AMD Athlon II X2 260 socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Athlon II X2 260 uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 65 W dual core Regor desktop part at 3.2 GHz for budget towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- May 2010
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Default TDP
- 65 W
- Codename
- Regor
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Athlon II X2
- Clocks
- 3.2 GHz
AMD Athlon II X2 260 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Regor cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 3.2 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 2 MB L2 (2 × 1 MB), no L3 |
| Default TDP | 65 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 Athlon II X2 260 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 260 is
AMD Athlon II X2 260 is a dual core Regor desktop processor that AMD released in May 2010 for budget towers. It runs at a fixed 3.2 GHz with no turbo, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 1 MB of L2 per core with no L3. Power is 65 W on a 45 nm process with 410 million transistors on a 117 mm2 die.
The 100 MHz lift over the 255 trims response times in office suites and browsing. It is not a gaming chip, but everyday tasks feel direct. Schools bought it for fleet towers with 785G boards.
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 Athlon II X2 260 fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins in µPGA form. All 7 series and 8 series boards boot Regor directly. No BIOS step is needed.
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 matched 2 by 2 GB kit suits most 260 towers. 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 65 W heatsink on the 48 by 96 mm mount. A clean fan holds the fixed 3.2 GHz behavior.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the 260 can move to the 265 for 100 MHz more on the same board. Memory and storage carry over. A same socket reference at lower clocks is AMD Athlon II X2 255.
A platform move to DDR4 needs a new board and RAM. Keep the 260 tower for lab use.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD Athlon II X2 260 use?
It uses Socket AM3 in µPGA form.
How is the Athlon II X2 260 different from the 255?
The 260 runs at 3.2 GHz. The 255 runs at 3.1 GHz. Other specs match.
What memory does the Athlon II X2 260 use?
DDR3 in two channels.
Does the Athlon II X2 260 have Hyper-Threading?
No. Two cores give 2 threads at a fixed 3.2 GHz.
Sources and verification
- AMD Athlon II X2 260 Specs (TechPowerUp, 2 cores, 3.2 GHz, 65W, May 2010, AM3)
- Athlon II X2 260 3.2 GHz May 2010 (HMC, 65W, DDR3-1333, AM3)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .