AMD Phenom X4 9600 socket: Socket AM2+
The AMD Phenom X4 9600 uses the Socket AM2+ socket. It is a 95 W quad-core Agena part at 2.3 GHz with 4x512 KB of L2 plus 2 MB of shared L3, from the first Phenom launch.
- Socket
- Socket AM2+
- Launched
- November 2007
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 4
- Default TDP
- 95 W
- Codename
- Agena
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Phenom X4
- Clocks
- 2.3 GHz
AMD Phenom X4 9600 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Agena cores on 65 nm |
| Clocks | 2.3 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 4x512 KB L2 plus 2 MB shared L3 |
| Default TDP | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 65 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2-800 and DDR2-1066, two channels |
| HyperTransport | 1.8 GHz |
| PCI Express | PCIe from the board chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (board video where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | Socket AM2+ (940 pins) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD Phenom X4 9600 needs a motherboard with a Socket AM2+ socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 700 series | 790FX, 790X, 770 | 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 AM2+.
Socket AM2+ at a glance
| Type | PGA, 940 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 40 × 40 mm |
| Introduced | November 2007 |
| Memory | DDR2 up to PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066), two channels |
| Cooler mounting holes | 48 × 96 mm |
What the Phenom X4 9600 is
The AMD Phenom X4 9600 is a 2.3 GHz quad core from November 19, 2007. It runs four K10 cores at 2.3 GHz with no turbo, so 4 cores give 4 threads. Cache is 512 KB of L2 per core under a shared 2 MB L3 on a 65 nm process. Power is rated at 95 W on Socket AM2+.
The 9600 is built on the first B2 stepping of Agena with a 1.8 GHz HyperTransport link, which carries the TLB erratum that the B3 refresh fixed. It led the November 2007 Phenom launch as the fastest native desktop quad core.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 9600 needs a Socket AM2+ board with DDR2 memory and a BIOS that recognizes first-generation Agena parts. Boards may need the TLB erratum workaround BIOS for B2 steppings. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR2-800 and DDR2-1066 in two channels.
HyperTransport 3.0 at 1.8 GHz links the CPU to the chipset. PCIe slots hang off the chipset.
Cooling should be rated for 95 W on the 48 x 96 mm mount, with Cool'n'Quiet trimming clocks and voltage at idle.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM2+ the upgrade is the AMD Phenom X4 9650 at the same 2.3 GHz on the fixed B3 stepping, or the AMD Phenom X4 9750 (95W) at 2.4 GHz. The AMD Phenom X4 9600 BE at 2.3 GHz unlocked is the tuner pick. Beyond AM2+ a move to AM3 needs a new board for Phenom II parts.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Phenom X4 9600 use?
Socket AM2+, the 940-pin package on DDR2 boards with HyperTransport 3.0.
How many cores does the Phenom X4 9600 have?
Four cores and 4 threads at 2.3 GHz with 512 KB of L2 per core plus 2 MB of shared L3.
What is the difference between the Phenom X4 9600 and 9650?
The 9600 is a B2 stepping with the TLB erratum; the 9650 is the same speed on the fixed B3 stepping.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .