The Phenom X4 9850 Black Edition Review
The Phenom X4 processors are real true quad core processors and that is why AMD has put “X4” on the name of their quad core processors as it really has four independent cores on a single die. Intel Core 2 Quad Core CPU’s features a dual-die quad core design and AMD says that on their X4 technology Cores can communicate on die rather than on package for better performance. Check more of the Phenom X4 key features HERE
The AMD Phenom X4 50-series of processors, has the new B3 core, and no longer include the famed TLB erratum. The faster processor is the Phenom X4 9850 Black Edition , which runs at 2.5 GHz and has a faster 2.0GHz memory controller. The 1.2-1.3V voltage and 125W TDP specifications are also lower than the preview edition of the Phenom 9900. The base core design of 512K L1/2MB L2/2MB L3 remains the same.
AMD Phenom X4 9850 processor Specifications:
Processor Frequency: 2.5GHz
L1 Cache Sizes: 64K of L1 instruction and 64K of L1 data cache per core (512KB total L1 per processor)
L2 Cache Sizes: 512KB of L2 data cache per core (2MB total L2 per processor)
L3 Cache Size: 2MB
Memory Controller Type: Integrated 128-bit wide memory controller *
Memory Controller Speed: Up to 2.0GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management
Types of Memory Supported: Support for unregistered DIMMs up to PC2 8500 (DDR2-1066MHz)
HyperTransport 3.0: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 4.0GHz full duplex (2.0GHz x2)
Total Processor Bandwidth: Up to 33.1 GB/s bandwidth
Packaging: Socket AM2+ 940-pin organic micro pin grid array (micro-PGA)
Fab location: AMD’s Fab 36 wafer fabrication facilities in Dresden, Germany
Process Technology: 65-nanometer DSL SOI (silicon-on-insulator) technology
Approximate Transistor count: ~ 450 million (65nm)
Approximate Die Size: 285 mm2 (65nm)
Max Ambient Case Temp: 61o Celsius
Nominal Voltage: 1.2-1.3 Volts
Max TDP: 125 Watts
The Black Edition stands as a new feature from AMD that the chip has an unlocked multiplier , offering more flexibility for overclocking, making it more appealing to hardcore users and AMD fans. Have a look the following overcloking test HERE
If you are not sure about its gaming performance check this test HERE
Now that AMD has come back with its second generation, error-free Phenom X4 chips, which can run at their full potential. The Phenom’s integrated memory controller now consists of two 64-bit channels that can either be ganged together in a 128-bit configuration or operated independently
The Phenom is able to run applications of up to 25 percent faster than an Athlon X2 at the same clock speed, This price point also puts the fastest clocked Phenom X4 head to head with the highly regarded Core 2 Quad Q6600, which is the cheapest quad-core CPU you can get from Intel at around R2300 and the Phenom X4 9850 costs R2800.
Is a real value for money with lots of potential to pull out more performance out of this CPU with a good overcloking you could get the Phenom X4 9850 over the 3.0Ghz . And with the future programs and games keeping and developing more multi threaded applications the need of multi cores CPU like quad core power is the way to go. With a real good performance then the Phenom X4 9850 is the best you can get from AMD right now and use its great potential .
Get the The Phenom X4 9850 Black Edition right HERE!
