AMD Sempron 180 socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Sempron 180 uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 45 W dual core Regor desktop part at 2.4 GHz for budget towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- September 2010
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Default TDP
- 45 W
- Codename
- Regor
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Sempron
- Clocks
- 2.4 GHz
AMD Sempron 180 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Regor cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.4 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 1 MB L2 (2 × 512 KB), no L3 |
| Default TDP | 45 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3, 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 Sempron 180 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 Sempron 180 is
AMD Sempron 180 is a dual core Regor desktop processor that AMD released in September 2010 for budget towers. It runs at a fixed 2.4 GHz with no turbo, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 2 by 512 KB of L2 with no L3. Power is 45 W on a 45 nm process.
Two cores separate it from single core Sargas parts for basic multitasking. Office suites and browsing run smoothly at 2.4 GHz. The 45 W envelope fits small towers with stock cooling.
There is no integrated graphics on this die. AM3 boards with 7 and 8 series chipsets provide board video where fitted. Memory is DDR3 in two channels.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Sempron 180 fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins in µPGA form. Both 7 series and 8 series boards boot Regor directly. No BIOS step is needed for these dual cores.
AM3 chips also fit AM3+ boards. Check the board CPU list before moving the chip.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3, two channels. A 2 GB to 4 GB pair covers office use. ECC is not supported.
HyperTransport links the CPU to the chipset at 2 GHz. PCIe slots hang off the board chipset rather than the processor.
Cooling is the stock 45 W heatsink on the 48 by 96 mm mount. A clean fan holds the fixed 2.4 GHz behavior.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the Sempron 180 can move to an Athlon II X2 for full 1 MB per core cache on the same board. Memory and storage carry over. A same socket single core reference is AMD Sempron 145.
A platform move to DDR4 needs a new board and RAM. Keep the 180 tower for classroom duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD Sempron 180 use?
It uses Socket AM3 in µPGA form.
Does the Sempron 180 have Hyper-Threading?
No. Two cores give 2 threads at a fixed 2.4 GHz.
What memory does the Sempron 180 use?
DDR3 in two channels.
What is the upgrade path from a Sempron 180?
An Athlon II X2 for full per-core cache on the same board.
Sources and verification
- Regor Sempron 180 2.4 GHz Q3 2010 (Sempron list, 2x512KB, 45W, AM3)
- Regor dual-core design (Athlon wiki, AM3, DDR3-1333, no L3)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .