AMD Athlon XP-M 2400+

The AMD Athlon XP-M 2400+ is a mobile processor built on the K7 architecture with a Barton core, manufactured on a 130 nm process. It runs at 1800 MHz with a 45 W TDP, and features 128 KB of L1 cache and 512 KB of L2 cache. With a single core and a single thread, it represents an early 2000s mobile computing design, aimed at portable systems that prioritized power efficiency over raw throughput. Released on 2003-03-11, it has since reached end-of-life status, and its unlocked multiplier offers some flexibility for enthusiasts on compatible motherboards.

Benchmark Performance

The database records an average benchmark score of 0 for this processor, indicating that no standardized benchmark results are available for it. Its percentile ranking among all CPUs is 50, placing it exactly at the median of the tracked population. This percentile value, however, is derived from the limited data present; without explicit scores, it cannot be used to compute performance deltas against specific rivals. The nearestRivals field is empty, meaning the database does not associate this processor with any comparable CPUs. Consequently, there are no percentage differences to report, and the 50th percentile stands as the sole quantitative performance indicator. This suggests that, in the absence of measured benchmarks, the processor is treated as a midpoint reference within the database’s historical CPU spectrum. The lack of benchmark data also prevents any inference about its real-world speed relative to contemporary or modern parts, leaving the 1800 MHz clock and cache configuration as the only tangible performance signals.

How It Compares

The nearestRivals list is empty, so no direct comparisons to other processors can be made using the provided data. This absence could stem from the processor’s unique mobile positioning within the Athlon XP family, or from the fact that the database has not populated rival entries for this part. Without rival scores or deltaPct values, we cannot state how much faster or slower it is than any specific competitor. The 50th percentile, however, offers a coarse frame: it sits exactly in the middle of all CPUs tracked, implying that, if benchmarks existed, it would likely be neither a standout nor a laggard in the database’s historical context. Its mobile segment and 45 W TDP further differentiate it from desktop counterparts, which typically had higher power envelopes. The unlocked multiplier is a notable feature that could allow users to push the 1800 MHz base clock higher, but any performance gain would depend on the motherboard’s chipset and cooling solution, neither of which are specified in the fact pack.

Power and Thermals

The 45 W TDP classifies this processor as a low-power mobile part, designed to operate within the thermal constraints of laptops and compact systems. The 130 nm process node, combined with 63 million transistors on a 101 mm² die, contributes to its efficiency profile. A 45 W TDP implies that a modest cooling solution—such as a small heatsink with a low-speed fan—would suffice for sustained operation. The absence of a boost clock means the processor runs at a fixed 1800 MHz, which simplifies thermal management because the power draw does not fluctuate with frequency scaling. The unlocked multiplier, while useful for overclocking, would increase power consumption and heat output if pushed beyond the default settings, but the fact pack does not provide any thermal design limits beyond the TDP. For a mobile system, the 45 W figure suggests a balance between performance and battery life, making it suitable for thin-and-light laptops of its era.

Platform and Compatibility

This processor uses the AMD Socket A interface, a socket that was common for AMD desktop and mobile CPUs in the early 2000s. The fact pack does not list memory support, memory bus, or memory bandwidth, indicating that these details are either unavailable or were not recorded for this entry. Similarly, PCIe information is absent, which is consistent with the Socket A era, where AGP and PCI buses were the standard. The processor does not include integrated graphics; instead, graphics output relies on "On certain motherboards (Chipset feature)", meaning the chipset on the motherboard provides the display output. This design places the graphics burden on the motherboard, which is typical for mobile platforms of that time. The unlocked multiplier is a compatibility feature that allows overclocking on motherboards that support multiplier adjustments. The processor’s part number, A XMH2400FQQ4C, can be used to identify the exact stepping and packaging. With a release date of 2003-03-11 and end-of-life status, it is no longer in production, so any current use would involve salvaged or legacy systems.

FAQ

Q: What is the socket type for the AMD Athlon XP-M 2400+?

A: It uses the AMD Socket A interface.

Q: What is the TDP of this processor?

A: The TDP is 45 W.

Q: What is the base clock speed?

A: The base clock is 1800 MHz, with no boost clock available.

Q: How much cache does it have?

A: It has 128 KB of L1 cache and 512 KB of L2 cache.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked?

A: Yes, the multiplier is unlocked.

Q: When was it released?

A: It was released on 2003-03-11.

Q: What is the launch MSRP?

A: The launch MSRP is $151.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

With a single core and a single thread, this processor is inherently single-threaded. It cannot execute multiple threads concurrently, so any workload that relies on parallelism will see no benefit from additional cores. The base clock of 1800 MHz is the only frequency; there is no boost, so performance is consistent across tasks. The cache hierarchy—128 KB L1 and 512 KB L2—helps mitigate the lack of multi-threading by reducing memory latency for frequently accessed data. In single-threaded applications, the processor’s performance is determined by its clock speed and cache efficiency. The 50th percentile ranking suggests that, in the database’s historical context, it is an average performer among all CPUs, which is plausible for a single-core mobile chip from 2003. However, because no benchmark scores are recorded, we cannot quantify its single-thread throughput relative to other parts. The absence of multi-threading means that modern operating systems and applications that expect multiple cores will not utilize this processor effectively, limiting it to legacy software or very basic tasks.

Who Should Consider It

This processor is suited for users working with legacy systems, such as restoring vintage laptops or building a retro desktop from the Socket A era. Its 45 W TDP and mobile design make it appropriate for compact or battery-powered projects where power draw is a concern. For single-threaded workloads like text editing, simple web browsing, or running old 32-bit software, the 1800 MHz clock and 512 KB L2 cache provide adequate performance. Gamers interested in early 2000s titles might find it usable, though the lack of integrated graphics means a discrete GPU is required. The unlocked multiplier offers a path for overclocking, which could extend its usability for light tasks, but any gains would be limited by the 130 nm process and the thermal constraints of the platform. It is not recommended for modern multitasking or multi-threaded applications, as the single core and single thread will quickly become a bottleneck. Collectors and enthusiasts who value the Barton core’s place in AMD history may also consider it as a representative piece of that era.