Testing
For testing I first ran the benchmarks I commonly use to check out the stability and performance of a system. I ran the tests at stock clock of 2.8gHz, then at my overclock of 3.528gHz. For comparision, I thought that it would be interesting to compare the X3 720 to my Phenom X4 940 AM2, just to see how an X3 compares with an X4. Using the X4 in a totally different system means we aren’t quite dealing with apples to apples, but we aren’t totally into apples and oranges either. Maybe red delicious to Granny Smith. I’m mostly interested in the bang-for-the-buck aspect, as the X4 940 sells for about $50 more than the X3 720. If the X3 720’s numbers are remotely close to those of the X4 940, it could definitely be the better buy.
The benchmark testing showed definite performance gains from overclocking the X3 720. The X4 940 beat the X3 720 at stock clock in most cases, but less so when the X3 was overclocked. I expected the X4 to clearly outperform the X3 in the purely CPU related tests, and it did, but not as much as I thought it might.
[ad#review1056-bottom]
Good to see that AMD has their CPU line considering the Phenom I chips weren't a great success.
Good to see that AMD has their CPU line considering the Phenom I chips weren't a great success.
AMD's phenom IIs are quite a hit, especially considering their price compared to Intel. Also, with the new phenom II x965 (125w TDP) being released soon, i think amd is making a slight comeback. However i feel that they should hire new engineers and design a new proc that can compete with the i7s and future i9s. I was also wondering whether or not it is pssible to unlock the fourth core on this proc?
AMD's phenom IIs are quite a hit, especially considering their price compared to Intel. Also, with the new phenom II x965 (125w TDP) being released soon, i think amd is making a slight comeback. However i feel that they should hire new engineers and design a new proc that can compete with the i7s and future i9s. I was also wondering whether or not it is pssible to unlock the fourth core on this proc?
As far as I know it is possible to unlock the 4th core.
sweet
As far as I know it is possible to unlock the 4th core.
sweet
As far as I know it is possible to unlock the 4th core.
sweet
how to unlock my 4th core please help
how to unlock my 4th core please help
Not all can be unlocked. It all depends on the processor batch and your motherboard.
Not all can be unlocked. It all depends on the processor batch and your motherboard.
Use google my friend.
Use google my friend.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/unlock-phen…
Try looking there
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/unlock-phen…
Try looking there
AMD is definitely back in the game but not in the performance segment.
AMD is definitely back in the game but not in the performance segment.
intel will lead for a long while to come, amd has a long way to go. Esp since their marketing team sucks. They need a makeover asap.
intel will lead for a long while to come, amd has a long way to go. Esp since their marketing team sucks. They need a makeover asap.
I was not able to unlock mine with a Gigabyte MA790FXT-UD5P. I guess not every CPU has the unlockable core.
I was not able to unlock mine with a Gigabyte MA790FXT-UD5P. I guess not every CPU has the unlockable core.
I was not able to unlock mine with a Gigabyte MA790FXT-UD5P. I guess not every CPU has the unlockable core.
i unlocked my 4th by downloading the latest BIOS from ASUS (my mobo) which allowed me to open it on start up by simply hitting “4” failed stress test tho