AMD Athlon II X2 235e socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Athlon II X2 235e uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 45 W dual core Regor desktop part at 2.7 GHz with 1 MB of L2 per core for efficient towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- October 2009
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Default TDP
- 45 W
- Codename
- Regor
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Athlon II X2
- Clocks
- 2.7 GHz
AMD Athlon II X2 235e specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Regor cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.7 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 2 MB L2 (2 × 1 MB), no L3 |
| Default TDP | 45 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 235e 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 235e is
The AMD Athlon II X2 235e is a dual core Regor desktop processor from October 2009. It runs two K10 cores at 2.7 GHz with no turbo, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Each core carries 1 MB of full speed L2 cache for 2 MB in total, and there is no L3 cache. Power is rated at 45 W on a 45 nm process.
The trailing e marks low power at 45 W against 65 W on standard Regor duals at similar clocks. Against the 240e at 2.8 GHz it trails by 100 MHz at the same 45 W. The large per core L2 offsets the missing L3 in office work.
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 235e fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins. All 7 series and 8 series boards boot Regor 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 links the CPU to the chipset at 2 GHz. PCIe Gen 2 slots hang off the chipset.
Cooling is a 45 W class heatsink on the 48 × 96 mm mount.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the upgrade is the 240e at 2.8 GHz or a standard 65 W dual on the same board. Beyond AM3 a move to AM3+ needs a new board.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Athlon II X2 235e 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 235e have?
Two cores and two threads at 2.7 GHz with 1 MB of L2 per core and no L3 cache.
What memory works with the Athlon II X2 235e?
DDR2 and DDR3 in two channels.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .