AMD Phenom II X4 B97 socket: Socket AM3
The AMD Phenom II X4 B97 uses the Socket AM3 socket. It is a 95 W quad core Deneb desktop part at 3.2 GHz with 6 MB of L3 cache for business towers.
- Socket
- Socket AM3
- Launched
- May 2010
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 4
- Default TDP
- 95 W
- Codename
- Deneb
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Phenom II X4
- Clocks
- 3.2 GHz
AMD Phenom II X4 B97 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Deneb cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 3.2 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 2 MB L2 (4 × 512 KB), 6 MB shared L3 |
| Default TDP | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2-1066 and DDR3-1333, two channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 from the board chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (board video where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | Socket AM3 (µPGA, 938 pins) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD Phenom II X4 B97 needs a motherboard with a Socket AM3 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 7 and 8 series | 7-Series, 8-Series | 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 AM3.
Socket AM3 at a glance
| Type | PGA, 941 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 40 × 40 mm |
| Introduced | February 2009 |
| Memory | DDR2 up to PC2-8500 and DDR3 up to PC3-10600 |
| Cooler mounting holes | 48 × 96 mm |
What the Phenom II X4 B97 is
The AMD Phenom II X4 B97 is a quad core Deneb desktop processor that AMD released in May 2010 for business systems. It runs four K10 cores at 3.2 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 95 W on a 45 nm process.
The B97 mirrors the consumer 955 at 3.2 GHz but carries Business Class availability of 24 months. Against the B95 class it leads on clocks, and against the triple B77 at the same 3.2 GHz it adds a fourth core for threaded office databases. The 6 MB L3 cache helps office suites and light virtualization compared with Athlon II quads that lack L3.
There is no integrated graphics on this die. Board video comes from 7 and 8 series chipsets where fitted.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Phenom II X4 B97 fits Socket AM3 with 938 pins. All 7 series and 8 series boards boot Deneb directly.
AM3 chips also fit AM3+ boards. The B97 also boots on AM2+ DDR2 boards after a BIOS update. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the AMD Phenom II X3 B77 page shows the triple business sibling.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR2 up to PC2-8500 and DDR3 up to PC3-10600 in two channels, with ECC UDIMM support where boards wire it. A 2 by 4 GB DDR3-1333 kit suits business towers.
HyperTransport 3.0 links the CPU to the chipset at 2.0 GHz. PCIe Gen 2 slots hang off the chipset.
Cooling is the stock 95 W heatsink on the 48 × 96 mm mount.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3 the upgrade is a faster Deneb such as the 980 Black Edition at 3.7 GHz, or a Thuban six core for threaded work. Beyond AM3, DDR3 carries to AM3+ while DDR4 needs a new platform.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Phenom II X4 B97 use?
Socket AM3, the 938-pin package. It also boots on AM2+ DDR2 boards after a BIOS update and on AM3+ boards.
How many cores does the Phenom II X4 B97 have?
Four cores and four threads at 3.2 GHz with 512 KB of L2 per core and 6 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Phenom II X4 B97?
DDR2 up to DDR2-1066 and DDR3 up to DDR3-1333 in two channels, with ECC where boards wire it.
Sources and verification
- List of AMD Phenom processors (Wikipedia)
- AMD Phenom II X4 B97 Specs (TechPowerUp)
- Socket AM3 (Wikipedia)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .