multiplier, usually sold in pairs for four cores per machine. It exists because enthusiasts wanted a 2.8 GHz step above the FX-70 with unlocked multipliers and registered DDR2 memory.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The FX-72 fits Quad FX Socket F enthusiast boards with registered DDR2 memory and a BIOS that lists Windsor FX-72 pairs. It needs a Quad FX board with two Socket F lands and multiprocessor power delivery. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is registered DDR2-667 in two channels per chip through the on-chip controller.
HyperTransport links tie the two chips to each other and to the chipset at 1000 MT/s. PCIe slots hang off the board chipset.
Cooling uses two 125 W rated Socket F heatsinks for the exact Quad FX chassis with directed airflow.
Upgrade paths
On Socket F the upgrade is the FX-74 at 3 GHz in the same Quad FX pair, or the AMD Athlon 64 FX-70 at 2.6 GHz for a lower cost. The AMD Athlon 64 FX-62 at 2.8 GHz serves single-socket AM2 towers. Beyond Socket F a move to a newer platform needs new boards and memory.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Athlon 64 FX-72 use?
Socket F, on Quad FX enthusiast boards with FX-72 pair support.
How many cores does the Athlon 64 FX-72 have?
Two cores and 2 threads per chip at 2.8 GHz with 1 MB of L2 per core, usually paired for four cores.
What memory works with the Athlon 64 FX-72?
Registered DDR2 through the on-chip controller, two channels per chip.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .