Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W)
AMD
PassMark
2,544
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Overview
The Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,544 points. Launch price was $149.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
ARC Raiders
Civilization VI
Counter-Strike 2
Deadlock
Final Fantasy XIV
Garry's Mod
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Path of Exile 2
Phasmophobia
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.4 GHz from a base frequency of 3.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 6 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 512 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 128 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,544, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 4C / 4T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.4 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3.4 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Deneb (2009−2011) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 45 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 512 kB (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 128 kB (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 258 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 758 million |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked | Yes (Overclockable) |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 2,544 |
Memory & Platform
The Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) fits into the AM3 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.
| Specification | Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | AM3 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 2.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR3 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Power & Cooling
The Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 125 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 125 Watt |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #2376 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $149 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #2376 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2009-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2009 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | AMD |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | GlobalFoundries |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Designer | AMD |
| Launch Price | $149 |
| Manufacturer | GlobalFoundries |
| Release Date | 2009-01-01 |
| Architecture Codename | Deneb (2009−2011) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 2376 |
Technical Specifications
13 specs
Technical Specifications
13 specs
| Cores | 4 |
| Threads | 4 |
| Die Size | 258 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 128 kB (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) |
| Max Frequency | 3.4 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 3.4 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 758 million |
| Process Technology | 45 nm |
| Unlocked Multiplier | + |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | AM3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 125 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
1 spec
Memory
1 spec
| RAM Types | DDR3 |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W)
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
Compare Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W) with other popular CPUs
Compare Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W)
See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives
Better Alternatives (8)
Similar or Lower Performance (8)
