AMD Phenom II X4 960T BE socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Phenom II X4 960T Black Edition uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 95 W quad core Zosma desktop part from 3.0 GHz to 3.4 GHz with Turbo Core, 6 MB of L3 cache and an unlocked multiplier.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- June 2010
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 4
- Default TDP
- 95 W
- Codename
- Zosma
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Phenom II X4
- Clocks
- 3.0 / 3.4 GHz
AMD Phenom II X4 960T BE specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Zosma cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 3.0 GHz base, 3.4 GHz Turbo Core |
| Cache | 2 MB L2 (4 × 512 KB), 6 MB shared L3 |
| Default TDP | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2-1066 and DDR3-1333, 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 X4 960T BE 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 X4 960T BE is
The AMD Phenom II X4 960T Black Edition is a quad core Zosma desktop processor that AMD launched in June 2010. It runs four K10 cores at 3.0 GHz base with Turbo Core to 3.4 GHz, 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 95 W on a 45 nm process with Thuban heritage.
The 960T Black Edition is the best known Zosma because it pairs turbo with an unlocked multiplier at 95 W. Against the 840T it adds 100 to 200 MHz across base and turbo. Against Deneb quads at 3.2 GHz fixed it trades a lower base for higher single threaded bursts. Many samples unlock to six cores on boards with core unlocking firmware, which made it popular with tuners, but unlocking is never guaranteed and can expose weak cores.
There is no integrated graphics on this die. Board video comes from 7 and 8 series chipsets where fitted.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Phenom II X4 960T Black Edition fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins. Boards need a BIOS that lists the Zosma E0 stepping, usually 2010 or later firmware on 7 and 8 series boards.
AM3 chips also fit AM3+ boards. The 960T also boots on AM2+ DDR2 boards after a BIOS update. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the AMD Phenom II X4 970 BE page shows the fixed 3.5 GHz alternative.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR2 up to PC2-8500 and DDR3 up to PC3-10600 in two channels. A 2 by 4 GB DDR3-1333 kit suits tuner towers.
HyperTransport 3.0 links the CPU to the chipset at 2.0 GHz. PCIe Gen 2 slots hang off the chipset.
Cooling is a 95 W rated tower on the 48 × 96 mm mount. The unlocked multiplier allows ratio tuning without reference clock changes.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the upgrade is a Thuban six core such as the 1090T for rendering with turbo, or a 125 W Deneb for fixed clocks. Beyond AM3, DDR3 carries to AM3+ while DDR4 needs a new platform.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Phenom II X4 960T BE use?
Socket AM3, the 938-pin package. Boards need a BIOS that lists the Zosma E0 stepping.
How many cores does the Phenom II X4 960T BE have?
Four cores and four threads at 3.0 GHz base with Turbo Core to 3.4 GHz, with 512 KB of L2 per core and 6 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Phenom II X4 960T BE?
DDR2 up to DDR2-1066 and DDR3 up to DDR3-1333 in two channels.
Can the Phenom II X4 960T BE be overclocked?
Yes. Black Edition means the multiplier is unlocked. Many samples also unlock to six cores on capable boards, but unlocking is board dependent and never guaranteed.
Sources and verification
- List of AMD Phenom processors (Wikipedia)
- AMD Phenom II X4 960T BE Specs (TechPowerUp)
- Turning Zosma Into Thuban (Toms Hardware)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .