AMD Athlon II X2 250e socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Athlon II X2 250e uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 45 W dual core Regor desktop part at 3.0 GHz for low power towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- September 2010
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Default TDP
- 45 W
- Codename
- Regor
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Athlon II X2
- Clocks
- 3.0 GHz
AMD Athlon II X2 250e 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 | 45 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 250e 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 250e is
AMD Athlon II X2 250e is a dual core Regor desktop processor that AMD released in September 2010 for low power towers. It runs at a fixed 3.0 GHz with no turbo, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 2 MB of L2 in 2 by 1 MB slices with no L3. Power is 45 W on a 45 nm process.
The 250e tops the 45 W e-series on clocks while staying quiet in small cases. Office suites feel quick at 3.0 GHz. It lacks threads for heavy multitasking.
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 250e fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins in µPGA form. AM3 boards with 770, 785G, 870 and 880G chipsets boot Regor directly. No BIOS step is needed.
Low height coolers cover the 45 W load in slim cases. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide notes the shared 48 by 96 mm mount.
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 a low profile 45 W heatsink on the shared mount. Cleaning the fan restores sustained clocks.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the 250e already tops the 45 W e-series, so the next step is a standard 65 W X2 for higher clocks on the same board. Memory and storage carry over. A same clock standard power reference is the Athlon II X2 250 class.
A platform move to DDR4 needs a new board and RAM. Keep the 250e tower for quiet office duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD Athlon II X2 250e use?
It uses Socket AM3 in µPGA form.
How is the Athlon II X2 250e different from the 250?
The 250e runs at 3.0 GHz at 45 W. The standard 250 runs at 3.0 GHz at 65 W.
What memory does the Athlon II X2 250e use?
DDR3 in two channels.
Does the Athlon II X2 250e have Hyper-Threading?
No. Two cores give 2 threads at a fixed 3.0 GHz.
Sources and verification
- Athlon e-series low-power 45W models (Athlon wiki, Regor 250e class, AM3)
- Athlon II X2 245e Specs (TechPowerUp, Regor e-series precedent, 45W)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .