AMD Phenom X3 8850 socket: Socket AM2+
The AMD Phenom X3 8850 uses the Socket AM2+ socket. It is a 95 W triple-core Toliman part at 2.5 GHz with 3x512 KB of L2 plus 2 MB of shared L3, the fastest stock triple.
- Socket
- Socket AM2+
- Launched
- October 2008
- Cores and threads
- 3 and 3
- Default TDP
- 95 W
- Codename
- Toliman
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Phenom X3
- Clocks
- 2.5 GHz
AMD Phenom X3 8850 specifications
| Cores | 3 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 3 |
| Core architecture | Toliman cores on 65 nm |
| Clocks | 2.5 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 3x512 KB L2 plus 2 MB shared L3 |
| Default TDP | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 65 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2-800 and DDR2-1066, two channels |
| HyperTransport | 1.8 GHz |
| PCI Express | PCIe from the board chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (board video where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | Socket AM2+ (940 pins) |
| Core voltage | 1.20 to 1.25 V |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD Phenom X3 8850 needs a motherboard with a Socket AM2+ socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 700 series | 790FX, 790X, 770 | 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 AM2+.
Socket AM2+ at a glance
| Type | PGA, 940 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 40 × 40 mm |
| Introduced | November 2007 |
| Memory | DDR2 up to PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066), two channels |
| Cooler mounting holes | 48 × 96 mm |
What the Phenom X3 8850 is
The AMD Phenom X3 8850 is the fastest stock Toliman triple core, a 2.5 GHz part from October 21, 2008. It runs three K10 cores at 2.5 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 8850 is built on the fixed B3 stepping, part HD8850WCJ3BGH at 1.20 to 1.25 V, with no TLB erratum. Its HyperTransport link runs at 1.8 GHz. It exists because AMD stretched the triple-core line to 2.5 GHz late in 2008 for buyers who wanted top triple speed without moving to a 125 W quad.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 8850 needs a Socket AM2+ board with DDR2 memory and a BIOS that recognizes late-2008 Toliman steppings. 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 8850 is the stock triple ceiling, so the moves are the AMD Phenom X3 8750 BE unlocked at 2.4 GHz for tuning, or a quad such as the AMD Phenom X4 9850 (95W) at 2.5 GHz and 95 W. The AMD Phenom X3 8750 at 2.4 GHz is the cheaper locked triple.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Phenom X3 8850 use?
Socket AM2+, the 940-pin package on DDR2 boards with HyperTransport 3.0.
How many cores does the Phenom X3 8850 have?
Three cores and 3 threads at 2.5 GHz with 512 KB of L2 per core plus 2 MB of shared L3.
What memory works with the Phenom X3 8850?
DDR2-800 and DDR2-1066 in two channels.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .