AMD Athlon II X2 220 socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Athlon II X2 220 uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 65 W dual core Regor desktop part at 2.8 GHz for budget towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- September 2010
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Default TDP
- 65 W
- Codename
- Regor
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Athlon II X2
- Clocks
- 2.8 GHz
AMD Athlon II X2 220 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Regor cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.8 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 1 MB L2 (2 × 512 KB), no L3 |
| Default TDP | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3, two channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 from the board chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (board video where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | Socket AM3 (µPGA, 938 pins) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD Athlon II X2 220 needs a motherboard with a Socket AM3 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 7 and 8 series | 7-Series, 8-Series | 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 AM3.
Socket AM3 at a glance
| Type | PGA, 941 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 40 × 40 mm |
| Introduced | February 2009 |
| Memory | DDR2 up to PC2-8500 and DDR3 up to PC3-10600 |
| Cooler mounting holes | 48 × 96 mm |
What the Athlon II X2 220 is
AMD Athlon II X2 220 is a dual core Regor desktop processor that AMD released in September 2010 for budget towers. It runs at a fixed 2.8 GHz with no turbo, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 1 MB of L2 in 2 by 512 KB slices with no L3. Power is 65 W on a 45 nm process with 410 million transistors on a 117 mm2 die.
The smaller per-core cache separates it from 1 MB per core Regor parts in memory heavy work. Office suites still run smoothly at 2.8 GHz. The chip launched on September 21, 2010 for value builds.
There is no integrated graphics on this die. AM3 boards with 7 and 8 series chipsets provide board video where fitted. Memory is DDR3 in two channels.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Athlon II X2 220 fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins in µPGA form. Both 7 series and 8 series boards boot Regor directly. No BIOS step is needed.
AM3 chips also fit AM3+ boards, while AM3+ Bulldozer chips never fit AM3. Check the board CPU list before moving the chip.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3, two channels. A 2 GB to 4 GB pair covers office use. ECC is not supported.
HyperTransport links the CPU to the chipset at 2 GHz. PCIe slots hang off the board chipset rather than the processor.
Cooling is the stock 65 W heatsink on the 48 by 96 mm mount. A clean fan holds the fixed 2.8 GHz behavior.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the 220 can move to the 255 or 260 for full per-core cache and higher clocks on the same board. Memory and storage carry over. A same socket low power reference is the 245e class at 45 W.
A platform move to DDR4 needs a new board and RAM. Keep the 220 tower for school duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD Athlon II X2 220 use?
It uses Socket AM3 in µPGA form.
How is the Athlon II X2 220 different from the 255?
The 220 has 512 KB per core. Most Regor duals have 1 MB per core.
What memory does the Athlon II X2 220 use?
DDR3 in two channels.
Does the Athlon II X2 220 have Hyper-Threading?
No. Two cores give 2 threads at a fixed 2.8 GHz.
Sources and verification
- AMD Athlon II X2 220 Specs (TechPowerUp, 2 cores, 2.8 GHz, 65W, Sep 2010, AM3)
- Regor 200e-220 reduced L2 cache (Athlon wiki, 512KB per core, AM3)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .