AMD Athlon MP 2600+ socket: Socket 462

What the Athlon MP 2600+ is

The AMD Athlon MP 2600+ is a 2000 MHz single-core server processor from May 2003. It runs one K7 Barton core at 2000 MHz with no turbo, so 1 core gives 1 thread. Cache is 512 KB of L2 on a 130 nm process. Power is rated at 60 W in a Socket 462 package with part number AMSN2600DUT4C on a 266 MT/s front side bus with a 15x multiplier at 1.60 V. The cpu_list 47 W value differs from the table 60 W, and the table value is used here.

MP marks validated multiprocessor operation for two-socket Socket A servers, which separates the 2600+ MP from desktop Barton 2400+ parts at the same 2000 MHz and 512 KB rating. The MP bin uses stricter testing for coherent operation across two sockets with registered DDR slots on server boards. AMD sold it in May 2003 for workgroup servers that needed two cores per chassis before K8 Opteron designs. The chip supports MMX, SSE and Enhanced 3DNow.

Multiprocessor validation explains the premium over desktop parts with matching clocks. A pair of MP 2600+ parts gives two cores with 1 MB of total L2 per chassis, which suited small clusters with shared memory. That is why MP parts cost more than desktop Barton parts at identical frequency.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Athlon MP 2600+ fits Socket 462 dual-processor server boards with DDR memory and Barton MP BIOS support. It needs a two-socket board with MP power delivery and registered slots. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.

Two-socket workgroup servers with AMD 760MPX chipsets are the natural match. Boards listing MP 2600+ accept the chip with matched 60 W cooling per socket. Desktop Barton boards with uniprocessor-only tables may seat the chip yet miss multiprocessor paths.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory is DDR through the board chipset, with registered modules per server board design. Each CPU needs DIMMs for balanced dual operation. The CPU has no memory controller.

A 266 MT/s front side bus ties the CPUs to the server chipset in a shared bus layout, while PCI slots hang off the chipset. No PCIe lanes originate on the die. Cooling uses matched 60 W server heatsinks per socket with strong chassis airflow. Both sockets need equal service.

Upgrade paths

On Socket 462 the MP steps include the MP 2800+ at 2133 MHz for two-socket boards where listed. Desktop Barton 2500+ parts offer similar clocks in towers without MP validation. Beyond Socket 462 a move to Socket 940 needs new boards with Opteron parts. The MP 2600+ lifts with the lever, so swaps need no solder work.