AMD Phenom X3 8650 socket: Socket AM2+

The AMD Phenom X3 8650 uses the Socket AM2+ socket. It is a 95 W triple-core Toliman part at 2.3 GHz with 3x512 KB of L2 plus 2 MB of shared L3, on the fixed B3 stepping.

Launched
April 2008
Cores and threads
3 and 3
Default TDP
95 W
Codename
Toliman
Segment
Desktop
Clocks
2.3 GHz

AMD Phenom X3 8650 specifications

Cores3
Threads3
Core architectureToliman cores on 65 nm
Clocks2.3 GHz (no turbo)
Cache3x512 KB L2 plus 2 MB shared L3
Default TDP95 W
Manufacturing process65 nm
Memory supportDDR2-800 and DDR2-1066, two channels
HyperTransport1.8 GHz
PCI ExpressPCIe from the board chipset
Integrated graphicsNone (board video where fitted)
MultiplierLocked
PackageSocket AM2+ (940 pins)
Core voltage1.20 to 1.25 V

Motherboard and chipset compatibility

AMD Phenom X3 8650 needs a motherboard with a Socket AM2+ socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.

SeriesChipsetsSupport
700 series790FX, 790X, 770Works 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 AM2+.

Socket AM2+ at a glance

TypePGA, 940 contacts
Package size40 × 40 mm
IntroducedNovember 2007
MemoryDDR2 up to PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066), two channels
Cooler mounting holes48 × 96 mm

Read the full Socket AM2+ socket guide

What the Phenom X3 8650 is

The AMD Phenom X3 8650 is a 2.3 GHz triple core from April 23, 2008. It runs three K10 cores at 2.3 GHz with no turbo, so 3 cores give 3 threads. Cache is 512 KB of L2 per core under a shared 2 MB L3 on a 65 nm process. Power is rated at 95 W on Socket AM2+.

The 8650 is built on the fixed B3 stepping, part HD8650WCJ3BGH at 1.20 to 1.25 V, with no TLB erratum. Its HyperTransport link runs at 1.8 GHz. It exists because AMD replaced the B2 launch triples with 50-series B3 parts at the same ratings, keeping price and power while fixing the bug.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The 8650 needs a Socket AM2+ board with DDR2 memory and a BIOS that recognizes B3 Toliman parts. Most AM2+ boards support it after a BIOS refresh. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory is DDR2-800 and DDR2-1066 in two channels.

HyperTransport 3.0 at 1.8 GHz links the CPU to the chipset. PCIe slots hang off the chipset.

Cooling should be rated for 95 W on the 48 x 96 mm mount, with Cool'n'Quiet trimming clocks and voltage at idle.

Upgrade paths

On Socket AM2+ the upgrade is the AMD Phenom X3 8750 at 2.4 GHz on the same fixed stepping, or the AMD Phenom X3 8850 at 2.5 GHz for the fastest stock triple. The AMD Phenom X3 8600 is the same speed on the older B2 stepping for collectors.

Frequently asked questions

What socket does the Phenom X3 8650 use?

Socket AM2+, the 940-pin package on DDR2 boards with HyperTransport 3.0.

How many cores does the Phenom X3 8650 have?

Three cores and 3 threads at 2.3 GHz with 512 KB of L2 per core plus 2 MB of shared L3.

What is the difference between the Phenom X3 8650 and 8600?

The 8650 is a B3 stepping without the TLB erratum that affects the B2-based 8600.

Sources and verification

  1. List of AMD Phenom processors (Wikipedia)
  2. Phenom X3 8650 benchmarks and report (SYSBUILDS)

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