AMD Phenom II X3 720 socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Phenom II X3 720 uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 95 W triple core Heka desktop part at 2.8 GHz with 6 MB of L3 cache.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- January 2010
- Cores and threads
- 3 and 3
- Default TDP
- 95 W
- Codename
- Heka
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Phenom II X3
- Clocks
- 2.8 GHz
AMD Phenom II X3 720 specifications
| Cores | 3 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 3 |
| Core architecture | Heka cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.8 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 1.5 MB L2 (3 × 512 KB), 6 MB shared L3 |
| Default TDP | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2-1066 and DDR3-1333, two channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 from the board chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (board video where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | Socket AM3 (µPGA, 938 pins) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD Phenom II X3 720 needs a motherboard with a Socket AM3 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 7 and 8 series | 7-Series, 8-Series | 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 AM3.
Socket AM3 at a glance
| Type | PGA, 941 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 40 × 40 mm |
| Introduced | February 2009 |
| Memory | DDR2 up to PC2-8500 and DDR3 up to PC3-10600 |
| Cooler mounting holes | 48 × 96 mm |
What the Phenom II X3 720 is
The AMD Phenom II X3 720 is a triple core Heka desktop processor from January 2010 for budget performance towers. It runs three K10 cores at 2.8 GHz with no turbo, so 3 cores give 3 threads. Each core carries 512 KB of L2 cache for 1.5 MB in total, backed by 6 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 95 W on a 45 nm process with a 938-pin package.
The plain 720 matches the 715 Black Edition and the 720 Black Edition on clocks at 2.8 GHz. The difference is the locked multiplier on this plain version, which limits tuning to the reference clock. Against the 710 at 2.6 GHz it leads by 200 MHz. Against the B77 at 3.2 GHz it trails by 400 MHz in single threaded work at the same power.
There is no integrated graphics on this die. AM3 boards with 7 and 8 series chipsets provide board video where fitted. Memory runs in two channels through the on chip controller.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Phenom II X3 720 fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins. All 7 series and 8 series boards boot Heka directly. Boards sold from 2009 onward usually list the model, while very early firmware may show a generic string until updated.
AM3 chips also fit AM3+ boards, while AM3+ chips never fit AM3. The 720 also boots on Socket AM2+ boards with DDR2 after a BIOS update. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the AMD Phenom II X3 B77 page shows the faster 3.2 GHz triple for comparison.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR2 up to PC2-8500 and DDR3 up to PC3-10600 in two channels. A matched 2 by 2 GB DDR3-1333 kit suits most 720 towers. ECC UDIMMs work where the board wires them.
HyperTransport 3.0 links the CPU to the chipset at 2.0 GHz. PCIe slots hang off the chipset with Gen 2 speeds. A single x16 slot carries period graphics cards.
Cooling is the stock 95 W heatsink on the 48 × 96 mm mount. Retail boxes shipped with a sink rated for 95 W.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the direct upgrade is a faster Heka triple such as the B77 at 3.2 GHz, or a Deneb quad such as the Phenom II X4 925 at 2.8 GHz which adds a fourth core at the same clock. Both keep the board and cooler class.
A move beyond AM3 needs a new board and memory. DDR3 carries to AM3+ with FX parts, while DDR4 platforms need new modules. Keep the 720 where triple core work suffices, and change platform where rendering pays for more cores.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Phenom II X3 720 use?
Socket AM3, the 938-pin package on 941-contact boards. It also boots on AM2+ DDR2 boards after a BIOS update and on AM3+ boards.
How many cores does the Phenom II X3 720 have?
Three cores and three threads at 2.8 GHz with 512 KB of L2 per core and 6 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Phenom II X3 720?
DDR2 up to DDR2-1066 and DDR3 up to DDR3-1333 in two channels.
Can the Phenom II X3 720 be overclocked?
Only through the reference clock, because the multiplier is locked on this plain version. The 720 Black Edition variant has the unlocked multiplier instead.
Sources and verification
- List of AMD Phenom processors (Wikipedia)
- AMD Phenom II X3 720 Specs (TechPowerUp)
- Socket AM3 (Wikipedia)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .