AMD Sempron 2600+ socket: Socket 462

What the Sempron 2600+ is

The AMD Sempron 2600+ is a 1833 MHz single-core desktop processor from July 2004. It runs one K7 core at 1833 MHz with no turbo, so 1 core gives 1 thread. Cache is 256 KB of L2 with full speed operation, plus 64 KB of L1 instruction and 64 KB of L1 data cache on a 130 nm process. Power is rated at 62 W in a Socket 462 package.

The 2600+ closes the Thoroughbred-B desktop range that starts at the 1500 MHz 2200+, carrying part number SDA2600DUT3D. It uses a 333 MT/s front side bus from a 166 MHz clock with an 11x multiplier at 1.60 V. AMD kept cache, voltage and power flat across the 2200+ to 2800+ span, so clock alone separates the ratings. The part supports MMX, SSE and Enhanced 3DNow.

Thorton and later Palermo names reuse the 2600+ number on different bases, which is why registry checks show near neighbours on other sockets. A Thorton Sempron 2600+ shares the 1833 MHz and 62 W rating with a different part number from July to August 2004, while a Palermo Sempron 2600+ moves the same number to Socket 754 at 1600 MHz. This page covers only the Socket 462 Thoroughbred-B SDA2600DUT3D, since socket decides board fit.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Sempron 2600+ fits Socket 462 DDR boards with 333 MT/s support and Thoroughbred BIOS coverage. It needs DDR slots and 1.60 V delivery, not a Socket AM2 board with DDR2 slots. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.

A VIA or nForce2 DDR board that lists the 2600+ is the natural match. Boards that run slower Thoroughbred Sempron parts at 62 W normally accept the 2600+ without a cooler change, because power stays level while only the multiplier rises. Early 200 MT/s boards with SDRAM need a full chipset and BIOS check before fitting any 333 MT/s part. Package force into the wrong socket risks cracked die or bent pins.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory is DDR through the board chipset in a single channel. Module speed follows the 333 MT/s bus, with the board setting the number of DIMM sockets and the ceiling capacity. The processor has no integrated controller, so chipset quality decides stability at full bus speed.

Graphics and expansion live on the chipset. The front side bus at 333 MT/s connects the CPU to the northbridge, while AGP 4x carries graphics and PCI carries add in cards. No PCIe lanes come from the die. Cooling uses the socket lug clip with centered pressure on the exposed core. A 62 W rated heatsink with a flat 46 mm by 46 mm contact area and fresh interface material suits office towers. Heavier coolers above 300 grams risk die damage when the case moves.

Upgrade paths

On Socket 462 the top Thoroughbred-B step is the Sempron 2800+ at 2000 MHz with the same 256 KB cache and 62 W envelope. A Barton Sempron 3000+ at 2000 MHz with 512 KB doubles the cache on boards with Barton support. Athlon XP Barton parts such as the 2500+ at 1833 MHz with 512 KB offer an alternative with more cache at similar clocks. Beyond Socket 462 a move to Socket 754 needs a new board, with Palermo Sempron 2600+ at 1600 MHz as the similarly numbered successor on a different socket. The 2600+ pulls with the lever, so Socket 462 upgrades need no solder work.