AMD Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition (125W) uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 125 W quad core Deneb desktop part at 3.4 GHz with 6 MB of L3 cache and an unlocked multiplier.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- November 2009
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 4
- Default TDP
- 125 W
- Codename
- Deneb
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Phenom II X4
- Clocks
- 3.4 GHz
AMD Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Deneb cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 3.4 GHz (no turbo) |
| 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 X4 965 BE (125W) 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 965 BE (125W) is
The AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition (125W) is a quad core Deneb desktop processor from November 2009. It runs four K10 cores at 3.4 GHz with no turbo, 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 C3 process.
The 125 W 965 BE is the C3 refresh of the 140 W launch version with the same clocks at lower power. Against the 955 BE it adds 200 MHz with an unlocked multiplier. It was a popular tuning quad for AM3 towers.
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 X4 965 Black Edition (125W) fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins. Boards need solid 125 W delivery with tuning firmware.
AM3 chips also fit AM3+ boards. It 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 965 BE (140W) page shows the 140 W twin.
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 needs a 125 W rated tower on the 48 × 96 mm mount.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the upgrade is the 970 BE or 980 BE on the same board. Beyond AM3 a move to AM3+ needs a new board.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) use?
Socket AM3, the 938-pin package. This is the 125 W C3 version.
How many cores does the Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) have?
Four cores and four threads at 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 965 BE (125W)?
DDR2 and DDR3 in two channels.
Can the Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) be overclocked?
Yes. Black Edition means the multiplier is unlocked.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .