AMD Athlon II X2 215 socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Athlon II X2 215 uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 65 W dual core Regor class desktop part at 2.7 GHz with 512 KB of L2 per core for budget towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- October 2009
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Default TDP
- 65 W
- Codename
- Regor
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Athlon II X2
- Clocks
- 2.7 GHz
AMD Athlon II X2 215 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | K10 dual core on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.7 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 1 MB L2 (2 × 512 KB), no L3 |
| Default TDP | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2 and 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 Athlon II X2 215 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 Athlon II X2 215 is
The AMD Athlon II X2 215 is a dual core K10 desktop processor from October 2009 for budget towers. It runs two cores at 2.7 GHz with no turbo, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Each core carries 512 KB of full speed L2 cache for 1 MB in total, and there is no L3 cache. Power is rated at 65 W on a 45 nm process.
The 215 is a cut down Regor with half the usual per core L2, which board tables confirm at 2.7 GHz on Socket AM3 against the 255 with full per core cache. Against the 240 at 2.8 GHz it trails on clocks and cache at the same 65 W. It covered the ultra low end where the 1 MB total still beat Celeron parts on memory speed.
There is no graphics on the die. Board video comes from 7 and 8 series chipsets where fitted.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Athlon II X2 215 fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins. All 7 series and 8 series boards boot Regor class duals directly.
AM3 chips also fit AM3+ boards. It also boots on AM2+ DDR2 boards after a BIOS update. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR2 up to PC2-8500 and DDR3 up to PC3-10600 in two channels.
HyperTransport at 2000 MHz links the CPU to the chipset. PCIe Gen 2 slots hang off the chipset.
Cooling is the stock 65 W heatsink on the 48 × 96 mm mount.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the upgrade is the 240 with full per core L2 on the same board. Beyond AM3 a move to AM3+ needs a new board.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Athlon II X2 215 use?
Socket AM3, the 938-pin package. It also boots on AM2+ DDR2 boards after a BIOS update and on AM3+ boards.
How many cores does the Athlon II X2 215 have?
Two cores and two threads at 2.7 GHz with 512 KB of L2 per core and no L3 cache.
What memory works with the Athlon II X2 215?
DDR2 and DDR3 in two channels.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .