AMD Phenom II X4 975, Black Edition
Pros: 4 cores, Unlocked, 3.6 'out of the Box', Deneb Chip, Lot's of head room
Cons: None
The AMD Phenom II X 4 975 B.E. is part of the newest line release of Phenoms from AMD; With the power of four processor cores on a single chip, the AMD Phenom II X4 975 BE delivers multitasking performance with each core owning L2 cache and sharing 6MB L3 cache. Its multiplier is fully unlocked for easy overclocking. Overclocking this proc was a breeze. 3.6Ghz out of the box with a 18.0 multiplier at a 1.4 volt margin, with a max 125TDP. Just by pushing the multi- 4 steps(2 full number count), I was into the 4 gig range with no problem what so ever with everything else left on 'Auto'!!!.
It was almost like the CPU was asking me to push it harder! LOL The head room in this CPU is unbelievable. So I decided to push it 4 more step's(2 full number count); still leaving everything else on auto and just pushing the multiplier. Well, let me tell you from the last time booting out of BIO's into my desktop...
I was just 'Amazed' at were my overclock had brought me too. 
WOW, WOW, WOW!!!
I had pushed this CPU to a hole '4429.85Mhz!!!!
Unbelievable! It felt like there wasn't any strain on the CPU at all. What I did notice was my PSU compensated and raised the voltage between 1.425 & 1.440. ( at Idle, she sit's at 1.425; on load she go'es right to 1.440-1.475)... 
Now this really isn't a conclusive Stable overclock. ( too me at least) So just to make note; I did lightly stress test each time I bumped the multi- a half a digit. I tested the CPU with 15 passes of 'IntelBurn' (standard) and orthos ( small FFTs-CPU stress) for 20 minutes each increase. Well, needless to say, the proc punched right through it; making me feel I can still get more out of her with out burning her up.
This chip is being cooled by a Corsair Hydro Series H80 with a push / pull effect. As well, my temp's had stayed and a unbelievable rate. 78F/27c- Idle and 96-98F / 40-41c...
Either way for comparing the price to performance issue... I really would say this CPU is a winner!!!
This test was ran a few days after the above validation. Overclocked at 4040.37Mhz, running Intelburn & orthos at the same time...
It was almost like the CPU was asking me to push it harder! LOL The head room in this CPU is unbelievable. So I decided to push it 4 more step's(2 full number count); still leaving everything else on auto and just pushing the multiplier. Well, let me tell you from the last time booting out of BIO's into my desktop...
I was just 'Amazed' at were my overclock had brought me too. WOW, WOW, WOW!!!I had pushed this CPU to a hole '4429.85Mhz!!!!
Unbelievable! It felt like there wasn't any strain on the CPU at all. What I did notice was my PSU compensated and raised the voltage between 1.425 & 1.440. ( at Idle, she sit's at 1.425; on load she go'es right to 1.440-1.475)... Now this really isn't a conclusive Stable overclock. ( too me at least) So just to make note; I did lightly stress test each time I bumped the multi- a half a digit. I tested the CPU with 15 passes of 'IntelBurn' (standard) and orthos ( small FFTs-CPU stress) for 20 minutes each increase. Well, needless to say, the proc punched right through it; making me feel I can still get more out of her with out burning her up.
This chip is being cooled by a Corsair Hydro Series H80 with a push / pull effect. As well, my temp's had stayed and a unbelievable rate. 78F/27c- Idle and 96-98F / 40-41c...
Either way for comparing the price to performance issue... I really would say this CPU is a winner!!!
This test was ran a few days after the above validation. Overclocked at 4040.37Mhz, running Intelburn & orthos at the same time...
