AMD Opteron X2 285 socket: Socket 940

The AMD Opteron X2 285 uses the Socket 940 socket. It is a 95 W dual-core Italy server part at 2.6 GHz with 1 MB of L2 per core for dual-processor racks.

Launched
March 2006
Cores and threads
2 and 2
Default TDP
95 W
Codename
Italy
Segment
Server
Clocks
2.6 GHz

AMD Opteron X2 285 specifications

Cores2
Threads2
Core architectureItaly cores on 90 nm
Clocks2.6 GHz (no turbo)
Cache2 MB L2 (2x1 MB)
Default TDP95 W
Manufacturing process90 nm
Memory supportRegistered DDR, through the on-chip controller
PCI ExpressPCIe from the board chipset
Integrated graphicsNone
MultiplierLocked
PackageSocket 940 (940-pin OPGA)

Motherboard compatibility

AMD Opteron X2 285 needs a motherboard with a Socket 940 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the Socket 940 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.

Socket 940 at a glance

TypePGA, 940 contacts
Package size40 × 40 mm
Introduced2003
MemoryRegistered DDR, through the on-chip controller
Cooler mounting holesBoard specific (server heatsink)

Read the full Socket 940 socket guide

What the Opteron X2 285 is

The AMD Opteron X2 285 is a 2.6 GHz dual-core server processor from March 2006. It runs two K8 cores at 2.6 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 95 W on Socket 940.

The 285 served performance Italy servers on a 1000 MT/s HyperTransport link at about 1051 dollars launch price. It exists because dual-processor buyers wanted 2.6 GHz throughput with the full cache at the standard 95 W.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The X2 285 fits Socket 940 dual-processor server boards with a BIOS that lists Italy dual cores. It suits performance racks qualified for 95 W parts. 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 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 95 W envelope with directed airflow.

Upgrade paths

On Socket 940 the upgrade is the Opteron X2 290 at 2.8 GHz with the same cache at 95 W, or the AMD Opteron X2 275 HE at 2.2 GHz for 55 W operation. Beyond Socket 940 a move to Socket F needs new boards and DDR2 memory.

Frequently asked questions

What socket does the Opteron X2 285 use?

Socket 940, in dual-processor server boards with Italy support.

How many cores does the Opteron X2 285 have?

Two cores and 2 threads at 2.6 GHz with 1 MB of L2 per core.

What memory works with the Opteron X2 285?

Registered DDR through the on-chip controller.

Sources and verification

  1. List of AMD Opteron processors (Wikipedia)
  2. Socket 940 (Wikipedia)

Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .