AMD Opteron X2 165 socket: Socket 939

What the Opteron X2 165 is

The AMD Opteron X2 165 is a 1.8 GHz dual-core server processor from August 2005. It runs two K8 cores at 1.8 GHz with no turbo, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 1 MB of L2 per core on a 90 nm process. Power is rated at 110 W on Socket 939.

The 165 opened the Denmark 100 series with unbuffered DDR memory on a 1000 MT/s HyperTransport link at about 417 dollars launch price. It exists because single-processor buyers wanted dual core throughput with the full cache at entry clocks.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The X2 165 fits Socket 939 single-processor server boards with a BIOS that lists Denmark dual cores. It suits entry builds with unbuffered DDR slots. Check the board maker CPU list for the exact stepping. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

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

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

Cooling is any 110 W rated Socket 939 heatsink on the AMD retention frame, with CoolnQuiet trimming draw at idle.

Upgrade paths

On Socket 939 the upgrade is the Opteron X2 175 at 2.2 GHz with the same cache, or higher Denmark bins on the same board. Beyond Socket 939 a move to Socket AM2 or F needs a new board and memory.