AMD Phenom II X6 1090T BE socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 125 W six core Thuban desktop part from 3.2 GHz to 3.6 GHz with Turbo Core, 6 MB of L3 cache and an unlocked multiplier.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- April 2010
- Cores and threads
- 6 and 6
- Default TDP
- 125 W
- Codename
- Thuban
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Phenom II X6
- Clocks
- 3.2 / 3.6 GHz
AMD Phenom II X6 1090T BE specifications
| Cores | 6 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 6 |
| Core architecture | Thuban cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 3.2 GHz base, 3.6 GHz Turbo Core |
| Cache | 3 MB L2 (6 × 512 KB), 6 MB shared L3 |
| Default TDP | 125 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 X6 1090T 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 | Needs a BIOS update Six core parts boot on 8 series boards natively and on 7 series boards after a BIOS update. Check the board CPU list. |
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 X6 1090T BE is
The AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition is a six core Thuban desktop processor that AMD released in April 2010 as the first retail six core for Socket AM3. It runs six K10 cores at 3.2 GHz base with Turbo Core to 3.6 GHz, so 6 cores give 6 threads. Each core carries 512 KB of L2 cache for 3 MB in total, backed by 6 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 125 W on a 45 nm process.
The 1090T Black Edition pairs the Thuban turbo with an unlocked multiplier, which made it popular with tuners. Against the 1055T it adds 400 MHz base and 300 MHz turbo at 125 W. Against the later 1100T it trails by 100 MHz across base and turbo. Six threads at 3.2 GHz suit rendering, encoding and virtualization towers where core count beats clocks.
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 X6 1090T Black Edition fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins. Boards need a BIOS that lists Thuban, with native support on 890FX 8 series and a 2010 update on 7 series. The 125 W rating needs solid delivery.
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 970 BE page shows a faster clocked quad for games.
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 most 1090T towers.
HyperTransport 3.0 links the CPU to the chipset at 2.0 GHz. PCIe Gen 2 slots hang off the chipset. A single x16 slot carries period high end cards.
Cooling needs a 125 W rated tower on the 48 × 96 mm mount. The unlocked multiplier allows ratio tuning, with 4.0 GHz reachable on air with added voltage.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the upgrade is the 1100T Black Edition at 3.3 to 3.7 GHz on the same board. Beyond AM3, DDR3 carries to AM3+ with FX eight cores while DDR4 needs a new platform.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Phenom II X6 1090T BE use?
Socket AM3, the 938-pin package. Boards need a BIOS that lists Thuban.
How many cores does the Phenom II X6 1090T BE have?
Six cores and six threads at 3.2 GHz base with Turbo Core to 3.6 GHz, with 512 KB of L2 per core and 6 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Phenom II X6 1090T BE?
DDR2 up to DDR2-1066 and DDR3 up to DDR3-1333 in two channels.
Can the Phenom II X6 1090T BE be overclocked?
Yes. Black Edition means the multiplier is unlocked. The 1090T commonly reaches 4.0 GHz on air with added voltage and a 125 W tower.
Sources and verification
- List of AMD Phenom processors (Wikipedia)
- AMD Phenom II X6 1090T review (TechRadar)
- Socket AM3 (Wikipedia)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .