AMD Sempron 150 socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Sempron 150 uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 45 W single core Sargas desktop part at 2.9 GHz for budget towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- December 2010
- Cores and threads
- 1 and 1
- Default TDP
- 45 W
- Codename
- Sargas
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Sempron
- Clocks
- 2.9 GHz
AMD Sempron 150 specifications
| Cores | 1 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 1 |
| Core architecture | Sargas cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.9 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 1 MB L2, no L3 |
| Default TDP | 45 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | 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 Sempron 150 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 Sempron 150 is
AMD Sempron 150 is a single core Sargas desktop processor that AMD released in December 2010 for budget towers. It runs at a fixed 2.9 GHz with no turbo, so 1 core gives 1 thread. Cache is 1 MB of L2 per core with no L3. Power is 45 W on a 45 nm process with 234 million transistors.
The 100 MHz lift over the Sempron 145 trims waits in single window tasks. It closes the Sargas single core line on clocks. The chip lacks threads for heavy multitasking.
There is no integrated graphics on this die. AM3 boards with 7 and 8 series chipsets provide board video where fitted. Memory is DDR3 in two channels.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Sempron 150 fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins in µPGA form. All 7 series and 8 series boards boot Sargas directly. No BIOS step is needed for these single cores.
AM3 chips also fit AM3+ boards, while AM3+ Bulldozer chips never fit AM3. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3, two channels. A 2 GB to 4 GB pair covers office use. ECC is not supported.
HyperTransport links the CPU to the chipset at 2 GHz. PCIe slots hang off the board chipset rather than the processor.
Cooling is the stock 45 W heatsink on the 48 by 96 mm mount. Dust filters extend service intervals in labs.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the Sempron 150 already tops the Sargas line, so the next step is an Athlon II X2 for a second core on the same board. Memory and storage carry over. A same socket single core reference is AMD Sempron 145.
A platform move to DDR4 needs a new board and RAM. Keep the 150 tower for kiosk use.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD Sempron 150 use?
It uses Socket AM3 in µPGA form.
How is the Sempron 150 different from the 145?
The 150 runs at 2.9 GHz instead of 2.8 GHz. Cache and power match.
What memory does the Sempron 150 use?
DDR3 in two channels.
Does the Sempron 150 have Hyper-Threading?
No. One core gives 1 thread at a fixed 2.9 GHz.
Sources and verification
- AMD Sempron 150 Specs (TechPowerUp, 1 core, 2.9 GHz, 45W, Dec 2010, AM3)
- Sargas Sempron 150 2.9 GHz Dec 2010 (Sempron list, 1MB, 45W, AM3)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .