In the last quarter of 2008 PCWizKid received the latest AMD processor the AMD Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition. Since then we have been using it as part of our test PC and is the core affecting all benchmarking results done. Though AMD has released the Phenom II in 2009 today we are reviewing not just benchmarks, but how to install it as well with the stock fan that it comes with it in the retail box. PCWizKid give's you a complete walkthrough this processor which does not have its core values locked leaving it open for overclocking it.Watch the video review below of the AMD Phenom X4 9950
Click here to watch this video in Full HD widescreen instead
The Phenom X4 9950 is codenamed Agena, its a Quad Core with the new B3 Stepping using the 65nm Silicon on Insulator process technology.
Here are the specs of the model CPU used in this review:
| Processor | AMD Phenom™ X4 Quad-Core |
| Model | 9950 |
| OPN Tray | HD995ZXAJ4BGH |
| OPN PIB | HD995ZXAGHBOX |
| Operating Mode 32 Bit | Yes |
| Operating Mode 64 Bit | Yes |
| Revision | B3 |
| Core Speed (MHz) | 2600 (stock), 3.0Ghz (Overclocked) |
| Voltages | 1.05-1.30v (Stock) , ~1.45v (Overclocked) |
| Max Ambient Case Temp (C) | 61'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) | 2048 |
| CMOS | 65nm SOI |
| Socket | AM2+ (940 pins) |
Analysis and Conclusion
As shown in the video review above PCWizKid overclocked successfully at 3.0ghz , thats just over a 15% gain from the stock value. The test PC ran through burn-in tests with Prime95, AMD Overdrive and Orthos for a total of 12hrs+ until we were convinced that the bios parameters used (Multiplier of 15 and core voltage of 1.45v) gave a stable system.
PCWizKid ran the industry standard Arithmetic and Logic Unit's (ALU) (Integer) speed test using the SiSoftware Sandra Pro. the combined results overall proved the performance jump of overclocking against the stock value and other Phenom and Intel CPU's
Click the image to enlare and see the results
The total amount of completed Instructions per Second was 42427 MIPS, which compared to
the Intel Core 2 Quad QX6700 with 32177 MIPS is a defenitely a winner.For the price point currently the AMD Phenom X4 9950 BE is a terrific choice for gamers looking to overclock and exceed easily the