AMD Opteron 848 HE socket: Socket 940

What the Opteron 848 HE is

The AMD Opteron 848 HE is a 2.2 GHz low-power single-core server processor from March 2005. It runs one K8 core at 2.2 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 55 W on Socket 940.

The 848 HE served dense Athens multi-socket racks with registered DDR memory on a 1000 MT/s HyperTransport link at about 1165 dollars launch price. It exists because dense servers wanted 2.2 GHz throughput with lower power than standard Athens parts.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The 848 HE fits Socket 940 multi-socket server boards with a BIOS that lists HE Athens parts. It suits dense chassis qualified for 55 W parts 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 and other sockets. PCIe slots hang off the chipset.

Cooling uses vendor qualified server heatsinks for the 55 W envelope with directed airflow.

Upgrade paths

On Socket 940 the upgrade is the Opteron 850 HE at 2.4 GHz at the same 55 W, or the AMD Opteron 846 HE at 2 GHz for a lower cost. Beyond Socket 940 a move to Socket F needs new boards and DDR2 memory.