AMD Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 125 W quad core Deneb part at 2.0 GHz with 6 MB of L3 cache and an unlocked multiplier, sold without a heatsink for overclocking.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- June 2009
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 4
- Default TDP
- 125 W
- Codename
- Deneb
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Phenom II
- Clocks
- 2.0 GHz
AMD Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Deneb cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.0 GHz stock (unlocked multiplier) |
| Cache | 2 MB L2 (4 × 512 KB), 6 MB shared L3 |
| Default TDP | 125 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2 and DDR3, two channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 from the board chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (board video where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Unlocked (Black Edition) |
| Package | Socket AM3 (µPGA, 938 pins) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition needs a motherboard with a Socket AM3 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 7 and 8 series | 7-Series, 8-Series | Works out of the box |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for Socket AM3.
Socket AM3 at a glance
| Type | PGA, 941 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 40 × 40 mm |
| Introduced | February 2009 |
| Memory | DDR2 up to PC2-8500 and DDR3 up to PC3-10600 |
| Cooler mounting holes | 48 × 96 mm |
What the Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition is
The AMD Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition is a quad core Deneb processor from June 2009 for overclocking. It runs four K10 cores at 2.0 GHz stock with an unlocked multiplier, so 4 cores give 4 threads. Each core carries 512 KB of L2 cache for 2 MB in total, backed by 6 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 125 W on a 45 nm process.
TWKR chips are hand binned Deneb dies sold without a heatsink for liquid cooling builds. The low stock clock leaves headroom for multiplier tuning past 4 GHz on capable boards. Against standard Black Editions it trades stock speed for binning at the same 125 W.
There is no graphics on the die. Board video comes from 7 and 8 series chipsets where fitted.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins. Boards need 790FX class power delivery with tuning firmware for serious overclocks.
AM3 chips also fit AM3+ boards. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the AMD Phenom II X4 970 BE page shows a fast stock Black Edition.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR2 up to PC2-8500 and DDR3 up to PC3-10600 in two channels.
HyperTransport links the CPU to the chipset at 2 GHz. PCIe Gen 2 slots hang off the chipset.
Cooling is buyer supplied. No heatsink ships in the box, so pair it with a tower rated well above 125 W or liquid cooling.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 there is no higher binned stock option, so the path is tuning the unlocked multiplier or a move to Thuban six cores. Keep the TWKR where binning matters.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition use?
Socket AM3, the 938-pin package on boards with strong delivery and tuning firmware.
How many cores does the Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition have?
Four cores and four threads at 2.0 GHz stock with 512 KB of L2 per core and 6 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition?
DDR2 and DDR3 in two channels.
Can the Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition be overclocked?
Yes. It is a binned Black Edition with an unlocked multiplier and no boxed heatsink, made for overclocking.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .