AMD X4 9950 BE (125W)

INTRODUCTION

AMD has recently launched a Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition (BE) processor. This processor is currently the fastest processor that AMD is offering until the 45nm version of the Phenom comes to the market. The Phenom X4 9950 is clocked at 2.6GHz and is manufactured on 65nm Silicon on Insulator (SOI) technology. It supports a 2.0 GHz memory controller and HT 3.0. And as its name implies, Black Edition means that the processor will have an unlocked multiplier so it will potentially allows much higher overclocking.

On thing to note about the Phenom X4 9950 BE is that AMD has two versions of the processor with a thermal envelope of 125W and 140W. The processor we have received is actually the newer 125W version of the X4 Phenom 9950 BE with label HD995ZXAJ4BGH. There is a 140W version available on the market for about $10~$15 cheaper with the label HD995ZFAJ4BG.

Phenom X4 9950 BE (125W) naked.

Due to its thermal envelope, this processor would require a motherboard that is capable of supporting a thermal design power (TDP) of either 125W or 140W. Unfortunately, not all AM2/AM2+ boards will support 125W/140W processors (even the board based on the new chipset), so be sure to check with your motherboard manufacture before you purchase and put the Phenom X4 9950 BE in your board. The XFX 750a which we have recently reviewed can only support processors with TDP of 95W, so it won't work with this CPU.

Since we are talking about the motherboard compatibility, it would be a good time to mention the new Southbridge, SB750, from AMD. This new Southbridge supports something call Advanced Clock Calibration (ACC) which basically allows the chipset to have a direct connection to the Phenom CPU. As a result, it could potentially yield a higher overclock. So if you are in the market for a new motherboard to go with the Phenom X4 9950 BE, it would be a wise choice to buy a board featuring the SB750. Currently, most boards with SB750 are bundled with the 790GX chipset, a chipset with integrated GPU aimed towards the mainstream market. However, some manufactures actually put the SB750 with a more enthusiast chipset, the 790FX, such as the M3A79-T Deluxe board from Asus.

AMD has strategically priced the processor below $200, which makes it very competitive against Intel’s faster clockspeed dual core processor and Intel’s entry quad core processor. How does this new black edition perform and how well can you crank it up with its unlocked multiplier? Keep reading and we shall answer these questions.

AMD at a Glance

A Leading Global Provider of Innovative Microprocessor and Graphics Solutions

Founded in 1969 and based in Sunnyvale, California, AMD designs and produces innovative microprocessor and graphics and media solutions for the computer, communications, and consumer electronics industries.

Quick Company Facts

• Year Company Started: 1969
• Number of Employees: approximately 16,500
• Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California
• CEO: Hector Ruiz
• Number of Locations: 80
• Revenue: $5.649 billion in 2006
• NYSE ticker symbol: AMD

Innovation

Since the beginning, our focus has gone beyond integrated circuits and transistors. AMD is the informed choice for those who want superior microprocessor and graphics solutions designed from the perspective of the customer. After all, our customers' success is our success. That’s why AMD products are always developed with customer needs in mind and not for the sake of technology alone. We provide real solutions for real customer problems that exist in the real world today. It’s a philosophy we refer to as “customer-centric innovation,” and it represents the guiding principle behind everything we do.

Vision

We never rest on our laurels. Our passion for what we do compels us to keep looking for the next opportunity to succeed. With corporate locations in Sunnyvale, California; Austin, Texas; and Markham, Ontario; and global operations and manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Europe and Asia, we’re one of the world’s leading integrated circuit manufacturers. We’re also among the market leaders in each of our core businesses: microprocessors and graphics and media solutions for the computer, communications, and consumer electronics industries.

Execution

Because our customers’ needs are ever-changing, AMD understands the value of looking towards—and keeping pace with—the future. To help ensure we meet our customers’ needs today and tomorrow, AMD invests in state-of-the-art technology research many years in advance of first commercial use.

Like other world-class companies, we are proud of our success, but we are never satisfied. At AMD, we are committed to delivering the innovative solutions our customers need, building the framework for sustainable growth going forward.