AMD Athlon II X3 445 socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Athlon II X3 445 uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 95 W triple core Rana desktop part at 3.1 GHz for budget towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- May 2010
- Cores and threads
- 3 and 3
- Default TDP
- 95 W
- Codename
- Rana
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Athlon II X3
- Clocks
- 3.1 GHz
AMD Athlon II X3 445 specifications
| Cores | 3 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 3 |
| Core architecture | Rana cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 3.1 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 1.5 MB L2 (3 × 512 KB), no L3 |
| Default TDP | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1333, 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 445 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 445 is
AMD Athlon II X3 445 is a triple core Rana desktop processor that AMD released in May 2010 for budget towers. It runs at a fixed 3.1 GHz with no turbo, so 3 cores give 3 threads. Cache is 512 KB of L2 per core with no L3. Power is 95 W on a 45 nm process with 300 million transistors on a 169 mm2 die.
The 445 adds 100 MHz over the 440 for a small speed lift. It anchored many well equipped home PCs of 2010 with balanced cost and speed. The 2 MB of L2 keeps everyday data close.
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 X3 445 fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins in µPGA form. All 7 series and 8 series boards boot Rana directly. No BIOS step is needed.
AM3 chips also fit AM3+ boards. Check the board CPU list before moving the chip.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1333, two channels, with up to 21.3 GB/s of bandwidth. A matched pair helps everyday speed. 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 95 W heatsink on the 48 by 96 mm mount. Replacement coolers for this pattern remain easy to find.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the 445 can move to the 450 for 100 MHz more on the same board. Memory and storage carry over. A same socket reference at lower clocks is AMD Athlon II X3 440.
A platform move to DDR4 needs a new board and RAM. Keep the 445 tower for home duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD Athlon II X3 445 use?
It uses Socket AM3 in µPGA form.
How is the Athlon II X3 445 different from the 440?
The 445 runs at 3.1 GHz. The 440 runs at 3.0 GHz. Other specs match.
What memory does the Athlon II X3 445 use?
DDR3-1333 in two channels.
Does the Athlon II X3 445 have Hyper-Threading?
No. Three cores give 3 threads at a fixed 3.1 GHz.
Sources and verification
- AMD Athlon II X3 445 Specs (TechPowerUp, 3 cores, 3.1 GHz, Rana, May 2010, AM3)
- Athlon II X3 445 3.1 GHz Rana (CPU-Monkey, 95W, DDR3-1333, AM3)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .