AMD Athlon II X2 270u socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Athlon II X2 270u uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 25 W dual core Regor desktop part at 2.0 GHz for ultra low power towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- September 2010
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Default TDP
- 25 W
- Codename
- Regor
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Athlon II X2
- Clocks
- 2.0 GHz
AMD Athlon II X2 270u specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Regor cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.0 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 1 MB L2, no L3 |
| Default TDP | 25 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 270u 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 270u is
AMD Athlon II X2 270u is a dual core Regor desktop processor that AMD released in September 2010 for ultra low power towers. It runs at a fixed 2.0 GHz with no turbo, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 1 MB of L2 with no L3. Power is 25 W on a 45 nm process with 410 million transistors.
The u suffix marks ultra low voltage for fanless leaning boxes and thin clients. Power per socket stays low enough for compact cooling. Office suites run smoothly at 2.0 GHz.
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 270u 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.
Low power boards with small voltage regulators suit the 25 W envelope. Check the board CPU list for u-series support 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 a low profile 25 W heatsink on the 48 by 96 mm mount. Small fans stay quiet at 25 W.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the 270u can move to a 210e or 245e for higher clocks at 45 W on the same board. Memory and storage carry over. A same socket standard power reference is the Athlon II X2 220 class at 65 W.
A platform move to DDR4 needs a new board and RAM. Keep the 270u box for thin client duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD Athlon II X2 270u use?
It uses Socket AM3 in µPGA form.
What does the u suffix mean on the Athlon II X2 270u?
The u suffix marks ultra low voltage at 25 W. Standard parts run at 65 W.
What memory does the Athlon II X2 270u use?
DDR3 in two channels.
Does the Athlon II X2 270u have Hyper-Threading?
No. Two cores give 2 threads at a fixed 2.0 GHz.
Sources and verification
- AMD Athlon II X2 270u Specs (TechPowerUp, 2 cores, 2000 MHz, Sep 2010, AM3)
- Athlon u-series ultra-low voltage models (Athlon wiki, Regor, AM3)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .