AMD's 3.4GHz Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition review roundup: fast, but not Intel fast

Darren Murph
D. Murph|08.13.09

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In this article: am3, amd, benchmark, benchmarked, benchmarks, CPU, dragon, microprocessor, phenom ii x4, phenom ii x4 965, phenom ii x4 965 black edition, PhenomIiX4, PhenomIiX4965, PhenomIiX4965BlackEdition, processor, quad-core, review roundup, ReviewRoundup
Say what you will about AMD, but don't you dare call it lazy. Within a matter of weeks, the outfit has launched a 2GB FirePro for um, pros, a 785G integrated chip for laypeople and now a new Phenom II X4 for the gamers in attendance. The all new Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition is the "highest clocked quad-core processor for desktop PCs," checking in with a stock frequency of 3.4GHz and support for DDR3 and AMD OverDrive 3.0. Based on the Dragon platform, the chip is actually identical to the 955 it replaces at the top save for the clock speed, and during the collective web's testing, it easily outpaced every other AMD option out there. Unfortunately, it still couldn't put the hurt on a smattering of Intel chips, with the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 and Core i7 920 besting it in all but a few tests. All told, the chip was found to be an incremental (albeit fun) update, but given that it's currently priced between Intel's Core 2 Quad Q9550 ($219) and the aforesaid Core i7 920 ($279), it's not a clear-cut bargain at $245. Still, give it a lil' shelf time, let the MSRP sink and it just might be worth another look in due time.

Read - HotHardware review
Read - Tom's Hardware review
Read - Anandtech's review
Read - PC Perspective's review
Read - Elite Bastards review
Read - Neoseeker review
Read - Overclocker's Club review

AMD Platform Technology, Codenamed "Dragon" Raises the Performance Bar With the World's Highest Frequency Quad-Core Desktop Processor

- Combined with enhanced hardware and software features, the new AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition delivers a superior visual entertainment experience with unbeatable price/performance-

What: AMD (NYSE:AMD) today announced the world's highest clocked quad-core processor for desktop PCs, the AMD PhenomTM II X4 965 Black Edition processor. As an integral part of Dragon platform technology, this new processor features a stock frequency of 3.4 GHz, massive headroom, high-speed DDR3 memory support and AMD OverDriveTM 3.0 technology* to deliver an enthusiast-class performance that fits into value-based budgets.

Why: Since its initial launch in January 2009, Dragon platform technology has provided great performance at a great price. From the only company with unlocked CPUs and backwards compatibility for DDR2 memory, the AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition processor helps customers pay less for more, period. Available for a Suggested System Builder Price of $245, users opting for Intel may be paying more for less or equal performance.

Benefits: With this platform, AMD is combining its fastest processor ever with the massive graphics processing muscle of its most powerful GPUs to enable the following features:

* Record-setting overclocking capabilities
* AMD OverDriveTM 3.0 tuning software
* High-speed DDR3 memory support
* Planned future DirectX® 11 support for the latest games
* AMD Black Edition Memory Profiles for custom experiences
* Cool'n'QuietTM 3.0 technology to enable improved efficiency and help keep your PC running cool and quiet

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