CPU·Budget

Phenom II X4 B97

AMD

PassMark

2,540

MSRP

$100

AVG Price

$11

11 May 2010 (15 years ago)

95 Watt

Deneb (2009−2011)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Phenom II X4 B97

4 / 4

2,540

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 B97 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 11 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,540 points. Launch price was $100.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Phenom II X4 B97

#16

Core i5-2310

MSRP: $177|Avg: $12

132%

#17

Core i3-4130T

MSRP: $124|Avg: $10

125%

#18

Core i5-3340

MSRP: $182|Avg: $15

123%

#19

Pentium G640

MSRP: $64|Avg: $5

119%

#20

Core i3-6300T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $15

115%

#21

Core i5-680

MSRP: $294|Avg: $10

113%

#22

Ryzen 7 1700X

MSRP: $399|Avg: $60

113%

#23

Core i3-3240T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $8

112%

#24

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

111%

#25

Core i5-3570T

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

109%

#26

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

109%

#27

Athlon X4 845

MSRP: $70|Avg: $15

109%

#28

Pentium E6700

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

106%

#29

Pentium G2130

MSRP: $75|Avg: $8

104%

#30

Athlon X4 950

MSRP: $58|Avg: $15

103%

#31

Phenom II X4 B97

MSRP: $100|Avg: $11

100%

#32

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

100%

#33

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

100%

#34

Core i5-4570R

MSRP: $250|Avg: $20

99%

#35

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

98%

#36

Core 2 Duo E6320

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

97%

#37

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

96%

#38

Core i5-3450S

MSRP: $174|Avg: $20

95%

#39

Celeron E3200

MSRP: $43|Avg: $5

94%

#40

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

94%

#41

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

94%

#42

Core i7-950

MSRP: $562|Avg: $15

94%

#43

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

93%

#44

Celeron G550T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

93%

#45

Core 2 Duo E6300

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

91%

#46

Core Ultra 5 225F

MSRP: $231|Avg: $150

91%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Phenom II X4 B97 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Phenom II X4 B97 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Phenom II X4 B97 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 3.2 GHz from a base frequency of 3.2 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 2,540, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Phenom II X4 B97
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.2 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
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,540

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Phenom II X4 B97 fits into the AM3 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Phenom II X4 B97
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 B97 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Phenom II X4 B97
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $11 (MSRP: $100), the Phenom II X4 B97 delivers 231 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2380 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Phenom II X4 B97
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$100
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$11
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$100
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2380
Release DateLaunch date	11 May 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

6 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	AMD
Launch Price	$100
Release Date	11 May 2010 (15 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Deneb (2009−2011)
Performance Ranking Position	2380

Technical Specifications

12 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	3.2 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	3.2 GHz
Transistor Count	758 million
Process Technology	45 nm
Windows 11 Compatible	-