AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+ EE socket: Socket AM2

The AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+ EE uses the Socket AM2 socket. It is a 65 W energy-efficient dual-core Windsor desktop part at 2.4 GHz with 2x512 KB of L2 cache for efficient towers.

Launched
May 2006
Cores and threads
2 and 2
Default TDP
65 W
Codename
Windsor
Segment
Desktop
Clocks
2.4 GHz

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+ EE specifications

Cores2
Threads2
Core architectureWindsor cores on 90 nm
Clocks2.4 GHz (no turbo)
Cache1 MB L2 (2x512 KB)
Default TDP65 W
Manufacturing process90 nm
Memory supportDDR2-667 and DDR2-800, two channels
PCI ExpressPCIe from the board chipset
Integrated graphicsNone (board video where fitted)
MultiplierLocked
PackageSocket AM2 (940 pins)

Motherboard and chipset compatibility

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+ EE needs a motherboard with a Socket AM2 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.

SeriesChipsetsSupport
700 series770, 780GWorks 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

TypePGA, 940 contacts
Package sizen/a
IntroducedMay 2006
MemoryDDR2-667 and DDR2-800, two channels
Cooler mounting holes48 × 96 mm

Read the full Socket AM2 socket guide

What the Athlon 64 X2 4600+ EE is

The AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+ EE is a 2.4 GHz energy-efficient dual core from May 2006. It runs two K8 cores at 2.4 GHz with no turbo, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 512 KB of L2 per core on a 90 nm process. Power is rated at 65 W on Socket AM2.

The 4600+ EE served efficient AM2 towers on a 1000 MT/s HyperTransport link with a 12x multiplier. It exists because buyers wanted 2.4 GHz dual core throughput with lower power than standard 89 W parts at the smaller cache size.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The 4600+ EE drops into Socket AM2 boards with DDR2 memory and a BIOS that lists energy-efficient Windsor dual cores. It pairs with efficient AM2 boards contemporary with the May 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 the AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ EE at 2.4 GHz with 2x1 MB at the same 65 W, or the AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ EE at 2.2 GHz for a lower cost. 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 4600+ EE use?

Socket AM2, on DDR2 boards with energy-efficient Windsor support.

How many cores does the Athlon 64 X2 4600+ EE have?

Two cores and 2 threads at 2.4 GHz with 512 KB of L2 per core at 65 W.

What memory works with the Athlon 64 X2 4600+ EE?

DDR2 in two channels through the on-chip controller.

Sources and verification

  1. List of AMD Athlon 64 processors (Wikipedia)
  2. Socket AM2 (Wikipedia)

Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .