AMD Phenom X4 9950 BE (140W) socket: Socket AM2+
The AMD Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition (140W) uses the Socket AM2+ socket. It is an unlocked 140 W quad-core Agena flagship part at 2.6 GHz with 4x512 KB of L2 plus 2 MB of shared L3.
- Socket
- Socket AM2+
- Launched
- July 2008
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 4
- Default TDP
- 140 W
- Codename
- Agena
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Phenom X4
- Clocks
- 2.6 GHz
AMD Phenom X4 9950 BE (140W) specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Agena cores on 65 nm |
| Clocks | 2.6 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 4x512 KB L2 plus 2 MB shared L3 |
| Default TDP | 140 W |
| Manufacturing process | 65 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2-800 and DDR2-1066, two channels |
| HyperTransport | 2.0 GHz |
| PCI Express | PCIe Gen 2 from the board chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (board video where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Unlocked (Black Edition) |
| Package | Socket AM2+ (940 pins) |
| Core voltage | 1.25 to 1.30 V |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD Phenom X4 9950 BE (140W) 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 9950 BE (140W) is
The AMD Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition (140W) is an unlocked 2.6 GHz quad core flagship. It runs four K10 cores at 2.6 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 140 W on Socket AM2+.
The 140W 9950 BE is built on the fixed B3 stepping at 1.25 to 1.30 V, part HD995ZFAJ4BGH, with no TLB erratum, and its HyperTransport link runs at a full 2.0 GHz. AMD announced it in March 2008 and it went on sale in July 2008, with a 125W bin following in October. It ships as processor only with no cooler in the box.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 9950 BE (140W) needs a Socket AM2+ board with DDR2 memory, robust voltage regulation and a BIOS that lists 140 W Agena parts, ideally an overclocking-friendly board with voltage control. Budget boards cannot feed 140 W quads and fail over time, so the board maker CPU list matters. 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 through the dual-channel controller.
HyperTransport 3.0 at 2.0 GHz links the CPU to the chipset. PCIe Gen 2 slots hang off the chipset.
Cooling must be a heavy tower heatsink rated above 140 W on the 48 x 96 mm mount, since tuned voltages push heat past stock levels.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM2+ the 9950 BE (140W) is the stock clock ceiling, so the moves are the AMD Phenom X4 9950 BE (125W) at the same 2.6 GHz unlocked in a 125 W envelope, or the AMD Phenom X4 9850 BE at 2.5 GHz unlocked for a cheaper tuner. The AMD Phenom X4 9850 (95W) fits boards that only feed 95 W.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Phenom X4 9950 BE (140W) use?
Socket AM2+, the 940-pin package on DDR2 boards, but only on boards rated for 140 W quads.
How many cores does the Phenom X4 9950 BE (140W) have?
Four cores and 4 threads at 2.6 GHz with 512 KB of L2 per core plus 2 MB of shared L3.
When did the Phenom X4 9950 BE (140W) launch?
Announced in March 2008, on sale from July 2008; the 125W bin followed in October 2008.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .