AMD Phenom II X4 960T Processor, Black Edition, 3.0 4 Socket AM3 – HD96ZTWFGRBOX
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TsLDL0wuL._SL160_.jpg
- Operating Frequency: 3.0Ghz
- L3 Cache: 8MB
- Power: 95W
Multi-Core: Quad-Core
AMD Processors
AMD Phenom II X4 960T Processor, Black Edition, 3.0 4 Socket AM3 – HD96ZTWFGRBOX
List Price: $ 134.99
Price:
AMD 960T REVIEW,
Unfortunately my chip did not unlock any extra cores but unlocking cores is a bonus, not a guarantee. You are buying a guaranteed 4 core processor with the chance of an unlock to a pentacore (5) or hexacore (6) processor, assuming your motherboard is capable of unlocking cores.
Although dismayed about the inability of my chip to unlock any cores, I am quite happy with the strength of the chip. I currently have it overclocked to 4.2ghz (stable) up from the stock 3.0ghz. Needless to say, this is quite a jump. As I type this review my temps are 21C for all cores under a cooler master hyper 212+ heatsink and an open-air case. For those unfamiliar with computers and overclocking, this is very cold (a good thing). My voltage is set at 1.404v. I have plenty of headroom and it is possible this chip can hit 4.3ghz. I may give it a try some other day but it’s really not necessary.
It would have been nice if the chip unlocked but given its overclock performance I am pleased with the purchase.
Was this review helpful to you?
WOW!,
Not only is this thing fast but its a great bang for the buck! I had zero problems through my build with it. It also works great when paired with one of Asus’s Crosshair series. I was able to overclock mine from 3.4ghz to 4.0 with zero effort. Im not 100% sure if it has hidden cores but thats also what my Crosshair mobo is made for. Overall this CPU is great for everyday computing or heavy gaming. Not only is it cheap but its right up to par with the highest end of i5 processors. Highly recommended!
**EDIT**
Well I unlocked an extra core with my motherboard and wow this thing runs like a champ. Runs great and cool when paired with a Thermaltake SpinQ VT and keeps its temperatures in the mid 30’s. As I said, it blows a friends i5 rig out of the water. Also, the black editions are meant to be overclocked.
**SECOND EDIT**
Its been two month with this processor now and it’s still running strong. I was able to unlock it to 6 cores with my mobo. Jeez this thing blazes through everything and still begs for more. Even with the extra cores it still runs cool at 32-37 degrees Celsius. I also stand by my last statement, it may not be right with the i5 2500k but its just a few inches behind. Either way the CPU still runs cool and stable at 4ghz.
Was this review helpful to you?
Works,
I put it in my Gigabyte 97 motherboard and it works. Tried over overclocking to 3.6 with success . My motherboard does not support unlocking cores so I don’t know if I can do that.
I needed an AMD CPU quickly and my first choice was an X4 955 but they were out of stock at Amazon so I got this for $109. CPU prices change from day to day on Amazon.
I am happy with this CPU, it works as advertised and can easily be overclocked if I need it. I decided against the FX 4100 at the same price as I have heard it is a disappointment.
12/19/2011
Like most stock coolers the one that comes with this chip has a loud fan and is much louder than on my Corsair 400W power supply.
Was this review helpful to you?