AMD Opteron 248 socket: Socket 940

What the Opteron 248 is

The AMD Opteron 248 is a 2.2 GHz single-core server processor from May 2004. It runs one K8 core at 2.2 GHz with no turbo, so 1 core gives 1 thread. Cache is 1 MB of L2 on a 130 nm process. Power is rated at 89 W in a Socket 940 package with part number OSA248CEP5AU in the CG stepping.

The 248 moves the 200 series into the 89 W class above the 82 W 240 to 244 span, using a 200 MHz clock with an 11x multiplier at 1.50 V and an 800 MHz HyperTransport link. AMD listed it at 690 dollars in May 2004, down from 913 dollars for the C0 revision in November 2003. The chip supports MMX, SSE, SSE2, Enhanced 3DNow, NX bit and AMD64 with registered PC3200 DDR. A Troy 248 on 90 nm reuses the number with 85 W power and SSE3, so codename must be checked. This page covers the SledgeHammer CG part.

Higher clocks with a modest power lift suited compute nodes. The 2.2 GHz core with 1 MB cache gave two-socket servers four threads of throughput at 178 W of CPU power per chassis, which fit rack power budgets better than faster 250 parts at the same 89 W.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Opteron 248 SledgeHammer fits Socket 940 dual-processor boards with registered DDR and SledgeHammer BIOS support. It needs a two-socket board qualified for 89 W parts. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.

Two-socket compute servers are the natural match. Boards listing 200 series SledgeHammer parts at 89 W accept the 248 with matched heatsinks. Troy 248 parts at 85 W need Troy tables and SSE3 BIOS paths, so generation must be confirmed before swapping.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory is registered DDR with ECC per socket, reaching PC3200. Even DIMM populations across CPUs give full bandwidth. Only server modules boot.

HyperTransport at 800 MHz links the CPUs and the chipset, while expansion hangs off the chipset. No PCIe lanes originate on the die. Cooling uses 89 W qualified heatsinks per socket with strong rack airflow. Both sockets need clean vents and fresh paste for sustained dual operation. DDR2 needs Socket F.

Upgrade paths

On Socket 940 the step is the Opteron 250 at 2.4 GHz at the same 89 W for two-socket boards. Troy 248 offers a 90 nm SSE3 alternative where listed. Beyond Socket 940 a move to Socket F needs DDR2 boards. The 248 lifts with the lever, so swaps need no solder work.