AMD processor codes
Identifying AMD CPU's
Its useful to know that when purchasing AMD CPU's from online retailers you can get very specific
information from the model number that is provided. AMD uses an OPN or ordering part number to
identify specific information about each of its processors. The information that can be extracted from the
model number includes, its maximum die temperature, micron technology, FSB speed, cache size, core
architecture, packaging type and operating voltage.
Lets take an example of the AMD Athlon XP Barton 3200+. The model number for this CPU is
AXDA3200DKV4E. This code is broken down into 7 sections such as the example below.
Section
1
2
Code AXDA 3200
3
D
4
K
5
V
6
4
7
E
The information that this codes shows is as follows.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
The CPU core is an Athlon XP with .13 Micron technology
The model number is a 3200+
The packaging is of type OPGA
The operating voltage is1.65 volts
The maximum die temperature is 85°C
The CPU has 512K level 2 cache
The FSB is 400Mhz
Section 1 The CPU Core
Code
AXDA / AXDC
AX
AMSN
AMP / AHX
K7 / K7A
AHM
AXMS / AXMD / AXDH
D / DHD / DHM / DHL
Core
Athlon XP
Athlon XP
Athlon MP
Athlon MP
Athlon Original
Mobile Athlon 4
Mobile Athlon XP
Duron
Micron Technology
0.13
0.18
0.13
0.18
0.18
0.18
0.13
0.18
9. The Core code is the first few letters of the model number. You will know not to confuse the
amount of letters into the next section because its always the letters before the model number
which will always be numeric.
10. Search for AMD CPUs
11. Section 2 The Model number
12. The model number is fairly straight forward the numeric code of the Core ID will give you the model
number. In the case of the newer Athlon XP's it will be the PR rating of the CPU. For example the AMD
Barton 3200+ would have 3200 as its model number and not its operating MHz. The older CPU's such as
the Thunderbird and the Duron which do not have PR ratings will have their operating speed in the model
number section. A Thunderbird 1.4Ghz will have a model number of 1400.
13. Section 3 The Packaging type
Code
A
B
D
E
F
G
Packaging type
CPGA
OBGA
OPGA
uPGA
OPGA
uPGA
14. The packaging type is represented by a single character.
15. Section 4 The Operating Voltage
Code
Y
C
T
X
W
J
V
Q
L
H
U
K
P
M
N
Voltage
1.10
1.15
1.20
1.25
1.30
1.35
1.40
1.45
1.50
1.55
1.60
1.65
1.70
1.75
1.80
16. The operating voltage is represented by a single character.
17. Section 5 The Maximum Die Temperature
Code
R
V
T
S
Q
Max Die Temp (°C)
70
85
90
95
100
18. The maximum die temperature is represented by a single character. The maximum die temperature
represents the critical temperature of the CPU. At no point should you allow your CPU to approach this
temperature of you will experience a CPU meltdown. If you are getting within 20°C of this temperature
look for better cooling in your case and on your CPU.
19. Section 6 The CPU's Level 2 Cache
Code
1
L2 Cache size
64Kb
2
3
4
128Kb
256Kb
512Kb
20. The Level 2 cache size is represented by a single numeric character.
21. Section 7 The Maximum Front Side Bus speed
Code
B
C
D
E
Max FSB
200Mhz
266Mhz
333Mhz
400Mhz
22. The maximum front side bus speed is represented by a single character. This will be the last part of the
manufacturers part code. From all this you should be able to tell exactly what you are getting hold of ad
mistakes in buying your AMD CPU will be greatly decreased.
That’s how the older AMD processors are read. The newer processors (the multi-core 64-bit processors) are
a bit more confusing.
In concert with the platform launch, AMD is releasing six AM3 processors—five will be available in the
channel and a sixth will only go out to OEMs.
New Socket AM3 Processors
Model
Frequency
L3
Voltage
Model #’s
Socket
0.875-
Tray: HDX910WFK4DGI
AM3, AM2+,
Cache
Phenom II X4
910
2.6 GHz
Phenom II X4
810
2.6 GHz
Phenom II X4
805
2.5 GHz
Phenom II X3
720 BE
2.8 GHz
Phenom II X3
710
2.6 GHz
Phenom II X4
940 BE
3.0 GHz
Phenom II X4
920
2.8 GHz
6 MB
1.425V
4 MB
4 MB
AM2
0.875-
Tray: HDX810WFK4FGI;
AM3, AM2+,
1.425V
PIB: HDX810WFGIBOX
AM2
0.875-
Tray: HDX805WFK4FGI
AM3, AM2+,
1.425V
6 MB
6 MB
6 MB
AM2
0.850-
Tray: HDZ720WFK3DGI;
AM3, AM2+,
1.425V
PIB: HDZ720WFGIBOX
AM2
0.875-
Tray: HDX710WFK3DGI;
AM3, AM2+,
1.425V
PIB: HDX710WFGIBOX
AM2
0.875-1.5V
Tray: HDZ940XCJ4DGI; PIB:
AM2+, AM2
HDZ940XCGIBOX
6 MB
0.875-1.5V
Tray: HDX920XCJ4DGI; PIB:
AM2+, AM2
HDX920XCGIBOX
Hopefully you’re good about keeping names straight, because AMD is making it even more difficult to
decipher its model numbers with yet another variable factored in--L3 cache size. Let’s break down the name
of its Phenom II X3 720 BE as an example.
Phenom II: this one is easy enough. We’re hoping you know the difference between Athlon 64, Phenom, and
Phenom II already. If not, check out Bert’s launch piece, AMD Phenom II X4: 45 nm Benchmarked.
X3: The number after the X denotes how many cores are active. The X3s employ the same die as the quadcore X4 processors, but only three cores are usable.
720: Here’s where things get more complicated. The first digit is a general class designator. AMD’s 900series chips are full-fledged Phenom IIs, with four cores active and 6 MB of L3 cache. The 800-series chips
also sport quad-core configurations, but they come with less L3 cache—4 MB instead of 6 MB. The 700s start
with the highest-end X3s, also with 6 MB of cache. We presume this leaves room for a 600-series at some
point wielding three cores and 4 MB of L3, but that’s just conjecture at this point.
The second two digits are indicative of clock speed. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a formula to
predict where a given number will land you. The 940 runs at 3 GHz. The 920 and 720 both cruise at 2.8
GHz. But the 910, 810, and 710 all run at 2.6 GHz. There goes the idea that each increment of 10
corresponds to 100 MHz. The 805 chugs along at 2.5 GHz. You get the general concept.
Finally, there’s the Black Edition modifier, affixed to the X4 940 and X3 720, which tell you that the
processor’s multiplier is unlocked, enabling more flexible overclocking.
Zoom
We see this naming convention, which is somewhat universal across the new Phenom II lineup, as likely to
leave room for error on the buyer’s part. There’s no variable distinguishing the AM2/AM2+-only Phenom II
X4 940/920 from the new AM3 components. Further, it’s interesting that an enthusiast looking to step-up to
AM3 with DDR3 would need to buy a CPU in the middle of AMD’s Phenom II lineup, since the flagship is
limited to an older socket interface.
We discussed the omission of a higher-end AM3 part with AMD, and the consensus was that AMD isn't
expecting many enthusiasts to buy AM3 motherboards and processors just yet. Rather, it's eying the
upgrade market, full of folks looking to drop these new chips in existing AM2/AM2+ boards. Hence the more
value-oriented offerings at launch. Purportedly, a higher-end AM3 part will follow shortly.
There are five new AM3 CPUs - three quad-core, and two triple-core and, in conjunction with this, AMD has
expanded its three number naming scheme and breaking it down we can decipher how to read it:



900-series - quad-core, 6MB L3 cache
800-series - quad-core - 4MB L3 cache
700-series - triple-core - 6MB L3 cache
And secondary numbers:




x40 - 3.0GHz
x20 - 2.8GHz
x10 - 2.6GHz
x05 - 2.5GHz
Stepping is a designation used by Intel and AMD (or any semiconductor manufacturer[citation
needed]
) to identify how much the design of a microprocessor has advanced from the original
design. The stepping is identified by a combination of a letter and a number.
Typically, the first version of a microprocessor comes out with stepping A0. As design
improvements occur, later versions are identified by changes in the letter and number. Changes
in the number (for example, A3) indicate minor design changes, while changes to both the letter
and number are made following more extensive changes (for example, B2). Stepping allows
consumers and servicers to identify a microprocessor's version.
In the AMD part numbers, the stepping can be deciphered by the last character. The chips ending in
“M”, ie HD910EOCK4DGM, are of the new C3 stepping. Chips ending in “I”, ie ADX440WFK32GI,
are of the older C2 stepping. Along with enhanced power phase switching, the C3 stepping also
brings along enhanced overclocking on 64-bit setups