Review : AMD Phenom x4 955 Black Edition

Introduction

There are many essential components to every computer – some perhaps are less important i.e. sound cards etc – but most are vital. One such component which the entire system depends on is the CPU; basically the CPU is the “heart” of the computer. But it is more than that, it is the component which performs programmed instructions, performs arithmetic and controls data input/output functions.

About AMD

AMD is the customer-centric innovation company, a processing powerhouse that offers smarter choices for its customers and makes technology more accessible to the world. AMD is focused on best meeting the needs of leading computing, wireless and consumer electronics companies to help them deliver high-performance, energy-efficient and visually realistic solutions.

Phenom Series Specs

Model Number and Feature Comparisons – AMD Phenom™ II Processors

AMD Phenom™ II X4 Processor
Model Number	Frequency	Total L2 Cache	L3 Cache	Packaging	Thermal Design Power	CMOS Technology
955*	3.2 GHz	2MB	6MB	socket AM3	125W	45nm SOI
945	3.0 GHz	2MB	6MB	socket AM3	125W	45nm SOI
940	3.0 GHz	2MB	6MB	socket AM2+	125W	45nm SOI
920	2.8 GHz	2MB	6MB	socket AM2+	125W	45nm SOI
910	2.6 GHz	2MB	6MB	socket AM3	95W	45nm SOI
810	2.6 GHz	2MB	4MB	socket AM3	95W	45nm SOI
805	2.5 GHz	2MB	4MB	socket AM3	95W	45nm SOI

Phenom II 955 Black Edition Specs

Processor	AMD Phenom™ II X4
Model	955
OPN Tray	HDZ955FBK4DGI
OPN PIB	HDZ955FBGIBOX
Operating Mode 32 Bit	Yes
Operating Mode 64 Bit	Yes
Revision	C2
Core Speed (MHz)	3200
Voltages	0.875-1.5V
Max Temps (C)	62’C
Wattage	125 W
L1 Cache Size (KB)	128
L1 Cache Count	4
L2 Cache Size (KB)	512
L2 Cache Count	4
L3 Cache Size (KB)	6144 (shared)
CMOS	45nm SOI
Socket	AM3
AMD Business Class	No
Black Edition	Yes

AMD Phenom X4 955BE Features

The AMD Phenom X4 955BE has a brilliant party piece. This being that it is backwards compatible with older sockets (AM2+), as long as the motherboard has the suitable bios update.  Most high end AM2+ motherboards should have bios updates but this is not a guarantee so check you motherboard manufacturer’s website before upgrading.

The Phenom 955 is the latest processor from AMD, it is their latest flagship model and the at the forefront of their new “Dragon” platform. The 955 runs at 3.2ghz when at stock frequencies and apparently boasts great overclocking potential. The 955 is backwards compatible with AM2+ motherboards as it is basically the same pin layout as AM2 and AM2+ processors just with 2 pins removed. This means that the AM3 socket is only 938 pins whereas the AM2 and AM2+ sockets have 940 pins. This means that AM2+ CPUs cannot be used in AM3 sockets, and no the 2 extra pins cannot be snapped off.

This is what allows for the backwards compatibility but don’t get your hopes up too much as even though this CPU has a DDR3 and a DDR2 memory controller, when used in an AM2+ motherboard only DDR2 memory can be used and likewise for AM3 boards only DDR3 can be used until a “hybrid board” is created. DDR3 currently doesn’t look to be the way to go though with its benefits over DDR2 still not shining through. DDR3 still has some pretty loose timings which until they are tightened up rule it out for me.

The 955 has a few more benefits over its AM2+ counterparts, first and foremost being a vastly increased total cache size, with the 955 having a total 8mb cache size.

AMD Overdrive 3

AMD Overdrive 3 is the latest version of AMD’s overclocking platform. It allows users to easily overclock their system by using it’s built in Performance Control feature. Using these features users can change voltages frequencies multipliers etc, provided the motherboard has a supported AMD chipset.

Another feature of Overdrive is that it allows the user to create smart profiles for different programs. These are basically program specific overclocking settings for when more or less performance is needed. For example when a user is typing a document in word they will not need such high performance as they would playing Crysis. This means that the user can switch quickly between settings enhancing performance and prolonging hardware longevity.

Conclusion

In short the AMD Phenom 955 is a solid all-round performer with the raw power and speed to get AMD fan boys shouting. It is a disappointment though that this is AMD’s best answer at current to Intel’s market dominance, and now that the core i7 CPU’s are starting to show their worth can AMD really hope to keep up if this is their flagship model?

Regardless of this though the Phenom 955 is the best CPU that you can get for the money and with the backwards compatibility may just win a few people over as it cost’s less for an AM2+/AM3 system at current than it will for the Intel equivalent.

Bottom line: If you want bang for buck and are an avid gamer or multimedia enthusiast then you cant really go wrong with this CPU, it has everything from the speed all the way down to the reasonably low price.