AMD Athlon II X4 635 socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Athlon II X4 635 uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 95 W quad core Propus desktop part at 2.9 GHz with no L3 cache for budget towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- January 2010
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 4
- Default TDP
- 95 W
- Codename
- Propus
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Athlon II X4
- Clocks
- 2.9 GHz
AMD Athlon II X4 635 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Propus cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.9 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 2 MB L2 (4 × 512 KB), no L3 |
| Default TDP | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2-1066 and 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 X4 635 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 X4 635 is
The AMD Athlon II X4 635 is a quad core Propus desktop processor that AMD released in January 2010 for budget towers. It runs four K10 cores at 2.9 GHz with no turbo, so 4 cores give 4 threads. Each core carries 512 KB of L2 cache for 2 MB in total, and there is no L3 cache. Power is rated at 95 W on a 45 nm process with a 938-pin package.
The 635 sits in the middle of the standard Propus range, 100 MHz above the 630 and 100 MHz below the 640. At 2.9 GHz it handles office suites, media playback and light encoding with ease. Against Phenom II quads at similar clocks it trails in games because the 6 MB L3 cache is absent, but it matches them in many threaded office tasks where cache matters less.
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 through the on chip controller.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Athlon II X4 635 fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins. All 7 series and 8 series boards boot Propus directly. No BIOS step is needed on boards sold from 2010 onward.
AM3 chips also fit AM3+ boards, while AM3+ chips never fit AM3. The 635 also boots on Socket AM2+ boards with DDR2 after a BIOS update. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the AMD Athlon II X3 455 page shows the triple core alternative.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR2 up to PC2-8500 and DDR3 up to PC3-10600 in two channels. A matched 2 by 2 GB DDR3-1333 kit suits most 635 towers.
HyperTransport 3.0 links the CPU to the chipset at 2.0 GHz. PCIe slots hang off the chipset with Gen 2 speeds. A single x16 slot carries period graphics cards.
Cooling is the stock 95 W heatsink on the 48 × 96 mm mount. Retail boxes shipped with a sink rated for 95 W.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the direct upgrade is the 645 at 3.1 GHz, which adds 200 MHz on the same board and cooler. A Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition adds L3 cache and an unlocked multiplier at 125 W.
A move beyond AM3 needs a new board and memory. DDR3 carries to AM3+ with FX parts, while DDR4 platforms need new modules.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Athlon II X4 635 use?
Socket AM3, the 938-pin package on 941-contact boards. It also boots on AM2+ DDR2 boards after a BIOS update and on AM3+ boards.
How many cores does the Athlon II X4 635 have?
Four cores and four threads at 2.9 GHz with 512 KB of L2 per core and no L3 cache.
What memory works with the Athlon II X4 635?
DDR2 up to DDR2-1066 and DDR3 up to DDR3-1333 in two channels.
Can the Athlon II X4 635 be overclocked?
Only through the reference clock, because the multiplier is locked.
Sources and verification
- List of AMD Athlon II processors (Wikipedia)
- AMD Athlon II X4 635 Specs (Newegg)
- Socket AM3 (Wikipedia)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .