AMD Athlon II X2 255 socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Athlon II X2 255 uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 65 W dual core Regor desktop part at 3.1 GHz for budget towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- January 2010
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Default TDP
- 65 W
- Codename
- Regor
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Athlon II X2
- Clocks
- 3.1 GHz
AMD Athlon II X2 255 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Regor cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 3.1 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 2 MB L2 (2 × 1 MB), no L3 |
| Default TDP | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1333, two channels, up to 32 GB |
| 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 255 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 255 is
AMD Athlon II X2 255 is a dual core Regor desktop processor that AMD released in January 2010 for budget towers. It runs at a fixed 3.1 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 65 W on a 45 nm process.
The 255 became a common office choice because the price stayed near $60 while speed stayed strong. Reviews noted price and performance balance with DDR3 support. Office suites feel direct at 3.1 GHz.
There is no integrated graphics on this die. AM3 boards with 7 and 8 series chipsets provide board video where fitted. Memory is DDR3 at up to 1333 MT/s in two channels.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Athlon II X2 255 fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins in µPGA form. All 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. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1333, two channels, up to 32 GB. A matched 2 by 2 GB kit suits most 255 towers. 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 boxed 65 W heatsink on the 48 by 96 mm mount. Retail stock includes the cooler.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the 255 can move to the 260 or 265 for 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 255 tower for office duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD Athlon II X2 255 use?
It uses Socket AM3 in µPGA form.
Does the Athlon II X2 255 have Hyper-Threading?
No. Two cores give 2 threads at a fixed 3.1 GHz.
What memory does the Athlon II X2 255 use?
DDR3-1333 in two channels, up to 32 GB.
Does the Athlon II X2 255 include a cooler?
Yes, retail stock includes a boxed cooler.
Sources and verification
- AMD Athlon 2 X2 255 Specs (TechSpot, 3.1 GHz, 2x1MB, 65W, Jan 2010, AM3)
- Athlon II X2 255 3.1 GHz Jan 2010 (HMC, 65W, DDR3-1333, AM3)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .