AMD Athlon X2 7550 socket: Socket AM2+
The AMD Athlon X2 7550 uses the Socket AM2+ socket. It is a 95 W dual-core Kuma part at 2.5 GHz with 2x512 KB of L2 plus 2 MB of shared L3 for mainstream desktops.
- Socket
- Socket AM2+
- Launched
- December 2008
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Default TDP
- 95 W
- Codename
- Kuma
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Athlon X2
- Clocks
- 2.5 GHz
AMD Athlon X2 7550 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Kuma cores on 65 nm |
| Clocks | 2.5 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 2x512 KB L2 plus 2 MB shared L3 |
| Default TDP | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 65 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2-800 and DDR2-1066, two channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe from the board chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (board video where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | Socket AM2+ (940 pins) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD Athlon X2 7550 needs a motherboard with a Socket AM2+ socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 700 series | 790FX, 790X, 770 | 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 AM2+.
Socket AM2+ at a glance
| Type | PGA, 940 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 40 × 40 mm |
| Introduced | November 2007 |
| Memory | DDR2 up to PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066), two channels |
| Cooler mounting holes | 48 × 96 mm |
What the Athlon X2 7550 is
The AMD Athlon X2 7550 is a 2.5 GHz Kuma dual core from December 2008. It runs two K10 cores at 2.5 GHz with no turbo, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 512 KB of L2 per core under a shared 2 MB L3 on a 65 nm process. Power is rated at 95 W on Socket AM2+.
Kuma is a K10 Agena quad with two cores disabled. The 7550 exists because AMD refreshed the Athlon X2 line on the K10 architecture in December 2008, slotting a mid-range dual core between the 7450 and the 7750 Black Edition.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 7550 needs a Socket AM2+ board with DDR2 memory and a BIOS that recognizes late-2008 Kuma steppings. Most AM2+ boards support it after a BIOS refresh. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR2-800 and DDR2-1066 in two channels.
HyperTransport 3.0 at 1800 MHz links the CPU to the chipset. PCIe slots hang off the chipset.
Cooling is any 95 W rated heatsink on the 48 x 96 mm mount, with Cool'n'Quiet trimming clocks and voltage at idle.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM2+ the upgrade is the AMD Athlon X2 7750 BE unlocked at 2.7 GHz for the fastest tunable dual core, or the AMD Athlon X2 7450 at 2.4 GHz for a slightly cheaper refresh part. The AMD Athlon X2 7850 BE at 2.8 GHz is the fastest Kuma where board support allows.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Athlon X2 7550 use?
Socket AM2+, the 940-pin package on DDR2 boards with HyperTransport 3.0.
How many cores does the Athlon X2 7550 have?
Two cores and 2 threads at 2.5 GHz with 512 KB of L2 per core plus 2 MB of shared L3.
What memory works with the Athlon X2 7550?
DDR2-800 and DDR2-1066 in two channels.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .