AMD Athlon II X3 440 socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Athlon II X3 440 uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 95 W triple core Rana desktop part at 3.0 GHz for budget towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- January 2010
- Cores and threads
- 3 and 3
- Default TDP
- 95 W
- Codename
- Rana
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Athlon II X3
- Clocks
- 3.0 GHz
AMD Athlon II X3 440 specifications
| Cores | 3 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 3 |
| Core architecture | Rana cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 3.0 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 1.5 MB L2 (3 × 512 KB), no L3 |
| Default TDP | 95 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 440 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 440 is
AMD Athlon II X3 440 is a triple core Rana desktop processor that AMD released in January 2010 for budget towers. It runs at a fixed 3.0 GHz with no turbo, so 3 cores give 3 threads. Cache is 3 by 512 KB of L2 with no L3. Power is 95 W on a 45 nm process.
The 440 adds 100 MHz over the 435 for a small speed lift at the same price band. Reviews noted worthwhile budget performance in PCMark and Cinebench. It lacks threads for heavy multitasking.
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 440 fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins in µPGA form. All 7 series and 8 series boards boot Rana directly. No BIOS step is needed.
AM3 chips also fit AM3+ boards, while AM3+ Bulldozer chips never fit AM3. 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 440 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 95 W heatsink on the 48 by 96 mm mount. A clean fan holds the fixed 3.0 GHz behavior.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the 440 can move to the 445 or 450 for higher clocks on the same board. Memory and storage carry over. A same socket low power reference is the 420e class at 45 W.
A platform move to DDR4 needs a new board and RAM. Keep the 440 tower for home duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD Athlon II X3 440 use?
It uses Socket AM3 in µPGA form.
Does the Athlon II X3 440 have Hyper-Threading?
No. Three cores give 3 threads at a fixed 3.0 GHz.
What memory does the Athlon II X3 440 use?
DDR3 in two channels.
Is the Athlon II X3 440 unlocked?
No. The multiplier is locked.
Sources and verification
- AMD Athlon 2 X3 440 Specs (TechSpot, 3 cores, 3.0 GHz, 95W, Jan 2010, AM3)
- Athlon II X3 440 3.0 GHz Jan 2010 (Technical City, Rana, 95W, AM3)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .