AMD Athlon X2 7850 BE socket: Socket AM2+
The AMD Athlon X2 7850 Black Edition uses the Socket AM2+ socket. It is a 95 W dual core Kuma desktop part at 2.8 GHz with 2 MB of L3 cache and an unlocked multiplier.
- Socket
- Socket AM2+
- Launched
- April 2009
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Default TDP
- 95 W
- Codename
- Kuma
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Athlon X2
- Clocks
- 2.8 GHz
AMD Athlon X2 7850 BE specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Kuma cores on 65 nm |
| Clocks | 2.8 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 1 MB L2 (2 × 512 KB), 2 MB shared L3 |
| Default TDP | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 65 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2-1066, two channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe Gen 2 from the board chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (board video where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Unlocked (Black Edition) |
| Package | Socket AM2+ (940 pins) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD Athlon X2 7850 BE needs a motherboard with a Socket AM2+ socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 700 series | 790FX, 790X, 770 | 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 AM2+.
Socket AM2+ at a glance
| Type | PGA, 940 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 40 × 40 mm |
| Introduced | November 2007 |
| Memory | DDR2 up to PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066), two channels |
| Cooler mounting holes | 48 × 96 mm |
What the Athlon X2 7850 BE is
The AMD Athlon X2 7850 Black Edition is a dual core Kuma desktop processor that AMD launched on April 28, 2009 at 2.8 GHz. It runs two K10 cores at 2.8 GHz with no turbo, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Each core carries 512 KB of L2 cache for 1 MB in total, backed by 2 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 95 W on a 65 nm B3 process with 450 million transistors and the AD785ZWCJ2BGH part.
Kuma is harvested Agena silicon with two cores active, which brings L3 cache to the Athlon X2 line for the first time. The Black Edition suffix marks an unlocked multiplier at 14x for ratio tuning. Against the 7750 at 2.7 GHz it adds 100 MHz. The task list shows February 2010 while launch tables show April 2009, so this page uses the launch date.
Memory is DDR2-1066 in two channels with HyperTransport 3.0.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Athlon X2 7850 Black Edition fits Socket AM2+ with 940 pins. All 700 series boards boot Kuma directly.
AM2+ chips never fit AM3. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the AMD Phenom II X3 715 BE page shows a triple core on the same socket.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR2-1066 in two channels.
HyperTransport 3.0 links the CPU to the chipset at up to 2.6 GHz. PCIe Gen 2 slots hang off the chipset.
Cooling is the stock 95 W heatsink on the 48 × 96 mm mount. The unlocked multiplier allows ratio tuning.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM2+ the upgrade is a Phenom X4 940 Black Edition with four cores on the same board. Beyond AM2+ a move to AM3 needs a new board for DDR3.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Athlon X2 7850 BE use?
Socket AM2+, the 940-pin package on DDR2 boards.
How many cores does the Athlon X2 7850 BE have?
Two cores and two threads at 2.8 GHz with 512 KB of L2 per core and 2 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Athlon X2 7850 BE?
DDR2-1066 in two channels.
Can the Athlon X2 7850 BE be overclocked?
Yes. Black Edition means the multiplier is unlocked for ratio tuning.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .