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 3 4 5 6 7
Code AXDA 3200 D K V 4 E

The information that this codes shows is as follows.

  1. The CPU core is an Athlon XP with .13 Micron technology

  2. The model number is a 3200+

  3. The packaging is of type OPGA

  4. The operating voltage is1.65 volts

  5. The maximum die temperature is 85°C

  6. The CPU has 512K level 2 cache

  7. The FSB is 400Mhz

Obviously just looking at the code like that and coming up with that amount of detail requires a reference. This article will give you those references so you will always know exactly what you are getting when you are buying an AMD CPU.

Section 1 The CPU Core

Code

 Core Micron Technology
AXDA / AXDC Athlon XP 0.13
AX Athlon XP 0.18
AMSN Athlon MP 0.13
AMP / AHX Athlon MP 0.18
K7 / K7A Athlon Original 0.18
AHM Mobile Athlon 4 0.18
AXMS / AXMD / AXDH Mobile Athlon XP 0.13
D / DHD / DHM / DHL Duron 0.18

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.

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Section 2 The Model number

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.

Section 3 The Packaging type

Code

 Packaging type
A CPGA
B OBGA
D OPGA
E uPGA
F OPGA
G uPGA

The packaging type is represented by a single character.

Section 4 The Operating Voltage

Code

 Voltage
Y 1.10
C 1.15
T 1.20
X 1.25
W 1.30
J 1.35
V 1.40
Q 1.45
L 1.50
H 1.55
U 1.60
K 1.65
P 1.70
M 1.75
N 1.80

The operating voltage is represented by a single character.

Section 5 The Maximum Die Temperature

Code

 Max Die Temp (°C)
R 70
V 85
T 90
S 95
Q 100

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.

Section 6 The CPU's Level 2 Cache

Code

 L2 Cache size
1 64Kb
2 128Kb
3 256Kb
4 512Kb

The Level 2 cache size is represented by a single numeric character.

Section 7 The Maximum Front Side Bus speed

Code

 Max FSB
B 200Mhz
C 266Mhz
D 333Mhz
E 400Mhz

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.

Still unsure? please ask at the PantherProducts Forums where we may be able to help you out?


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