AMD Athlon II X2 250 Processor: Features and Overview

At the time of its release in 2009, AMD Athlon II X2 250 belonged to the category of middle-class processors. The characteristics of this semiconductor product was confirmed once again. Since then, it's already been a long time, and this chip already belongs to the entry-level products. The specifications, capabilities and relevance of this solution will be further discussed in our review.

Segment of the processor market, which is focused on this semiconductor chip

At the time of the start of sales, AMD Athlon II X2 250 was related to mid-end CPU solutions. The characteristics of the 2009 CPUs were distributed as follows in the classes:

1. Solutions for office PCs included only 1 compute module, had a cache memory of the 2nd level in the minimum volume and the lowest clock speeds.
2. The middle-class system units were equipped with 2-core CPUs, and had higher clock speeds. The structure of the same cache memory in this case did not undergo significant changes and was 2-level. But the size of the cache in this case was increased. As a result, in this case a higher level of performance was obtained, but such computing systems cost much more. It was to this segment of the computer market that the hero of this material belonged.
3. Processor solutions for the most productive computers were completed with four computational modules. Also, some of them had a 3-level cache. But the clock frequency was reduced, but the above features ultimately provided the highest possible at that time level of performance.
4. Now this distribution has changed dramatically. The entry-level PCs are equipped with chips with two computing units, but the single-core CPUs have already disappeared from the historical arena. Therefore, to date, Athlon II X2 has smoothly moved into the segment of entry-level processor devices. A middle-class PC should be based on a CPU with 4 compute clusters, and a premium segment should be based on 8.

Complete with CPU

Like most existing today's processor devices, this chip was supplied in two versions: a simplified TRAY and a more advanced BOX. In the first case, in addition to the CPU, the installation also included installation and configuration manuals, a warranty card and a sticker with the processor model logo for the system unit. This option bundled primarily for large companies that specialize in assembling system blocks of personal computers. As a rule, they bought wholesale specialized CPU cooling systems, which ultimately increased the reliability of such computers. The second version of the complete set was delivered in a black-green box and was supplemented with a regular cooling system and thermal paste.

Processor connector for installing this CPU model

The AMD Athlon II X2 250 processor was originally intended for installation in the AM3 socket. The number of contacts in this processor socket was 941 on the motherboard side and 938 on the CPU pad. The key difference of this socket from its predecessors AM2 and AM2 + was that in this case only DDR3 slats could be used as RAM, and earlier AMD computing platforms worked only with the DDR2 standard. But, in turn, the hybrid RAM controller of this processor device allowed it to work without problems both with the first type of memory, and with the second one. Therefore, this chip could be installed not only in the AM3 motherboard, but also AM2 + or AM3 +. The only thing that needed to be done in case of using a motherboard based on AM2 + is to update BIOS and get support for new CPU models due to this.

Technology of production of silicon crystal

According to the most recent and the most advanced technological process, a silicon crystal was made by AMD Athlon II X2 250. Its characteristics indicated that it corresponded to the standards of the technological process at 45 nm. Of course, against the background of the current 14 nm this number looks at least not very impressive, but at that time the best was not yet. The technology used to spray the pn junctions was called SOI (from the English word combination Silicon On Insulator, or, in our opinion, silicon on dielectric). By the same method, previous generations of semiconductor chips from this manufacturer were also manufactured. As a result, from the reliability point of view, there were no significant problems and comments with the AMD Athlon II X2 250. The Processor of this model in this plan received everything only the very best that had been worked out before. The area of the silicon crystal in this case was only 117.5 mm ² .

The cache memory system of this CPU and its features

As noted earlier, all middle-class CPUs in 2009 were compulsorily equipped with a 2-level cache. The AMD Athlon II X2 250 was not an exception in this respect either. Its technical characteristics indicate that at the first level there was a total of 256 Kb. They were divided into 2 equal parts of 128 KB, which were tied to a specific processor core and could only interact with it. Each of these halves in 128 KB was also divided into 2 parts. Half of them (that is 64 KB) were used for data storage, and half for instructions of the processed program code. Similarly, cache memory at level 2 was also organized. Its total volume was 2 MB, which were divided in half between the computing resources of the CPU. That is, each core on the second level could use 1 MB for its needs. Further separation of instructions and data for storage in this case was not provided.

RAM and its features

As noted earlier, the AMD Athlon II X2 250 processor Was equipped with a unified memory controller. It could function successfully both with DDR2 RAM modules (the dominant memory standard at the time of CPU sales start) and with DDR3 (an updated memory modification, which at that time just started appearing on the shelves of stores). According to the specifications, 1066 MHz is the maximum memory frequency for the AMD Athlon ^TM II X2 250. The processor of this model can work with lower-speed modules, and the RAM frequency will automatically decrease and the level of performance of the computing system will be lower. You can also set more speed bars. But their operating frequency will be limited to 1066 MHz.

Thermal package. Recommendations for equipping such a CPU with a cooling system

Not bad even against the background of the current processor devices, the thermal and temperature parameters of the AMD Athlon ^TM II X2 250 look. The characteristics of it in this respect were the following: the thermal package of this silicon product is 65 W and the maximum permissible temperature is 74 ⁰ C. Such an acceptable value of the thermal Package was achieved by significantly processing the architecture of the semiconductor crystal of this CPU, and also by using the advanced technological process at that time. The latter factor also significantly reduced the range of operating temperatures, which in this case was in the range of 35-57 ⁰ C. Even after overclocking, when performing the most complex program code, the maximum temperature of the chip did not exceed 65 ^° C. These values are valid for when for Cooling the central processor used a complete cooler. If we replace it with an improved system of active heat sinks of a third-party production, the previously mentioned values will decrease by 5-10 ⁰ С.

CPU clock speed

The nominal clock speed for AMD Athlon II X2 250 is 3.00 GHz. This value can be easily obtained from the specifications of this semiconductor solution. The multiplier is fixed and equal to 15. But the frequency of the system bus in the nominal mode has a value of 200 MHz. If we multiply 15 by 200 MHz, we get 3 000 MHz, or 3.0 GHz. The technology of dynamic frequency control of the CPU depending on the degree of its heating, the optimization of software for single- or double-stream execution and the level of complexity of the program code in this case there. Therefore, this CPU operates only on one frequency value, which is 3.0 GHz.

Architectural features of a silicon crystal

In the language of computer professionals this chip is called DUALCORE. AMD Athlon II X2 250, as it is easy to guess from its name, includes only 2 cores for computations. Technologies such as NT from Intel, which would allow at the software level to get twice the number of logical streams of code processing, is not present in AMD processors to this day. Therefore, the operating system in this case will only see what is on the physical level, that is, only 2 threads. The code name for these kernels is REGOR. This chip can function both in 32-bit computing mode and in 64-bit mode.

Overclocking

As noted earlier, the clock multiplier is fixed in the AMD Athlon II X2 250. Overclocking is therefore possible only by increasing the frequency value of the motherboard bus. In normal mode, this parameter is 200 MHz. In combination with a standard cooler, this value can be increased to 235-237 MHz and, as a result, the operating frequency of the CPU 3525-3555 MHz. As a percentage, we get an increase of 17.5-18.5%. Given that this is a mid-range processor , and it is not designed for overclocking, this is already excellent performance. But it is possible to improve the obtained values. To do this, instead of a regular cooler, purchase third-party cooling systems. In this case, increase the frequency of the system bus can already be up to 247-250 MHz. The chip itself will already work at frequencies of 3705-3750 MHz. In percent this increase will already be equal to 23.5-25%. The method of overclocking the CPU in this case is as follows:

• The system unit of the PC must be specially configured. This is an improved modification of the motherboard, and the maximum speed RAM, and a more powerful power supply, and a quality housing with good air circulation.

• All the software before overclocking should be updated, which is necessary for the stable operation of the AMD Athlon II X2 250. The driver and the application software that monitors the computer system in the first place.

• Further on, in the BIOS, we omit the frequencies of all the components of the personal computer, except for the system bus, which we begin to gradually increase. After each such manipulation, we carry out a PC stress test with the help of special programs for stability of work. As soon as the maximum possible frequency is reached, we increase the voltage on the CPU. Then re-increase the frequency. The maximum allowable voltage for this processor is 1.425V. It is about this value and you need to stop increasing the frequency. And this is the maximum possible value of this parameter.

Chip cost

Initially, the manufacturer AMD Athlon ^TM II X2 250 was estimated at $ 90. And at that time such a price of this semiconductor crystal fully and completely corresponded to its capabilities. But now it is already in the yard of 2016, and such a CPU in a new state can still be bought from stock at a very modest price of $ 25 (about 1500 rubles). And you can buy a used chip for 800-900 rubles. If we consider this processor as a base for an inexpensive office system unit, then this can be a worthy choice, which combines a very democratic cost and reasonable performance.

Responses of owners. Features of CPU operation

AMD with the release of a successful family of mid-range Athlon chips in 2009 did indeed surprise both its opponents and fans. The most productive solution in this model range was exactly the AMD Athlon II X2 250 processor. The characteristics of this semiconductor crystal at that time really impressed, but one thing is that this CPU has already been successfully sold for more than 5 years as an additional confirmation. Of course, for this time interval, this chip has come down from the niche of middle-class products into the entry-level solutions segment. The main advantages of this processor from AMD, which are drawn by its owners in the reviews, include:

• Good level of performance.

• Excellent cache memory organization, which provides a higher performance in comparison with competing products.

• A decent overclocking potential, both for CPUs with a blocked multiplier.

• Affordable cost.

• Excellent degree of energy efficiency.

The only drawback of this processor is the unsuccessful release time. This CPU appeared on sale in anticipation of the start of sales of the updated computer platform from Intel LGA 1156, against which he no longer looked so sure. Much better features of this CPU looked compared to LGA775.

Results

Undoubtedly, AMD Athlon II X2 250 became a successful product in the AM3 CPU family. At the time of its release, without any problems, its characteristics enabled it to cope with direct competitors based on the LGA775 socket. And both in terms of productivity and energy efficiency. An additional factor that confirms the success of this processor is that it successfully sells to this day. Only now he moved from the middle-end CPU segment into the niche of entry-level products. If all AMD processors were as successful as the hero of this review, then the market for microprocessor products might have a radically different situation to date. And so the success of this CPU is, rather, an accident than a regularity.

Of course, we would like AMD to take into account the success of this processor and apply it in the framework of the new AM4 platform, which should be submitted at the end of 2016. At the same time, the success of this socket can drastically change the current situation in the personal computer market. If this happens, Intel will be forced to respond adequately to AMD's move (to lower prices for existing CPU models, for example). In any case, such a healthy competition should win the buyer and get a more productive computer for less money. But it's all in theory. In practice, the answer to this wish of the majority of users can give only time. At the same time, it did not take long to wait: about six months.