AMD Athlon II X3 425 socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Athlon II X3 425 uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 95 W triple core Rana desktop part at 2.7 GHz with no L3 cache for budget towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- October 2009
- Cores and threads
- 3 and 3
- Default TDP
- 95 W
- Codename
- Rana
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Athlon II X3
- Clocks
- 2.7 GHz
AMD Athlon II X3 425 specifications
| Cores | 3 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 3 |
| Core architecture | Rana cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.7 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 1.5 MB L2 (3 × 512 KB), no L3 |
| Default TDP | 95 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 X3 425 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 X3 425 is
The AMD Athlon II X3 425 is a triple core Rana desktop processor from October 2009. It runs three K10 cores at 2.7 GHz with no turbo, so 3 cores give 3 threads. Each core carries 512 KB of L2 cache for 1.5 MB in total, and there is no L3 cache. Power is rated at 95 W on a 45 nm process.
The 425 was a launch Rana triple beside the 435. Against the 435 at 2.9 GHz it trails by 200 MHz at the same 95 W. At 2.7 GHz it handles office suites and media playback on cheap 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 X3 425 fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins. All 7 series and 8 series boards boot Rana 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 X3 450 page shows a faster triple.
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 95 W heatsink on the 48 × 96 mm mount.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the upgrade is the 435 or 440 on the same board. Beyond AM3 a move to AM3+ needs a new board.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Athlon II X3 425 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 X3 425 have?
Three cores and three threads at 2.7 GHz with 512 KB of L2 per core and no L3 cache.
What memory works with the Athlon II X3 425?
DDR2 and DDR3 in two channels.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .