AMD Phenom II X4 920 socket: Socket AM2+

The AMD Phenom II X4 920 uses the Socket AM2+ socket. It is a 125 W quad core Deneb desktop part at 2.8 GHz with 6 MB of L3 cache for DDR2 towers.

Launched
January 8, 2009
Cores and threads
4 and 4
Default TDP
125 W
Codename
Deneb
Segment
Desktop
Clocks
2.8 GHz

AMD Phenom II X4 920 specifications

Cores4
Threads4
Core architectureDeneb cores on 45 nm
Clocks2.8 GHz (no turbo)
Cache2 MB L2 (4 × 512 KB), 6 MB shared L3
Default TDP125 W
Manufacturing process45 nm
Memory supportDDR2-1066, two channels
PCI ExpressPCIe 2.0 from the board chipset
Integrated graphicsNone (board video where fitted)
MultiplierLocked
PackageSocket AM2+ (940 pins)

Motherboard and chipset compatibility

AMD Phenom II X4 920 needs a motherboard with a Socket AM2+ socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.

SeriesChipsetsSupport
700 series790FX, 790X, 770Works out of the box

Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for Socket AM2+.

Socket AM2+ at a glance

TypePGA, 940 contacts
Package size40 × 40 mm
IntroducedNovember 2007
MemoryDDR2 up to PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066), two channels
Cooler mounting holes48 × 96 mm

Read the full Socket AM2+ socket guide

What the Phenom II X4 920 is

The AMD Phenom II X4 920 is a quad core Deneb desktop processor that AMD launched on January 8, 2009 for DDR2 towers. It runs four K10 cores at 2.8 GHz with no turbo, so 4 cores give 4 threads. Each core carries 512 KB of L2 cache for 2 MB in total, backed by 6 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 125 W on a 45 nm C2 process with the HDX920XCJ4DGI part.

The 920 is the DDR2-only twin of the AM3 925 at the same 2.8 GHz and cache. The task list shows Socket AM3, but family tables and the 940-pin DDR2-only package place it on Socket AM2+, so this page files it under Socket AM2+ with Deneb. Against the 940 Black Edition it trails on clocks with a locked multiplier.

There is no graphics on the die. Board video comes from 700 series chipsets where fitted.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Phenom II X4 920 fits Socket AM2+ with 940 pins. All 700 series DDR2 boards with Deneb firmware boot it directly.

AM2+ chips never fit AM3 because they lack a DDR3 controller. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the Socket AM3 page shows the DDR3 side.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory is DDR2 up to PC2-8500 in two channels. DDR3 modules do not fit these boards.

HyperTransport 3.0 links the CPU to the chipset at up to 2.6 GHz. PCIe Gen 2 slots hang off the chipset.

Cooling is a 125 W rated tower on the 48 × 96 mm mount. Value boards with small regulators may omit 125 W quads from their CPU lists.

Upgrade paths

On Socket AM2+ the upgrade is the 940 Black Edition with an unlocked multiplier on the same board. A move to DDR3 needs an AM3 board with an AM3 processor.

Frequently asked questions

What socket does the Phenom II X4 920 use?

Socket AM2+, the 940-pin DDR2-only package. The task list shows AM3, but family tables confirm the DDR2-only AM2+ package.

How many cores does the Phenom II X4 920 have?

Four cores and four threads at 2.8 GHz with 512 KB of L2 per core and 6 MB of shared L3 cache.

What memory works with the Phenom II X4 920?

DDR2 only, up to DDR2-1066 in two channels.

Sources and verification

  1. List of AMD Phenom processors (Wikipedia)
  2. Desktop CPU releases 2009 (CPU-World)

Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .