14 DAY TRIAL // Sunnyvale, California-based Advanced Micro Devices, the world's second largest manufacturer of computer processors, has just released a new revision for its high-end Phenom II X4 965 desktop processor. Specifically designed to meet the performance requirements of computer enthusiasts, the new CPU now features a reduced power consumption, dropping from the previous 140W to 125W. This being the most notable feature of the new C3 revision, users should expect the updated model to provide a greater overclocking headroom.
Launched in mid August, the quad-core Phenom II X4 965 BE (Black Edition) processor has been designed to provide computer and overclocking enthusiasts with a new product that can fit AM2+ and AM3 platforms, providing a boost of performance. The updated model has a couple of new features that have been enabled, compared with the initial CPU, including the official support for four DDR3 modules at 1333MHz. In addition, the new chip also features C1E hardware support.
AMD has decided to keep the updated Phenom II X4 965 in its line of Black Edition CPUs, with the new model being clocked at the same 3.4GHz and being priced at US$195. In order to recognize the updated model from the previous version, be sure to look for part number HDZ965FBK4DGM, in comparison with the HDZ965FBK4DGI part number, for the older CPU. As you have probably noticed, the difference is only visible in the last letter of the part number.
In related news, AMD is also expected to roll out a new revision for its Phenom II X4 955 processor, which should bring the power consumption down from 125W to 95W. What is yet unknown is whether the new revision will continue to be part of the chip maker's BE lineup. To further step up the performance ladder, AMD is rumored to be planning the launch of a Phenom II X4 975 model, which will essentially be released as a quad-core with a 3.6GHz clock speed.