AMD Opteron 146 socket: Socket 940

What the Opteron 146 is

The AMD Opteron 146 is a 2 GHz single-core server processor from August 2005. It runs one K8 core at 2 GHz with no turbo, so 1 core gives 1 thread. Cache is 1 MB of L2 on a 90 nm process. Power is rated at 67 W on Socket 940.

The Socket 940 146 served single-processor Venus servers with registered DDR memory on a 1000 MT/s HyperTransport link. It exists because entry servers wanted a 2 GHz Venus single core with registered memory support. Note that Socket 939 Venus parts share the 146 number with unbuffered memory and need different boards.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The 146 fits Socket 940 single-processor server boards with a BIOS that lists Venus parts. It suits entry racks with registered DDR slots. Check the server maker CPU list for the exact board and stepping. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory is registered DDR in two channels through the on-chip controller.

HyperTransport at 1000 MT/s links the CPU to the chipset. PCIe slots hang off the chipset.

Cooling uses vendor qualified server heatsinks for the 67 W envelope with directed airflow.

Upgrade paths

On Socket 940 the upgrade is the Opteron 148 at 2.2 GHz with the same 1 MB cache, or higher Venus bins on the same board. Beyond Socket 940 a move to Socket F needs new boards and DDR2 memory.