AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition @ DH

***craig5320*** · Jan 8, 2009, 07:32 AM

AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Review
__________________________

Today we will be taking a look at the latest processor in the Phenom family, the Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition. This CPU will be AMD’s highest performing processor until the DDR3 variants reach the market later this year. Through a selection of benchmarks including media encoding, Photoshop and gaming we will establish how good the Phenom 2 is, and whether it is worth the upgrade for existing Phenom users.

Erroneus · Jan 8, 2009, 08:11 AM

Looking promising and the OC looks really really good. Any word on the pricing?

***Zardon*** · Jan 8, 2009, 08:14 AM

This just went up

Components » Processors » AMD Phenom II - Overclockers UK

Erroneus · Jan 8, 2009, 08:35 AM

Interresting. Prices might need to go down a bit, eg. around 220£ for the 940 and you can built a fairly cheap fast quad system, which is great for games also. Normally motherboards for AMD systems are quite cheap and the way I see it, DDR3 is still to expensive, if you want some of the faster, plus the whole triple channel on I7 IMO is ridiculous.

longhorn1000 · Jan 8, 2009, 08:43 AM

£250? what on earth are AMD smoking !

The Q6600 ive seen for £100 less than that and most of them hit 3ghz easy. dear lord, did AMD ever hear of the credit crunch?

clanman · Jan 8, 2009, 08:54 AM

I think its the first time they have made a decent CPU but what is with the pricing? I can't see these selling for £250 a pop!

Intel do some cracking quads for well under £200, thats quite a bit of a difference.

Intel Core 2 Quad Pro Q6600 "Energy Efficient SLACR 95W Edition" 2.40GHz (1066FSB) - Retail
even the 9550 is cheaper (which is known to hit 3.6-4ghz pretty easy) !

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 LGA775 'Yorkfield' 2.83GHz 12MB-cache (1333FSB) Processor - OEM

NathanMarks · Jan 8, 2009, 09:08 AM

Yeah I was personally hoping to see it at £150-£180 inc.

£250 is really too much considering the fabulous offerings from Intel at the moment in the quad core market.

It is a shame really and I hope they drop the prices soon.

Burdokva · Jan 8, 2009, 01:00 PM

Any chance it'll work on AM2 mobo's (not AM2+), as long as they're Phenom I compatible? I have an old (but trusty) ASUS M2N32-Sli Deluxe mobo that still has warranty and I hope I won't have to change it for just a CPU upgrade. When I upgrade, at least...
Otherwise, I'll probably settle for Phenom 9850BE. At least the prices on older AMD quads should drop even more...

blibbax · Jan 8, 2009, 03:42 PM

£250!?!?!?!? The 920 needs to drop to Q8200 models to be a real intel eater. The 940 can perhaps get away with more as it's a flagship, but even so, nobody wants a Phenom over a Q9550.

Matth · Jan 8, 2009, 04:40 PM

It's a Black edition, so they either need to qualify them at higher speed and raise the default multiplier, or maybe scale the price down a bit for a non-Black.

Mind you, the 920 ain't cheap either.

The key thing is where they are against Intel, it's one thing to have an overclock-friendly "black edition", but then if it needs to be overclocked to get a sensible price/performance ranking....

Liqourice · Jan 8, 2009, 06:01 PM

Why the use of a motherboard with 790GX chipset?

Mac Daddy · Jan 8, 2009, 06:50 PM

Nice review Stu and overall I was surprised at the performance and quite impressed.

On the price a bit high as mentioned I think but then again price out anything with an unlocked multiplier from Intel.

Price aside I think this is a step forward for AMD

jandarsun8 · Jan 8, 2009, 09:52 PM

For the first chip out that's a Phenom II the performance is ok. Was actually hoping to see a little more difference between the last Phenom's 9850/9950 than what came out of the test but for a first chip in the new line, not bad. The power savings are nice though. I just don't see an upgrade coming CPU wise for those with the 9850/9950's until a couple other chips come out that show a little more spread between core speeds. Just my thoughts. Going in the right direction though so I'm happy to see it.

Jand

IvanV · Jan 9, 2009, 06:31 AM

Great review as usual, and a nice improvement from AMD.

As for the price, Newegg has it for $275, which already seems much more reasonable, I suppose that European prices will soon descend to similar values.

Cow_160483 · Jan 9, 2009, 07:07 AM

Not bad for AMD they have the right idea if its priced nicely by the time it gets to me i might pick myself one !!
Brilliant review

***Veridian3*** · Jan 9, 2009, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liqourice

Why the use of a motherboard with 790GX chipset?

In the last year we have tested a number of AM2+ boards, with and without AMD chipsets and the M3A78-T was the best in terms of performance, stability and ease of use. Like the Intel reviews we do and the reviews of the other components on the site, we make sure the CPU is installed in a system which contains the best components available.

If i was recommending anyone buy an AM2+ board today I would always say that they should buy the M3A78-T. Full sized ATX, CrossFireX, the works really.

Liqourice · Jan 9, 2009, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veridian3

In the last year we have tested a number of AM2+ boards, with and without AMD chipsets and the M3A78-T was the best in terms of performance, stability and ease of use. Like the Intel reviews we do and the reviews of the other components on the site, we make sure the CPU is installed in a system which contains the best components available.

If i was recommending anyone buy an AM2+ board today I would always say that they should buy the M3A78-T. Full sized ATX, CrossFireX, the works really.

Well, for a review like this I guess it's good enough, the difference in performance compared to a 790FX board is probably none, but the GX boards are not the choise for Crossfire setups since it can only run one PCI-E slot in 16x, if two are used they will both be 8x.

Alex · Jan 9, 2009, 06:24 PM

you guess its good enough? there is no crossfire in this, its a review on a new CPU not graphics cards.

Not sure the point you are making man, not relevant to this review at all.

mr yellow · Jan 20, 2009, 04:40 AM

Whats the point of getting this if u have a Q6600? I mean come on!
A CPU of more than 2 years old can out perform this?! Pfft!

Jan 8, 2009, 07:32 AM	#1
*craig5320* DH Administrator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 5,976 Rep Power: 279 System Specs	AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition @ DH AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Review __________________________ Today we will be taking a look at the latest processor in the Phenom family, the Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition. This CPU will be AMD’s highest performing processor until the DDR3 variants reach the market later this year. Through a selection of benchmarks including media encoding, Photoshop and gaming we will establish how good the Phenom 2 is, and whether it is worth the upgrade for existing Phenom users. __________________

Jan 8, 2009, 08:11 AM	#2
Erroneus Loving my Windows 7 Ent. Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Denmark Posts: 12,921 Rep Power: 77 System Specs	Re: AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition @ DH Looking promising and the OC looks really really good. Any word on the pricing? __________________

Jan 8, 2009, 08:14 AM	#3
*Zardon* enchanted Join Date: May 2002 Location: Driverheaven Posts: 32,287 Rep Power: 3150	Re: AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition @ DH This just went up Components » Processors » AMD Phenom II - Overclockers UK

Jan 8, 2009, 08:35 AM	#4
Erroneus Loving my Windows 7 Ent. Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Denmark Posts: 12,921 Rep Power: 77 System Specs	Re: AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition @ DH Interresting. Prices might need to go down a bit, eg. around 220£ for the 940 and you can built a fairly cheap fast quad system, which is great for games also. Normally motherboards for AMD systems are quite cheap and the way I see it, DDR3 is still to expensive, if you want some of the faster, plus the whole triple channel on I7 IMO is ridiculous. __________________

Jan 8, 2009, 08:43 AM	#5
longhorn1000 DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 81 Rep Power: 36	Re: AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition @ DH £250? what on earth are AMD smoking ! The Q6600 ive seen for £100 less than that and most of them hit 3ghz easy. dear lord, did AMD ever hear of the credit crunch?

Jan 8, 2009, 08:54 AM	#6
clanman DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 138 Rep Power: 18	Re: AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition @ DH I think its the first time they have made a decent CPU but what is with the pricing? I can't see these selling for £250 a pop! Intel do some cracking quads for well under £200, thats quite a bit of a difference. Intel Core 2 Quad Pro Q6600 "Energy Efficient SLACR 95W Edition" 2.40GHz (1066FSB) - Retail even the 9550 is cheaper (which is known to hit 3.6-4ghz pretty easy) ! Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 LGA775 'Yorkfield' 2.83GHz 12MB-cache (1333FSB) Processor - OEM

Jan 8, 2009, 09:08 AM	#7
NathanMarks DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 99 Rep Power: 13	Re: AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition @ DH Yeah I was personally hoping to see it at £150-£180 inc. £250 is really too much considering the fabulous offerings from Intel at the moment in the quad core market. It is a shame really and I hope they drop the prices soon. __________________ nathanmarks.dh

Jan 8, 2009, 01:00 PM	#8
Burdokva DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Sofia, Bulgaria Posts: 93 Rep Power: 12 System Specs	Re: AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition @ DH Any chance it'll work on AM2 mobo's (not AM2+), as long as they're Phenom I compatible? I have an old (but trusty) ASUS M2N32-Sli Deluxe mobo that still has warranty and I hope I won't have to change it for just a CPU upgrade. When I upgrade, at least... Otherwise, I'll probably settle for Phenom 9850BE. At least the prices on older AMD quads should drop even more...

Jan 8, 2009, 03:42 PM	#9
blibbax What does this do? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 531 Rep Power: 20 System Specs	Re: AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition @ DH £250!?!?!?!? The 920 needs to drop to Q8200 models to be a real intel eater. The 940 can perhaps get away with more as it's a flagship, but even so, nobody wants a Phenom over a Q9550. __________________

Jan 8, 2009, 04:40 PM	#10
Matth Flash Banner Hater Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: UK Posts: 3,203 Rep Power: 58 System Specs	Re: AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition @ DH It's a Black edition, so they either need to qualify them at higher speed and raise the default multiplier, or maybe scale the price down a bit for a non-Black. Mind you, the 920 ain't cheap either. The key thing is where they are against Intel, it's one thing to have an overclock-friendly "black edition", but then if it needs to be overclocked to get a sensible price/performance ranking.... __________________ Mary had a little lamb, Her father shot it dead Now Mary takes her lamb to school, Between two crusts of bread

Jan 8, 2009, 06:01 PM	#11
Liqourice DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Stockholm Posts: 594 Rep Power: 27 System Specs	Re: AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition @ DH Why the use of a motherboard with 790GX chipset?

Jan 8, 2009, 06:50 PM	#12
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 64 System Specs	Re: AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition @ DH Nice review Stu and overall I was surprised at the performance and quite impressed. On the price a bit high as mentioned I think but then again price out anything with an unlocked multiplier from Intel. Price aside I think this is a step forward for AMD __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen

Jan 8, 2009, 09:52 PM	#13
jandarsun8 DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: US Posts: 173 Rep Power: 18 System Specs	Re: AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition @ DH For the first chip out that's a Phenom II the performance is ok. Was actually hoping to see a little more difference between the last Phenom's 9850/9950 than what came out of the test but for a first chip in the new line, not bad. The power savings are nice though. I just don't see an upgrade coming CPU wise for those with the 9850/9950's until a couple other chips come out that show a little more spread between core speeds. Just my thoughts. Going in the right direction though so I'm happy to see it. Jand

Jan 9, 2009, 06:31 AM	#14
IvanV DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 3,146 Rep Power: 65 System Specs	Re: AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition @ DH Great review as usual, and a nice improvement from AMD. As for the price, Newegg has it for $275, which already seems much more reasonable, I suppose that European prices will soon descend to similar values. __________________ Feed the porkers and don't touch the buttons!

Jan 9, 2009, 07:07 AM	#15
Cow_160483 DH's only cow moooooo... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: BOTSWANA Posts: 3,844 Rep Power: 96 System Specs	Re: AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition @ DH Not bad for AMD they have the right idea if its priced nicely by the time it gets to me i might pick myself one !! Brilliant review __________________ Decode! Muhahahahah!

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Jan 9, 2009, 06:24 PM	#18
Alex Driverheaven Lover Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 263 Rep Power: 29	Re: AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition @ DH you guess its good enough? there is no crossfire in this, its a review on a new CPU not graphics cards. Not sure the point you are making man, not relevant to this review at all.

Jan 20, 2009, 04:40 AM	#19
mr yellow Driverheaven Trooper Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Yavin 4 Posts: 155 Rep Power: 0	Re: AMD Phenom 2 X4 940 Black Edition @ DH Whats the point of getting this if u have a Q6600? I mean come on! A CPU of more than 2 years old can out perform this?! Pfft! __________________ [color=yellowgreen][/color] [color=yellowgreen]"Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger, [/color] [color=yellowgreen]anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering"[/color] <><><><><><> INTEL Q6600 @ 3GHZ ASUS P5N32-E SLI 4GB DDR2 800 Seagate 2TB SATA ATi 4870 1GB Audigy 2ZS <><><><><><>