We build computers so we are constantly looking at the best value of hardware for our builds. This AMD Phenom II QUAD 965 is really sweet. We were not sure about this choice. We had a previous phenom ii, the 940 that was underwhelming. But after looking at the various dual core options in AMD we gave it a go. This was a good decision. We like the Xigmatek S-1283 cooler. It is tall, but very quiet and at around $30 it is a super cooler. The cpu has moderate power requirements for reasonable operating temperatures. It is rated 125 watts. You have to make sure your motherboard takes those 125 and 140 watt cpu's. AMD finally solved the Phenom ii speed problem, and this cpu at 3.4ghz ROCKS. We use ASUS whenever we can for mainboards. So we married this cpu to a ASUS AM3 socket M4A88T-M motherboard that has great features and easy setup. We think the architecture of the cache on this processor makes it a better gaming choice over the competition. You can pay a little less for a 955 AMD quad, but stretch to the 965. You'll be glad you did! Our latest build with that Phenom II 965 and Asus M488t-M was completed with a Radeon 5770 video card and Kingson Blue DDR3 memory. We like the XM-5U front mount card readers and all SATA Western Digital and Liteon DVD-R for storage. It is plenty fast for the latest high graphic intense games. Very Nice and we did it ourselves saving a bunch,
I have had this processor since January, and it has done everything I have asked it to do...........Quickly.
I use my PC for video encoding(Power Director 10), DVD authoring(PD10), music recording/mixing/mastering(Sonar X1), gaming, word processing, and graphic design with with the Adobe Suite CS4. This little gem as helped me do all of those tasks quickly, for a good price. I have this paired with a GTX 460 from MSI, a 500 GB HD for the programs, and a separate 1TB drive for storage, and this PC rocks! It should suit me well for the next several years......and considering many programs today have yet to utilize more than 2 cores, it should suit many folks for a while.
I've got it overclocked to 4.2 on a Gigabyte board..it is a 4+1 phase MB, and hasn't killed this board since I have it OC'd, so it isn't sucking TOO much extra juice. Meaning, that you can probably get a basic, "cheap" board, and run this baby at stock, or even a slight overclock, without damaging your motherboard.
I'd recommend ANY of the Phenom 11 X4 series CPU's, they are plenty for my needs, and I'm suspecting, the needs of many others.
MY current Specs
Gigabyte 880gm-Ud2H
Phenom II X4 965 BE
MSI N460GTX 1GB cyclone
500 GB Caviar Blue (programs)
1 TB Seagate Barracuda (storage), 5900 RPM drive
ASUS DVD burner
Lite-ON DVD Burner
OCZ 700 MODXSTREAM PRO PSU
P236 Acer Monitor,
Logitech 100 mouse/wireless keyboard combo.
Love this rig!
Read More Customer Reviews Here
Product Description
From the Manufacturer
Ideal for enthusiasts and casual users alike, the AMD Phenom II X4-965 Black Edition offers multicore processing power at a budget-friendly price. Featuring four cores running at 3.4 GHz each, the processor blows through all the latest benchmarks. It also features an unlocked multiplier that gives you the option of overclocking the chip for faster performance. Compatible with motherboards with an AM2+ or AM3 socket, the X4-965 will take your PC experience to the next level.
Product Features
• Second generation AMD Phenom II processors feature a refined architecture
• 45nm technology for maximum performance headroom
• Has the latest C3 stepping for enhanced electrical and thermal stability; now able to run 1600 and 1800 DDR3
Technical Details
• Brand Name: AMD
• Model: HDZ965FBGMBOX
• Processor Count: 4
• Computer Cpu Manufacturer: AMD
• Processor Model Number: 965
Price : Click here
