AMD Phenom 2 X4 980 Black Edition

4
Cores
4
Threads
3.7 GHz
Base Clock
Socket AM3
Socket
125 W
TDP
No iGPU
Graphics
Release date:May 3, 2011Price at Launch:$195
Cores:4Threads:4
Base Clock:3.7 GHzType:Desktop
Multithreading:NoL2 Cache:4 × 512 KB
L3 Cache:6 MBBox Cooler:Yes
TDP:125 WSocket:Socket AM3
Memory Support:DDR2-1066 / DDR3-1333Codename:Deneb (K10)
Process Size:45 nmIntegrated Graphics:No
NPU:NoPCIe Support:PCIe 2.0

Reviews and Ratings

75

Average Score

Based on 13 reviews

Reviewers Liked

  • Decent performance
  • Good price
  • Multiplier unlocked
  • Lots of computing power in multithreaded applications
  • Works with older chipsets, AM2 socket, and DDR2 memory

Reviewers Didn't Like

  • Limited overclocking with our sample
  • A bit on the expensive side
  • High power consumption under load compared to Intel's rivals
  • Unlocked multiplier adds little practical value
  • Not the best choice for hardcore gamers
63

AMD’s last Phenom-branded CPU is a mixed blessing. In effect, it’s the last of a generation ofCPUs that enables us to look forward to AMD’s new offerings. However, it also reminds us that AMD is currently lagging far behind Intel, not only in the...

By Bit-tech.net on
60

The AMD Phenom II X4 980 is a mid-range CPU that does its job well. It's particularly good for...

By DigitalVersus on
80

While Intel has the performance end of the CPU market sewn up, AMD has been looking out for the little guy, focussing squarely on the mainstream market and cheap chips with competitive processing chops. The Sandy Bridge family might be your go-to guys...

By TechRadar on
84

And yet again, AMD has served us a Deneb based Phenom II X4 processor, with just another 100 MHz speed bump over its predecessor. No new technology implementations like Turbo Core, no significant performance increases, in fact, Phenom II X4 980 Black...

By techPowerUp! on
65

AMD fans should opt for a Phenom II X6 AMD processor, or wait on...

By Kitguru.net on
50

AMD's Phenom II processors represent solid technology that has stood the test of time, mainly through inveterate price cutting. Now clocked in at 3.7GHz for a quad-core part, the 980 Black Edition represents the pinnacle of the Deneb line, first...

By HEXUS.net on
90

It is fair to say that AMDs latest Phenom 2 X4 CPU presents us with no real surprises. It follows their trend of releasing new models at an existing price point and so offers consumers higher performance than the older 975 Black Edition for the same...

By HardwareHeaven on
75

The speed bump on today’s launch of the Phenom II X4 980BE does not change anything for AMD. The processor is still not able compete against Intel Sandy Bridge processors like the Core i5 2500K priced at the same bracket. It will not convert any...

By bjorn3d.com on
83

IMPORTANT: Although the rating and final score mentioned in this conclusion are made to be as objective as possible, please be advised that every author perceives these factors differently at various points in time. While we each do our best to...

By Benchmark Reviews on

Now that Piledriver-based CPUs and APUs are widely available (and the FX-8350 is selling for less than $200), it's a great time to compare value-oriented chips in our favorite titles. We're also breaking out a test that conveys the latency between...

By Tom's Hardware on

Benchmarking 86 CPUs takes a while. After long last, though, we have 51 models from AMD and 35 from Intel tested in our current suite. If you want to know how your processor sizes up to its competition, you'll find plenty of comparison data inside! 86...

By Tom's Hardware on

As you may know, a while back, we came to some difficult realizations about the validity of our methods for testing PC gaming performance. In my article Inside the second: A new look at game benchmarking, we explained why the widely used...

By The Tech Report on