AMD Athlon II X3 420e socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Athlon II X3 420e uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 45 W triple core Rana desktop part at 2.6 GHz for low power towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- September 2010
- Cores and threads
- 3 and 3
- Default TDP
- 45 W
- Codename
- Rana
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Athlon II X3
- Clocks
- 2.6 GHz
AMD Athlon II X3 420e specifications
| Cores | 3 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 3 |
| Core architecture | Rana cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.6 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 1.5 MB L2 (3 × 512 KB), no L3 |
| Default TDP | 45 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 X3 420e 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 X3 420e is
AMD Athlon II X3 420e is a triple core Rana desktop processor that AMD released in September 2010 for low power towers. It runs at a fixed 2.6 GHz with no turbo, so 3 cores give 3 threads. Cache is 512 KB of L2 per core with no L3. Power is 45 W on a 45 nm process.
The 100 MHz lift over the 415e trims waits in office apps. It fits fanless leaning office boxes and school labs where heat matters. Daily office suites run without lag.
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 X3 420e fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins in µPGA form. AM3 boards with 770, 785G, 870 and 880G chipsets boot Rana directly. The e-series runs on the same boards as standard parts.
Low height coolers cover the 45 W load in slim cases. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide notes the shared 48 by 96 mm mount.
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 45 W heatsink on the shared mount. Cleaning the fan restores sustained clocks.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the 420e already tops the 45 W triple range, so the next step is a standard 95 W X3 for higher clocks on the same board. Memory and storage carry over. A same socket reference at lower clocks is the 415e class.
A platform move to DDR4 needs a new board and RAM. Keep the 420e tower for classroom duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD Athlon II X3 420e use?
It uses Socket AM3 in µPGA form.
How is the Athlon II X3 420e different from the 415e?
The 420e runs at 2.6 GHz at 45 W. The 415e runs at 2.5 GHz at 45 W.
What memory does the Athlon II X3 420e use?
DDR3 in two channels.
Does the Athlon II X3 420e have Hyper-Threading?
No. Three cores give 3 threads at a fixed 2.6 GHz.
Sources and verification
- AMD Athlon II X3 420e Specs (TechPowerUp, 3 cores, 2.6 GHz, Sep 2010, AM3)
- Rana triple-core family (Athlon wiki, 45W e-series, AM3, no L3)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .