CPU·Budget

Phenom X4 9600B

AMD

PassMark

1,842

MSRP

$278

AVG Price

$20

2009-01-01

95 Watt

Agena (2007−2008)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Phenom X4 9600B

4 / 4

1,842

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 X4 9600B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,842 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 Phenom X4 9600B

#420

Core i7-5820K

MSRP: $389|Avg: $103

104%

#421

Celeron G555

MSRP: $52|Avg: $15

103%

#422

Core i5-6400

MSRP: $182|Avg: $57

103%

#423

Core i3-9350KF

MSRP: $173|Avg: $80

103%

#424

Ryzen 7 PRO 5755GE

MSRP: $220|Avg: $220

103%

#425

Core i3-9300

MSRP: $143|Avg: $75

103%

#426

Ryzen 7 3800XT

MSRP: $399|Avg: $249

102%

#427

Core i3-4370

MSRP: $149|Avg: $41

102%

#428

Pentium G2120

MSRP: $86|Avg: $20

102%

#429

Core i7-4930K

MSRP: $670|Avg: $100

102%

#430

Pentium D 950

MSRP: $637|Avg: $10

102%

#431

Core i5-11400T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $140

101%

#432

Core i5-4460S

MSRP: $182|Avg: $50

101%

#433

Core i9-7940X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $275

100%

#434

Core i3-10305

MSRP: $149|Avg: $100

100%

#435

Phenom X4 9600B

MSRP: $278|Avg: $20

100%

#436

Core i3-9320

MSRP: $154|Avg: $80

100%

#437

Core i5-2550K

MSRP: $235|Avg: $46

100%

#438

Ryzen Threadripper 1950X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $300

99%

#439

Core i3-10105

MSRP: $122|Avg: $90

99%

#440

Core i7-4771

MSRP: $320|Avg: $78

99%

#441

Core i3-13100E

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

99%

#442

Core i9-13900F

MSRP: $524|Avg: $536

99%

#443

Athlon 64 X2 6000+

MSRP: $450|Avg: $20

99%

#444

Pentium G840

MSRP: $64|Avg: $15

99%

#445

Processor 300

MSRP: $82|Avg: $80

99%

#446

Ryzen 7 7800X3D

MSRP: $449|Avg: $378.13

98%

#447

Ryzen 5 2600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $145

98%

#448

Core i3-4170

MSRP: $117|Avg: $40

98%

#449

Ryzen 5 2400GE

MSRP: $169|Avg: $80

98%

#450

Ryzen 5 1600X

MSRP: $249|Avg: $144

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Phenom X4 9600B across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Phenom X4 9600B specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Phenom X4 9600B is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture, manufactured on a 65 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 2 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 1,842, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Phenom X4 9600B
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Agena (2007−2008)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	65 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	2 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	285 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	450 million
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,842

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Phenom X4 9600B fits into the AM2+ socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage.

Specification	Phenom X4 9600B
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	AM2+
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	0
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR2-1066
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Phenom X4 9600B is primarily designed for Business. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Phenom X4 9600B
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Business
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	AMD-V

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Phenom X4 9600B 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 X4 9600B
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $20 (MSRP: $278), the Phenom X4 9600B delivers 92 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2657 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Phenom X4 9600B
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$278
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$20
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$149
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2657
Release DateLaunch date	2009-01-01
Release Year	2008
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

6 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	AMD
Launch Price	$149
Release Date	2009-01-01
Architecture Codename	Agena (2007−2008)
Performance Ranking Position	2657

Technical Specifications

11 specs

Cores	4
Threads	4
Die Size	285 mm2
L1 Cache	128 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	512 kB (per core)
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)
Max Frequency	2.3 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Transistor Count	450 million
Process Technology	65 nm
Windows 11 Compatible	-