AMD Opteron X2 270 socket: Socket 940

What the Opteron X2 270 is

The AMD Opteron X2 270 is a 2 GHz dual-core server processor from May 2005. It runs two K8 cores at 2 GHz with no turbo, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 1 MB of L2 per core on a 90 nm process. Power is rated at 95 W on Socket 940.

The 270 served mainstream Italy servers with registered DDR memory on a 1000 MT/s HyperTransport link at about 1051 dollars launch price. It exists because dual-processor buyers wanted 2 GHz dual core throughput with the full cache.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The X2 270 fits Socket 940 dual-processor server boards with a BIOS that lists Italy parts. It suits mainstream racks qualified for 95 W parts with registered DDR slots. Check the server maker CPU list for the exact board and stepping. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory is registered DDR in two channels through the on-chip controller.

HyperTransport at 1000 MT/s links the CPU to the chipset and other sockets. PCIe slots hang off the chipset.

Cooling uses vendor qualified server heatsinks for the 95 W envelope with directed airflow.

Upgrade paths

On Socket 940 the upgrade is the Opteron X2 275 at 2.2 GHz with the same 2 MB cache, or the AMD Opteron X2 270 HE at 2 GHz for 55 W operation. Beyond Socket 940 a move to Socket F needs new boards and DDR2 memory.