Phenom II x4 940BE Review

[ShrimpBrime]

This review is of my opinion only, and does not reflect the opinion of all AMD owners

This Cpu is Awesome. For any person using a AM2+ mobo and a bios to support the Phenom II 940BE x4, This processor is the perfect upgrade. (NOTE: THe 940BE is AM2+ only - Not DDR2 and 3 Only ddr2 Fyi.)

This cpu over clocks with ease. Starting at 3ghz, 4ghz over clocks are possible. With Extreme cooling, The World Record data base shows clocks exceeding 6ghz.

The Hyper Transport is over clock friendly. There have been posts of up to 3000mhz. I have personally run my older board past 2.7ghz (it only supports up to 2.6ghz HT.)

This processor has helped me to achieve 20k in 3Dmark06. Plays any game great. Is awesome for zipping and un-zipping Large files. Encoding is a breeze, and of course, multitasking couldn't be made easier.

At 125 watts, this processor idles cooler than any other 125 watt phenom previously made. Air cooling is not a problem. 3.6ghz on air is possible with the right cooler/case combo.

Stock voltage is 1.35v. This processor can and will run stock on an undervolt. You can manually save power and keep the heat down when not in use.

This cpu gets an A+ for compatibilty and would make a great upgrade from any other x2, x3 and even x4. (minus the 955 )

[Neox69]

Nice... Good pics to back up the review.

[ysith]

What is your NB VID voltage at? I am running the same cpu motherboard (non wifi) combo and can get to 3.8 easily, but anything higher gets difficult. I'm not sure how high I can go with voltages other then the cpu voltage. Could you please give a screenshot from the 'Clock/Voltage' page in the AMD Overdrive tool, Thank You

[ShrimpBrime]

Originally Posted by ysith

What is your NB VID voltage at? I am running the same cpu motherboard (non wifi) combo and can get to 3.8 easily, but anything higher gets difficult. I'm not sure how high I can go with voltages other then the cpu voltage. Could you please give a screenshot from the 'Clock/Voltage' page in the AMD Overdrive tool, Thank You

I can not currently give you a screenshot. I'm on my laptop right now but I can tell you the voltages.

I generally run the HT up to 1.35v+ and the NB 1.4v+

Over Drive reports the volts differently though. So the screen shot would be of no help really.

Running up to 2.2ghz on stock HT/NB volts no problem. 1.4 seemed to be a sweet spot from within the bios over clocks.

Oh and update the bios. It will unlock the multiplier to 35x

[ysith]

Thanks for the quick reply, I tend to not update my BIOS unless I really need to. I have another question, when you overclock using AMD overdrive (not BIOS), does your computer recognise the clocks straight away? as my computer always states the default clocks (3ghz).

[ShrimpBrime]

Originally Posted by ysith

Thanks for the quick reply, I tend to not update my BIOS unless I really need to. I have another question, when you overclock using AMD overdrive (not BIOS), does your computer recognise the clocks straight away? as my computer always states the default clocks (3ghz).

Over Drive works just as it's supposed to. If I set Bios to 3.6ghz, AMD Over Drive Displays 3.6ghz.

The Mem voltage and Cpu HT voltage does not read properly. That is the only bug I've found so far.

[mimart7]

Just start becoming familiar with your bios. That is the best way to oc. Right now I'm stable @ 3.7 ghz, with my voltage @ 1.4875. I will go for a higher oc, but haven't quite found the right combo of votage, ram timings etc. I do like my 940 BE.

[swishamane]

Glad I read this, seriously considering upgrading to AM2+, and the 940BE seems to be the best priced for speed. Right now a 940be is $189 vs a 955be for $250, for a measly 200Mhz per core increase? Pff, I plan to go for 3.7ghz+ anyway, so I'll save my money on a 940...

[N2Gaming]

ShrimpBrime Good Job. That is useful information

swishamane, If you do purchase a newer mobo w/AM2+ make sure you get one that can handle more then 125w cpu so your system will be stable while overclocking it. Another thing to keep in mind is to make sure you get one w/an adjustable NB To CPU multiplier.

[Shaundobbs]

with the prices dropping this review has helped me decide on a good cpu and save money knowing the amount it can overclock

[OverclockersTT-]

nice job, I am in the process of putting a new build together, still contemplating if its time to return to AMD again though, its been a while. It's a sort of a tough call, but AMD prices are extremely attractive. This new rig will solely be for gaming, with a 5870 of course. I still got a week left to decide. Thanks for this post SB. Very useful info.

cheers