AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ socket: Socket AM2
The AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ uses the Socket AM2 socket. It is a 65 W dual-core Brisbane desktop part at 1.9 GHz with 2x512 KB of L2 cache for efficient towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM2
- Launched
- December 2006
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Default TDP
- 65 W
- Codename
- Brisbane
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Athlon 64 X2
- Clocks
- 1.9 GHz
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Brisbane cores on 65 nm |
| Clocks | 1.9 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 1 MB L2 (2x512 KB) |
| Default TDP | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 65 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2-667 and DDR2-800, two channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe from the board chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (board video where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | Socket AM2 (940 pins) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ needs a motherboard with a Socket AM2 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 700 series | 770, 780G | 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 AM2.
Socket AM2 at a glance
| Type | PGA, 940 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | May 2006 |
| Memory | DDR2-667 and DDR2-800, two channels |
| Cooler mounting holes | 48 × 96 mm |
What the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ is
The AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ is a 1.9 GHz dual-core desktop processor from December 2006. It runs two K8 cores at 1.9 GHz with no turbo, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 512 KB of L2 per core on a 65 nm process. Power is rated at 65 W on Socket AM2.
The Brisbane 3600+ brought 65 nm dual cores to efficient AM2 towers on a 1000 MT/s HyperTransport link with a 9.5x multiplier. It exists because buyers wanted dual core multitasking at lower power than 89 W Windsor parts. Note that a Windsor 3600+ EE shares the number with different cache and needs the same board family.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 3600+ drops into Socket AM2 boards with DDR2 memory and a BIOS that lists Brisbane dual cores. It pairs with mainstream AM2 chipsets contemporary with the late 2006 launch. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR2-667 and DDR2-800 in two channels through the on-chip controller.
HyperTransport at 1000 MT/s links the CPU to the chipset. PCIe slots hang off the chipset.
Cooling is any 65 W rated AM2 heatsink on the 48 × 96 mm mount, with CoolnQuiet trimming draw at idle.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM2 the upgrade is Brisbane dual cores with higher clocks on the same board, or the AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ EE at 2 GHz for a Windsor efficient part. Beyond AM2 a move to AM2+ or AM3 needs a new board for Phenom class parts.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ use?
Socket AM2, on DDR2 boards with a Brisbane-aware BIOS.
How many cores does the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ have?
Two cores and 2 threads at 1.9 GHz with 512 KB of L2 per core.
What memory works with the Athlon 64 X2 3600+?
DDR2 in two channels through the on-chip controller.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .