CPU·Budget

Phenom II X4 N970

AMD

PassMark

1,647

2009-01-01

2 MB

Champlain (2010−2011)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Phenom II X4 N970

4 / 4

1,647

0.0%

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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 N970 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,647 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.

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

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Phenom II X4 N970 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Phenom II X4 N970 specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Phenom II X4 N970 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,647, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Phenom II X4 N970
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Champlain (2010−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	45 nm
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	2 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	512 kB
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	3600 MHz
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,647

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Memory & Platform

The Phenom II X4 N970 fits into the S1 socket and supports PCIe 2.0.

Specification	Phenom II X4 N970
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	4x AMD Phenom II
SocketMotherboard socket required	S1
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Phenom II X4 N970 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 2 MB — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Phenom II X4 N970
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	2 MB

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Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #2732 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Phenom II X4 N970
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$149
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2732
Release DateLaunch date	2009-01-01
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.

3 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	4x AMD Phenom II
Designer	AMD
Launch Price	$149
Release Date	2009-01-01
Architecture Codename	Champlain (2010−2011)
Performance Ranking Position	2732