AMD Athlon II X3 450 socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Athlon II X3 450 uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 95 W triple core Rana desktop part at 3.2 GHz for budget towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- September 2010
- Cores and threads
- 3 and 3
- Default TDP
- 95 W
- Codename
- Rana
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Athlon II X3
- Clocks
- 3.2 GHz
AMD Athlon II X3 450 specifications
| Cores | 3 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 3 |
| Core architecture | Rana cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 3.2 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 1.5 MB L2 (3 × 512 KB), no L3 |
| Default TDP | 95 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 X3 450 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 450 is
AMD Athlon II X3 450 is a triple core Rana desktop processor that AMD released in September 2010 for budget towers. It runs at a fixed 3.2 GHz with no turbo, so 3 cores give 3 threads. Cache is 3 by 512 KB of L2 with no L3. Power is 95 W on a 45 nm process.
The 450 adds 100 MHz over the 445 at the top of the Rana triple range. Office suites feel quick at 3.2 GHz. It still trails quad parts in threaded work.
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 450 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, 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, two channels. A matched 2 by 2 GB kit suits most 450 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 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 450 already tops the Rana triple range, so the next step is an Athlon II X4 for a fourth core on the same board. Memory and storage carry over. A same socket reference at lower clocks is AMD Athlon II X3 445.
A platform move to DDR4 needs a new board and RAM. Keep the 450 tower for home duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD Athlon II X3 450 use?
It uses Socket AM3 in µPGA form.
How is the Athlon II X3 450 different from the 445?
The 450 runs at 3.2 GHz. The 445 runs at 3.1 GHz. Other specs match.
What memory does the Athlon II X3 450 use?
DDR3 in two channels.
Does the Athlon II X3 450 have Hyper-Threading?
No. Three cores give 3 threads at a fixed 3.2 GHz.
Sources and verification
- AMD Athlon II X3 450 3.2 GHz 95W (PassMark, 3 cores, AM3)
- Rana triple-core family (Athlon wiki, 95W class, AM3, no L3)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .