AMD Phenom II X3 715 BE socket: Socket AM2+

What the Phenom II X3 715 BE is

The AMD Phenom II X3 715 Black Edition is a triple core Heka desktop processor from 2009 for DDR2 towers. It runs three K10 cores at 2.8 GHz with no turbo, so 3 cores give 3 threads. Each core carries 512 KB of full speed L2 cache for 1.5 MB in total, backed by 6 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 95 W on a 45 nm process with a 940-pin package for Socket AM2+.

The 715 Black Edition matches the 720 on clocks at 2.8 GHz but targets AM2+ DDR2 boards, while the 720 targets AM3 boards with DDR2 and DDR3 controllers. Against the 710 at 2.6 GHz it leads by 200 MHz in games of the period. The unlocked multiplier simplifies tuning because the ratio can be raised without touching the reference clock.

There is no integrated graphics on this die. AM2+ boards with 700 series chipsets provide board video where fitted. Memory is DDR2 only through the on chip controller, up to DDR2-1066 in two channels.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Phenom II X3 715 Black Edition fits Socket AM2+ with 940 pins. All 700 series boards with Phenom II firmware boot Heka directly. Check the board CPU list because OEM boards often lack compatible firmware even when the chipset matches.

AM2+ chips never fit AM3 because they lack a DDR3 controller, and forcing one can damage the board. AM3 versions such as the 720 boot on many AM2+ boards after a BIOS update, but this 715 is the DDR2-only package. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the Socket AM3 page shows the DDR3 side for comparison.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory support is DDR2 up to PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066) in two channels. A matched 2 by 2 GB DDR2-1066 kit suits most 715 towers. DDR3 modules do not fit these boards, so a move to DDR3 means a new AM3 board with an AM3 processor.

HyperTransport 3.0 links the CPU to the chipset at up to 2.6 GHz on AM2+, with 2.0 GHz typical under load. PCIe slots hang off the 700 series chipset with Gen 2 speeds. A single x16 slot carries period graphics cards.

Cooling is the stock 95 W heatsink on the 48 × 96 mm mount shared with AM2, AM3 and AM3+. Retail boxes shipped with a sink rated for 95 W. A tower rated for 95 W with normal case airflow keeps full load temperatures in line.

Upgrade paths

On Socket AM2+ the direct upgrade is a Deneb quad such as the Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition at 3.0 GHz, which keeps the DDR2 board and adds a fourth core with 6 MB of L3 cache at 125 W. Check power delivery before fitting 125 W quads on value 770 boards.

A move to DDR3 or to six cores needs a new board. An AM3 board with DDR3 takes Heka, Deneb, Zosma and Thuban parts, while AM3+ takes FX parts with DDR3. Keep the 715 where a DDR2 tower must stay in service, and change platform where memory bandwidth pays for the move.