AMD Phenom II X3 B73 socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Phenom II X3 B73 uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 95 W triple core Heka desktop part at 2.8 GHz with 6 MB of L3 cache for business towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- October 2009
- Cores and threads
- 3 and 3
- Default TDP
- 95 W
- Codename
- Heka
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Phenom II X3
- Clocks
- 2.8 GHz
AMD Phenom II X3 B73 specifications
| Cores | 3 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 3 |
| Core architecture | Heka cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.8 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 1.5 MB L2 (3 × 512 KB), 6 MB shared L3 |
| Default TDP | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2 and DDR3, two channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 from the board chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (board video where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | Socket AM3 (µPGA, 938 pins) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD Phenom II X3 B73 needs a motherboard with a Socket AM3 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 7 and 8 series | 7-Series, 8-Series | 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 AM3.
Socket AM3 at a glance
| Type | PGA, 941 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 40 × 40 mm |
| Introduced | February 2009 |
| Memory | DDR2 up to PC2-8500 and DDR3 up to PC3-10600 |
| Cooler mounting holes | 48 × 96 mm |
What the Phenom II X3 B73 is
The AMD Phenom II X3 B73 is a triple core Heka desktop processor from October 2009 for business systems. It runs three K10 cores at 2.8 GHz with no turbo, so 3 cores give 3 threads. Each core carries 512 KB of 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.
The B73 matches the consumer 720 on clocks with business availability. Against the B75 at 3.0 GHz it trails by 200 MHz at the same 95 W. The 6 MB L3 cache helps office databases.
There is no graphics on the die. Board video comes from 7 and 8 series chipsets where fitted.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Phenom II X3 B73 fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins. All 7 series and 8 series boards boot Heka directly.
AM3 chips also fit AM3+ boards. It also boots on AM2+ DDR2 boards after a BIOS update. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the AMD Phenom II X3 B77 page shows the fastest business triple.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR2 up to PC2-8500 and DDR3 up to PC3-10600 in two channels, with ECC UDIMMs where boards wire them.
HyperTransport links the CPU to the chipset at 2 GHz. PCIe Gen 2 slots hang off the chipset.
Cooling is the stock 95 W heatsink on the 48 × 96 mm mount.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the upgrade is the B75 or B77 on the same board. Beyond AM3 a move to AM3+ needs a new board.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Phenom II X3 B73 use?
Socket AM3, the 938-pin package. It also boots on AM2+ DDR2 boards after a BIOS update and on AM3+ boards.
How many cores does the Phenom II X3 B73 have?
Three cores and three threads at 2.8 GHz with 512 KB of L2 per core and 6 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Phenom II X3 B73?
DDR2 and DDR3 in two channels.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .