Is Phenom X4 9950 a good processor?

Wakashizuma

Junior Member
Nov 29, 2008
10
0
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Hello everyone
Is Phenom X4 9950 BE a good processor?
I'll use it mainly for:

)Internet
)Mail
)Office
)Media playback
)Blu-ray playback
)Some Occasional Gaming
)Maybe overclock a bit

Does this processor do it?
Thank you
 

piesquared

Golden Member
Oct 16, 2006
1,651
473
136
Yes, it is a fantastic processor!:D It'll certainly handle those tasks with ease, and probably more than what you need. But it's nice to have the extra cores when software is finally written to take advantage of it. Strap on a 780g or 790gx with that and you are set, depending on what types of games you play of course.
 

Flipped Gazelle

Diamond Member
Sep 5, 2004
6,666
3
81
Originally posted by: Wakashizuma
Hello everyone
Is Phenom X4 9950 BE a good processor?
I'll use it mainly for:

)Internet
)Mail
)Office
)Media playback
)Blu-ray playback
)Some Occasional Gaming
)Maybe overclock a bit

Does this processor do it?
Thank you

Any modern processor can do any of this.

Right now, Intel has quad cores that are significantly better, but more expensive. The good news is that rumors regarding the upcoming AMD Phenom II's indicate it's looking pretty good.

You might want to hold off on building a new AMD-based computer right now, as socket AM3 is right around the corner.
 

Wakashizuma

Junior Member
Nov 29, 2008
10
0
0
Thank you all
I also had in mind that to buy a mainboard that is AM3 ready and buy one of those upcoming AM3 CPUs in January
Right now the DDR3 memory is pretty expensive so I'm thinking to stick with a AM+2 mainboard (spending about $100) and instead buy an AM+ CPU and maybe upgrade the mainboard and the memory in 2009 or later

Does that sound like a good plan? What features of AM3 CPUs other than DDR3 wont be supported on AM2+ mainboards?

 

formulav8

Diamond Member
Sep 18, 2000
7,004
522
126
Unless i'm mistaken, AM3 will be keyed differently. At the very least the mobo will have to contain DDR3 slots along with DDR2 slots since DDR3 uses different voltages and such compared to DDR2.

Anyways, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that CPU your wanting. Its actually strong for the price. :)


Jason
 

thilanliyan

Lifer
Jun 21, 2005
11,979
2,201
126
Originally posted by: formulav8
Unless i'm mistaken, AM3 will be keyed differently. At the very least the mobo will have to contain DDR3 slots along with DDR2 slots since DDR3 uses different voltages and such compared to DDR2.

Nah AM3 CPUs will be supported on certain AM2+ m/bs...most AM2+ m/bs I think. Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI even have released longs lists of supported m/bs already.
 

Flipped Gazelle

Diamond Member
Sep 5, 2004
6,666
3
81
Originally posted by: thilan29
Originally posted by: formulav8
Unless i'm mistaken, AM3 will be keyed differently. At the very least the mobo will have to contain DDR3 slots along with DDR2 slots since DDR3 uses different voltages and such compared to DDR2.

Nah AM3 CPUs will be supported on certain AM2+ m/bs...most AM2+ m/bs I think. Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI even have released longs lists of supported m/bs already.

Biostar, too.

Cut 'n paste from Wikipedia:

Socket AM3, which will be used in future AMD CPU releases, is a CPU socket designed by AMD for desktop processors, including the performance, mainstream and value segments. It did have an expected release for early 2008, as a replacement for Socket AM2/AM2+. But currently Socket AM2+ processors (Code Name: Deneb 45nm) are scheduled for an early to mid December 2008 launch which automatically pushes back the release of Socket AM3 to late Q1 2009. AMD has confirmed that AM3 processors will work on AM2 motherboards. However, AM2 processors will not work on AM3 motherboards because AM2 processors lack the DDR3 memory controller. Also, two extra pins (940 for AM2 vs 938 for AM3) makes the older chips mechanically incompatible with the new socket, preventing users from attempting to install an old chip in a new board. Late 2008 UPDATE: [All processors including the Deneb FX will offer support for both DDR2 and DDR3.] Deneb supports both DDR2/DDR3 Road Map: AMD45nm CPU???Heka/Rana/Ragor Socket AM3 will be able to run either DDR2 or DDR3 SDRAM memory [1], but not both on the same motherboard; DDR3 runs at higher clock frequencies while drawing less power than DDR2 memory; however, it also has higher latencies, and is currently somewhat more expensive. Therefore, users of Socket AM2 motherboards will be able to upgrade to AM3 processors, without replacing the motherboard or memory. Socket AM3 is assumed to be introduced with AMD's next generation processors based on the 45 nm fabrication process that will be release in December 2008 (processor only), and the full AM3 platform (processor & motherboards) on January 11, 2009.[2].

If you need/want to build an AMD-based system right now, you might want to consider buying a cheap X2 and overclocking it, then replacing with a Phenom II early next year.

My current system has an X2 4000 OC'd to 3 ghz. I'll be getting a freebie Phenom in January, and already had the X2 4000 just laying around, so it was a good situation for me.
 

Wakashizuma

Junior Member
Nov 29, 2008
10
0
0
Thank you guys
So to put it all together
I'll wait till Fabruary for AM3 Phenom X4 925 to be released (since 920 is only AM2+) and I'll use it for a year and then I might upgrade it to AM3 chipsets + DDR3
From where I see it, DDR3 is expensive and it doesnt benefit me in any of the applications I need the computer for (I wont do much gaming)
The reason I rather get an AM3 processor is to have the option to upgrade to DDR3 once I need it to
Does this seem like a reasonable plan?
 

thilanliyan

Lifer
Jun 21, 2005
11,979
2,201
126
Originally posted by: Wakashizuma
Does this seem like a reasonable plan?

I'd say so...I'm also gonna be doing something similar...I don't wanna get rid of my 3GB of ram just yet and I won't be running 64-bit for a while.
 

geokilla

Platinum Member
Oct 14, 2006
2,012
3
81
Is there any reason for going AMD and not Intel if you're building a new rig?
 

Keysplayr

Elite Member
Jan 16, 2003
21,209
50
91
I was wondering the same thing actually. And I also wondered, that if the OP want's to go strictly AMD, why he wouldn't wait for the AMD Deneb CPU's to surface. It's not that long of a wait. I hear it's January. There are some higher hopes for Deneb (PhenomII) than for the current Phenoms. I myself am waiting for the PhenomII 920? is it?. I currently have the AMD rig in my sig, but it can't hold a candle to comparable Intel offerings.

All I'm saying is, at this point in time, it may be prudent to wait for the PhenomII launch. Think about it, if you buy a 9950 Phenom now, with corresponding mobo and RAM, you may have to upgrade the whole thing and go through the hassle of selling your old stuff at a loss when the time comes. And of course, this all depends on how good/bad PhenomII does.
 

atari030

Junior Member
Oct 1, 2008
13
0
0
I'm sure there are several possible reasons. It could be personal platform preference, a desire to support the underdog, distaste for Intel's business practices, simple ignorance of mainstream opinion on Intel vs. AMD processor performance, total ambivalence to synthetic benchmarks, etc.

I guess I'll let the man speak for himself, however.

Regardless, no matter how many times I see it, I still find it amusing that any thread started here that involves someone purchasing an AMD CPU results in at least one mandatory reply questioning the person's decision-making ability and/or competence as a rational being.

Maybe they just don't want to buy an Intel processor? Really, it's not that unheard of. I know a couple people that actually own AMD processors. Really, I'm not making that up.

 

Cogman

Lifer
Sep 19, 2000
10,283
134
106
Originally posted by: geokilla
Is there any reason for going AMD and not Intel if you're building a new rig?

It's cheaper, offers good Price/performance, Has the BEST Home theater MB available.

Don't get me wrong, both competitors have some pretty strong offerings, however, one of AMD's strong points is that you don't have to break the bank to get a decent motherboard. (A good AMD motherboard falls in the range of $70-90, Where as a good intel motherboard falls around $100-$150)
 

Keysplayr

Elite Member
Jan 16, 2003
21,209
50
91
Originally posted by: atari030
I'm sure there are several possible reasons. It could be personal platform preference, a desire to support the underdog, distaste for Intel's business practices, simple ignorance of mainstream opinion on Intel vs. AMD processor performance, total ambivalence to synthetic benchmarks, etc.

I guess I'll let the man speak for himself, however.

Regardless, no matter how many times I see it, I still find it amusing that any thread started here that involves someone purchasing an AMD CPU results in at least one mandatory reply questioning the person's decision-making ability and/or competence as a rational being.

Maybe they just don't want to buy an Intel processor? Really, it's not that unheard of. I know a couple people that actually own AMD processors. Really, I'm not making that up.

It was a simple question. Trying to see if the OP cares more about his money, or the platform he uses. No need to turn this into a Freudian couch session.

It's not a question of anyone's decision making ability. His decision making ability can be determined AFTER he is well informed. And even then, it just may be his preference.
 

Keysplayr

Elite Member
Jan 16, 2003
21,209
50
91
Originally posted by: Cogman
Originally posted by: geokilla
Is there any reason for going AMD and not Intel if you're building a new rig?

It's cheaper, offers good Price/performance, Has the BEST Home theater MB available.

Don't get me wrong, both competitors have some pretty strong offerings, however, one of AMD's strong points is that you don't have to break the bank to get a decent motherboard. (A good AMD motherboard falls in the range of $70-90, Where as a good intel motherboard falls around $100-$150)

I believe that is a misconception. Great deals on either platform can be had that are comparable with other in price/performance. Intel just has more higher end pricing for higher end parts for obvious reasons. This, as I have said, may, or may not change after Phenom II launches.
 

Idontcare

Elite Member
Oct 10, 1999
21,110
59
91
Originally posted by: atari030
Regardless, no matter how many times I see it, I still find it amusing that any thread started here that involves someone purchasing an AMD CPU results in at least one mandatory reply questioning the person's decision-making ability and/or competence as a rational being.

Maybe they just don't want to buy an Intel processor? Really, it's not that unheard of. I know a couple people that actually own AMD processors. Really, I'm not making that up.

There are legitimate reasons to request this information. Not every request of this nature falls into the seething villainous anti-AMD fanboi brigade category.

Some people are here to genuinely help others, and sometimes the best help can only come from having a few more additional bits of info regarding preferences and motivation of the OP.
 

Cogman

Lifer
Sep 19, 2000
10,283
134
106
Originally posted by: keysplayr2003
Originally posted by: Cogman
Originally posted by: geokilla
Is there any reason for going AMD and not Intel if you're building a new rig?

It's cheaper, offers good Price/performance, Has the BEST Home theater MB available.

Don't get me wrong, both competitors have some pretty strong offerings, however, one of AMD's strong points is that you don't have to break the bank to get a decent motherboard. (A good AMD motherboard falls in the range of $70-90, Where as a good intel motherboard falls around $100-$150)

I believe that is a misconception. Great deals on either platform can be had that are comparable with other in price/performance. Intel just has more higher end pricing for higher end parts for obvious reasons. This, as I have said, may, or may not change after Phenom II launches.

A good AMD system will often be cheaper then a comparable intel system, I don't think it is a misconception at all.

Are there cases where that isn't the case, Of course. However, I think that for the most part AMD has pretty competitive offerings across the board. Take any 780G based motherboards. These things are awesome, An Asus branded 780G can be had for as little as $65.

I don't think Intel has anything that compares to that. Their best Price/Performance offering is a P45 based motherboard, and those run $100+.

Now, as I said before, they are both pretty competitive, If you want absolute speed, then Intel is the obvious answer, However, $169 for a quad core CPU is hard to argue against. Its a good deal.
 

heyheybooboo

Diamond Member
Jun 29, 2007
6,278
0
0
Combo Deal: $189

Gigabyte GA-MA790GP-DS4H AMD 790GX HDMI
and
Athlon X2 4850e 2.5GHz AM2 45W


The Gigabyte 790gx is loaded up with goodies (no eSATA, however) and last week Gigabyte announced Phenom II support for the mobo. By Spring the initial 'price rush' should be over on the 45nm Phenom IIs ...

You just missed the Foxconn A79A-S AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX for $95 AR - They sold out this morning.
 

Flipped Gazelle

Diamond Member
Sep 5, 2004
6,666
3
81
Originally posted by: Cogman
Originally posted by: keysplayr2003
Originally posted by: Cogman
Originally posted by: geokilla
Is there any reason for going AMD and not Intel if you're building a new rig?

It's cheaper, offers good Price/performance, Has the BEST Home theater MB available.

Don't get me wrong, both competitors have some pretty strong offerings, however, one of AMD's strong points is that you don't have to break the bank to get a decent motherboard. (A good AMD motherboard falls in the range of $70-90, Where as a good intel motherboard falls around $100-$150)

I believe that is a misconception. Great deals on either platform can be had that are comparable with other in price/performance. Intel just has more higher end pricing for higher end parts for obvious reasons. This, as I have said, may, or may not change after Phenom II launches.

A good AMD system will often be cheaper then a comparable intel system, I don't think it is a misconception at all.

Are there cases where that isn't the case, Of course. However, I think that for the most part AMD has pretty competitive offerings across the board. Take any 780G based motherboards. These things are awesome, An Asus branded 780G can be had for as little as $65.

I don't think Intel has anything that compares to that. Their best Price/Performance offering is a P45 based motherboard, and those run $100+.

Now, as I said before, they are both pretty competitive, If you want absolute speed, then Intel is the obvious answer, However, $169 for a quad core CPU is hard to argue against. Its a good deal.

780g motherboards are (sadly) overrated as an HTPC platform. No support for LPCM surround sound over HDMI kinda kills it.

Quick look on Newegg shows P45 motherboards start at $75.

You can get the Q6600 for $178. It's potentially more powerful than 9950 due to better overclocking and runs cooler.

When building comparable systems - and the key word here is comparable, AMD no longer has much of a price advantage.

2 of the 3 systems running in my home are AMD-based, BTW. ;)
 

Keysplayr

Elite Member
Jan 16, 2003
21,209
50
91
Originally posted by: heyheybooboo
Combo Deal: $189

Gigabyte GA-MA790GP-DS4H AMD 790GX HDMI
and
Athlon X2 4850e 2.5GHz AM2 45W


The Gigabyte 790gx is loaded up with goodies (no eSATA, however) and last week Gigabyte announced Phenom II support for the mobo. By Spring the initial 'price rush' should be over on the 45nm Phenom IIs ...

You just missed the Foxconn A79A-S AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX for $95 AR - They sold out this morning.

Yeah. And? Which do you think is money better spent?
ASUS P5Q SE
E7200
Combo price: 196.98 less 15.00 MIR. 181.98
 

Wakashizuma

Junior Member
Nov 29, 2008
10
0
0
Hello everyone
I really thank you all for your help and insight. I'm glad that I chose a right website to ask my question :D

As for my choosing AMD over Intel, it has more to do with experiencing different platforms and maybe supporting the competition (as absurd as it sounds)
I'm well informed about the Intel processors. I have a Mac Pro (2X Xeon 5150 2.66) and also during summer I put together a Q6600 syetem for my brother and it kicks some major ass

There is also another reason that I chose AMD and that's the whole AM2+ AM3 thing. The thing is, right now I can go and buy a Q6600 and maybe overclock it to 3GHZ. But next year when I'm upgrading parts if I tend to go DDR3 then I have to buy a new CPU and Mainboard. Also i7 CPUs and mainboards are relatively expensive at the moment and to me not worth the extra cost. With AMD, I can buy my AM3 CPU in the February (when X4 925 comes out) and use it with DDR2. Once I need to upgrade, then All I need is a mainboard and memory
There is no question that Intel platforms are the king right now in terms of performance (and value I'd say) but the whole DDR3 reminds me of RDRAM where you had to bring out big bucks to take advantage of P4 (although unlike P4, i7 beats its competition :D)

I decided to wait till February for my CPU. I may buy the case, power and memory now but I wait for X4 925 CPUs to come out in February. As you guys said, it's worth waiting the extra month. So this way I have an AM3 DDR3 SSE4 compatible CPU

Am I on the right track?
Thank you again
 

heyheybooboo

Diamond Member
Jun 29, 2007
6,278
0
0
I'm not certain - but it's possible that the new Phenom microprocessors may not have both DDR2/DDR3 memory controllers. They talked about that possibility but I haven't heard a great deal about it recently ...

I believe different versions of the Deneb chip - one chip supporting AM2 and another chip supporting AM3 - is what is planned for January.

The folks that know ain't talking, and the folks that don't know - don't know LOL ... except for the usual 'pundits' (and their FUD)

 

thilanliyan

Lifer
Jun 21, 2005
11,979
2,201
126
Originally posted by: heyheybooboo
I'm not certain - but it's possible that the new Phenom microprocessors may not have both DDR2/DDR3 memory controllers. They talked about that possibility but I haven't heard a great deal about it recently ...

I believe different versions of the Deneb chip - one chip supporting AM2 and another chip supporting AM3 - is what is planned for January.

No AM3 Cpus have both memory controllers. There will be AM2+ Denebs (I don't know if AM2+ Denebs will be compatible with AM3 motherboards) and AM3 Denebs but both will be compatible with a lot of AM2+ motherboards.

Here's a list from Asus:
http://event.asus.com/mb/AM3_CPU_Support/

And there will be more added it says. Other companies have given lists as well.
 

Wakashizuma

Junior Member
Nov 29, 2008
10
0
0
I do have a question
Some of these AM2+ boards need Bios update in order to run AM3 CPUs. I was wondering, if I get the board and the AM3 CPU how can I update the BIOS if the board doesn't recognize the processor?
I mean, how can I boot and and run the update with the upcoming AM3 processor?
 

RaptureMe

Senior member
Jan 18, 2007
552
0
0
Just grab one of the newer x4 9950BE 125w versions then when the new deneb comes out you could just drop one of those in to replace your 9950.
Or you could just play the waiting game and get the am3 version and buy all new mobo, ram, cpu ect...
just remember though there is always something better coming out and if you keep waiting for the next best thing you will always be waiting....