AMD Phenom II X4 940 BE socket: Socket AM2+
The AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition uses the Socket AM2+ socket. It is a 125 W quad core Deneb desktop part at 3.0 GHz with 6 MB of L3 cache and an unlocked multiplier for DDR2 towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM2+
- Launched
- January 8, 2009
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 4
- Default TDP
- 125 W
- Codename
- Deneb
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Phenom II X4
- Clocks
- 3.0 GHz
AMD Phenom II X4 940 BE specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Deneb cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 3.0 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 2 MB L2 (4 × 512 KB), 6 MB shared L3 |
| Default TDP | 125 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2-1066, two channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 from the board chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (board video where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Unlocked (Black Edition) |
| Package | Socket AM2+ (940 pins) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD Phenom II X4 940 BE needs a motherboard with a Socket AM2+ socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 700 series | 790FX, 790X, 770 | Works 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
| Type | PGA, 940 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 40 × 40 mm |
| Introduced | November 2007 |
| Memory | DDR2 up to PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066), two channels |
| Cooler mounting holes | 48 × 96 mm |
What the Phenom II X4 940 BE is
The AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition is a quad core Deneb desktop processor that AMD launched on January 8, 2009 for DDR2 towers. It runs four K10 cores at 3.0 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.
The 940 Black Edition was the launch flagship Phenom II with an unlocked multiplier for ratio tuning on 790FX boards. Against the 920 it adds 200 MHz with tuning headroom. The DDR2-only controller keeps it off AM3 boards.
There is no graphics on the die. Board video comes from 700 series chipsets where fitted.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition fits Socket AM2+ with 940 pins. All 700 series DDR2 boards with Deneb firmware boot it directly.
AM2+ chips never fit AM3. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the AMD Phenom II X3 715 BE page shows a triple on the same socket.
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 needs a 125 W rated tower on the 48 × 96 mm mount. The unlocked multiplier allows ratio tuning.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM2+ there is no faster stock Deneb, so the path is tuning the unlocked multiplier or a move to AM3 with DDR3. Keep the 940 BE where a DDR2 tower must stay in service.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Phenom II X4 940 BE use?
Socket AM2+, the 940-pin DDR2-only package.
How many cores does the Phenom II X4 940 BE have?
Four cores and four threads at 3.0 GHz with 512 KB of L2 per core and 6 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Phenom II X4 940 BE?
DDR2 only, up to DDR2-1066 in two channels.
Can the Phenom II X4 940 BE be overclocked?
Yes. Black Edition means the multiplier is unlocked.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .