AMD Athlon II X2 250 socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Athlon II X2 250 uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 65 W dual core Regor desktop part at 3.0 GHz with 1 MB of L2 per core for budget towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- June 2009
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Default TDP
- 65 W
- Codename
- Regor
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Athlon II X2
- Clocks
- 3.0 GHz
AMD Athlon II X2 250 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Regor cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 3.0 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 2 MB L2 (2 × 1 MB), no L3 |
| Default TDP | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2 and 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 250 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 250 is
The AMD Athlon II X2 250 is a dual core Regor desktop processor from June 2009. It runs two K10 cores at 3.0 GHz with no turbo, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Each core carries 1 MB of full speed L2 cache for 2 MB in total, and there is no L3 cache. Power is rated at 65 W on a 45 nm process.
The 250 was a launch Regor dual beside the triple Rana parts. Against the 245 it adds 100 MHz at the same 65 W. At 3.0 GHz it handles office suites and media playback with ease on cheap DDR2 or DDR3 boards.
There is no graphics on the die. Board video comes from 7 and 8 series chipsets where fitted.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Athlon II X2 250 fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins. All 7 series and 8 series boards boot Regor directly.
AM3 chips also fit AM3+ boards. It also boots on AM2+ DDR2 boards after a BIOS update. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the AMD Athlon II X2 240 page shows a slower sibling.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR2 up to PC2-8500 and DDR3 up to PC3-10600 in two channels.
HyperTransport links the CPU to the chipset at 2 GHz. PCIe Gen 2 slots hang off the chipset.
Cooling is the stock 65 W heatsink on the 48 × 96 mm mount.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the upgrade is the 255 or 260 on the same board. Beyond AM3 a move to AM3+ needs a new board.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Athlon II X2 250 use?
Socket AM3, the 938-pin package. It also boots on AM2+ DDR2 boards after a BIOS update and on AM3+ boards.
How many cores does the Athlon II X2 250 have?
Two cores and two threads at 3.0 GHz with 1 MB of L2 per core and no L3 cache.
What memory works with the Athlon II X2 250?
DDR2 and DDR3 in two channels.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .