AMD Athlon XP 2600+ socket: Socket 462

What the Athlon XP 2600+ is

The AMD Athlon XP 2600+ is a 2133 MHz single-core desktop processor from September 2003. It runs one K7 Thorton core at 2133 MHz with no turbo, so 1 core gives 1 thread. Cache is 256 KB of L2 on a 130 nm process. Power is rated at 68.3 W in a Socket 462 package with part number AXDC2600DKV3C on a 266 MT/s bus with a 16x multiplier at 1.65 V. A second cpu_list row gives a 2083 MHz variant with part number AXDC2600DKV3D on a 333 MT/s bus with a 12.5x multiplier at the same 68.3 W, and one page covers both rows since the slug matches.

Two bus versions share one model number, which is common on late K7 parts. The 2133 MHz variant uses a 266 MT/s bus with a 16x multiplier, while the 2083 MHz variant uses a 333 MT/s bus with a 12.5x multiplier. Both carry 256 KB of L2 and 68.3 W power, so bus and multiplier separate otherwise identical ratings. The chip supports MMX, SSE and Enhanced 3DNow. Barton 2600+ parts at 1917 MHz with 512 KB offer a cache alternative at lower clocks, so cache must be checked alongside frequency.

Model number alone does not identify the bus. A board with only 266 MT/s support runs the 2133 MHz variant at full speed but downclocks the 333 MT/s variant without proper chipset paths. That is why the exact part number with DKV3C against DKV3D decides the expected bus before fitting the chip.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Athlon XP 2600+ Thorton fits Socket 462 DDR boards with a BIOS that lists Thorton 2600+ parts in both 266 MT/s and 333 MT/s versions. It needs DDR slots and Model 10 microcode with 1.65 V handling. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.

Mainstream DDR towers with 333 MT/s chipsets cover both variants, since a 333 MT/s board normally runs 266 MT/s parts at full speed with the right BIOS. Boards limited to 266 MT/s need a check before fitting the 2083 MHz 333 MT/s variant. Forcing the chip into Socket 754 can damage pins.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory is DDR through the board chipset in a single channel. Module speed follows the bus of the fitted variant, with 333 MT/s boards covering both versions. The CPU has no memory controller.

Front side bus operation depends on the variant, at 266 MT/s for the 2133 MHz part and 333 MT/s for the 2083 MHz part, while AGP and PCI hang off the chipset in both cases. No PCIe lanes originate on the die. Cooling uses the socket lug clip with a 68.3 W heatsink. Both variants share the same thermal class, so one cooler type suits the model number.

Upgrade paths

On Socket 462 the nearby steps are the Athlon XP 2400+ Thorton at 2000 MHz below and the 3100+ Thorton at 2200 MHz on a 400 MT/s bus above. Barton 2600+ parts at 1917 MHz with 512 KB offer more cache at lower clocks where listed. Beyond Socket 462 a move to Socket 754 needs a new board. The 2600+ lifts with the lever, so swaps need no solder work.