AMD Athlon II X4 630 socket: Socket AM3

The AMD Athlon II X4 630 uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 95 W quad core Propus desktop part at 2.8 GHz with no L3 cache for budget towers.

Launched
September 2009
Cores and threads
4 and 4
Default TDP
95 W
Codename
Propus
Segment
Desktop
Clocks
2.8 GHz

AMD Athlon II X4 630 specifications

Cores4
Threads4
Core architecturePropus cores on 45 nm
Clocks2.8 GHz (no turbo)
Cache2 MB L2 (4 × 512 KB), no L3
Default TDP95 W
Manufacturing process45 nm
Memory supportDDR2 and DDR3, two channels
PCI ExpressPCIe 2.0 from the board chipset
Integrated graphicsNone (board video where fitted)
MultiplierLocked
PackageSocket AM3 (µPGA, 938 pins)

Motherboard and chipset compatibility

AMD Athlon II X4 630 needs a motherboard with a Socket AM3 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.

SeriesChipsetsSupport
7 and 8 series7-Series, 8-SeriesWorks 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

TypePGA, 941 contacts
Package size40 × 40 mm
IntroducedFebruary 2009
MemoryDDR2 up to PC2-8500 and DDR3 up to PC3-10600
Cooler mounting holes48 × 96 mm

Read the full Socket AM3 socket guide

What the Athlon II X4 630 is

The AMD Athlon II X4 630 is a quad core Propus desktop processor from September 2009. It runs four K10 cores at 2.8 GHz with no turbo, so 4 cores give 4 threads. Each core carries 512 KB of L2 cache for 2 MB in total, and there is no L3 cache. Power is rated at 95 W on a 45 nm process.

The 630 adds 200 MHz over the 620 at the same 95 W. At 2.8 GHz it matches the Phenom II X4 820 on clocks without L3 cache for less money. Four threads cover office multitasking and encoding.

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 X4 630 fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins. All 7 series and 8 series boards boot Propus 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, and the AMD Athlon II X3 450 page shows a triple sibling.

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 the stock 95 W heatsink on the 48 × 96 mm mount.

Upgrade paths

On Socket AM3 the upgrade is the 635 or 640 on the same board. Beyond AM3 a move to AM3+ needs a new board.

Frequently asked questions

What socket does the Athlon II X4 630 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 X4 630 have?

Four cores and four threads at 2.8 GHz with 512 KB of L2 per core and no L3 cache.

What memory works with the Athlon II X4 630?

DDR2 and DDR3 in two channels.

Sources and verification

  1. List of AMD Athlon II processors (Wikipedia)
  2. Athlon II (Wikipedia)

Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .