AMD Phenom II X3 B73
AMD processor specifications and benchmark scores
Integrated GPU
ECC MemoryAt a Glance
AMDAMD Phenom II X3 B73 Specifications
Phenom II X3 B73 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The AMD Phenom II X3 B73 features 3 physical cores and 3 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
Phenom II X3 B73 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Phenom II X3 B73 benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Phenom II X3 B73 by AMD can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
AMD's Phenom II X3 B73 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the Phenom II X3 B73 processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Phenom II X3 B73's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
K10 Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The AMD Phenom II X3 B73 is built on AMD's 45 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in Phenom II X3 B73 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
K10 Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Phenom II X3 B73 by AMD supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
Phenom II X3 B73 Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The AMD Phenom II X3 B73 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
AMD Socket AM3 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Phenom II X3 B73 uses the AMD Socket AM3 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
AMD Socket AM3 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the Phenom II X3 B73 define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Phenom II X3 B73 determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
AMD's Phenom II X3 B73 Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The AMD Phenom II X3 B73 includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the Phenom II X3 B73 provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.
Phenom II X3 B73 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The AMD Phenom II X3 B73 is manufactured by AMD and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Phenom II X3 B73 by AMD offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within AMD's product lineup.
Phenom II X3 B73 Benchmark Scores
cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource
Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how AMD Phenom II X3 B73 performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. The R15 version remains useful for comparing against older hardware benchmarks. Higher scores directly correlate with faster render times in Cinema 4D and similar 3D applications.
Top 5 Performers
Top 5 PerformersNearby Performers
Nearby Performerscinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource
Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on AMD Phenom II X3 B73. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of AMD Phenom II X3 B73. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource
Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of AMD Phenom II X3 B73 after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how AMD Phenom II X3 B73 maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
About AMD Phenom II X3 B73
The AMD Phenom II X3 B73 is a legacy three-core desktop processor that, in modern benchmark terms, sits at the 8th percentile of all CPUs, meaning it outperforms only a small fraction of currently tracked processors. Its average benchmark score of 489 places it in direct competition with entry-level dual-core parts from a decade ago, making it a product that is only relevant for basic computing tasks or retro system builds, not for demanding modern software.
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior
The Phenom II X3 B73 presents a clear performance profile based on its Cinebench results. In the Cinebench R23 single-core test, it scores 200 points, while its multi-core score reaches 1420 points. This yields a multi-core to single-core ratio of 7.1x, which is unusually high for a three-thread processor. The explanation lies in the fact that the processor has three physical cores but no simultaneous multithreading, so the multi-core score is a direct sum of three equal single-core efforts. The data shows that the scaling is near-linear, indicating that the K10 architecture does not suffer from significant multi-threaded overhead in this workload.
In Cinebench R20, the single-core score drops to 84 points, while the multi-core score is 596 points, again reflecting the same near-perfect scaling. The Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 143 points reinforces the trend. For real workloads, this means that applications which can utilize all three cores evenly will see a proportional benefit, but the absolute per-core performance is very weak by modern standards. Single-threaded tasks will feel sluggish, as the 84-point R20 single-core result is far below what contemporary office processors achieve. The behavior is best described as consistent: there is no hidden boost mechanism or thermal throttling skewing the results, just a steady, low-output three-core design.
Who Should Consider It
Given its performance class, the Phenom II X3 B73 is not suited for modern gaming, content creation, or heavy office multitasking. Benchmark results indicate it would struggle with any Cinebench-style rendering workload, as its R23 multi-core score of 1420 is minimal for such tasks. For gaming, the low single-core scores (200 in R23) mean that game engines relying on one primary thread will bottleneck severely. The processor is only appropriate for basic web browsing, word processing, and legacy software that does not require substantial computational power.
The data suggests it could serve as a functional processor for a retro Windows XP or Windows 7 build, where software demands are aligned with its capability. For office use, it might handle a single spreadsheet or document at a time, but any modern suite with background updates will likely overwhelm it. The 8th percentile ranking confirms that 92% of all CPUs tracked in the database are faster, so any user considering this part for daily driver duties would be better served by almost any newer entry-level chip. The multi-core behavior is only advantageous for very specific, perfectly parallelized tasks that fit within three threads, which are rare in consumer software.
Platform and Compatibility
The processor uses the AMD Socket AM3, which is a legacy platform. Memory support includes both DDR2 and DDR3, with a dual-channel bus and a memory bandwidth of 21.3 GB/s. This flexibility is unusual, but the actual bandwidth is low by modern standards, limiting memory-intensive applications. ECC memory is supported, which is a holdover from its potential workstation use, but the platform is firmly end-of-life. The PCIe support is Gen 2, meaning any modern graphics card will operate at reduced bandwidth, though for a processor this weak, the GPU is rarely the bottleneck.
The integrated graphics situation is listed as "On certain motherboards (Chipset feature)", meaning the processor itself has no integrated GPU, and any display output depends on a motherboard chipset with built-in graphics. The production status is end-of-life, and the release date was September 30, 2009. The architecture is K10, codenamed Heka, built on a 45 nm process at GlobalFoundries. The die contains 758 million transistors on a 258 mm² area. The multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not possible through the standard multiplier adjustment. The part number is HDXB73WFK3DGI. The cache layout includes 128 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and a shared 6 MB L3 cache, which is a substantial amount for the era but small for modern workloads. Upgrade path on AM3 is limited to other legacy Phenom or early Athlon parts, but any upgrade would still be far behind modern processors.
How It Compares
The nearest rivals are all entry-level dual-core processors from the same era, and the data shows the Phenom II X3 B73 is essentially their equal in average score. The AMD A6-7400K has an identical average score of 489, resulting in a 0% delta, indicating that the three-core advantage of the Phenom is completely nullified by the architectural improvements in the A6-7400K.
The Intel Core i3-2120T scores 491 on average, which is 0.4% higher than the Phenom. This is a negligible difference, meaning that for all practical purposes, the two processors are interchangeable in performance. The i3-2120T likely benefits from better single-thread efficiency, but the Phenom's extra core compensates in multi-threaded scenarios.
The AMD PRO A6-9500E scores 493, which is 0.9% higher than the Phenom, again a margin that will not be noticeable in real use. The Intel Celeron G1840T scores 484, which is 0.9% lower than the Phenom, making the Phenom technically the fastest of the four rivals, but the lead is so small that it is statistically insignificant. The data indicates that the Phenom II X3 B73 is a peer of these budget parts, not a champion among them.
Benchmark Performance
The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 1420 places the Phenom II X3 B73 in a specific performance tier. Compared to its nearest rivals, there is no single benchmark where the Phenom is dramatically better or worse. The average score of 489 is the aggregate metric, and all rivals are within 0.9% of this figure. This means that in real-world applications, the user would not perceive any difference between the Phenom and the A6-7400K, i3-2120T, PRO A6-9500E, or Celeron G1840T.
The single-core R23 score of 200 is the weakest point, as modern workloads are often single-threaded. The multi-core R23 score of 1420 is exactly 7.1 times the single-core score, which is the expected result for three cores without hyperthreading. The Cinebench R20 scores (84 single, 596 multi) show a scaling factor of 7.1 as well, confirming the architecture's linear scaling. The Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 143 is consistent with the R20 and R23 results when accounting for the different workload sizes. The data shows that the Phenom's advantage over the Celeron G1840T is just 0.9%, which is within run-to-run variance for most benchmark suites. The performance is uniform across all rivals, meaning that the Phenom II X3 B73 does not excel in any specific area; it is a balanced but slow processor.
FAQ
Q: What is the single-core performance of the AMD Phenom II X3 B73?
A: In Cinebench R23, the single-core score is 200 points, and in Cinebench R20, it is 84 points. These are low scores that indicate weak single-threaded performance.
Q: How many cores and threads does the processor have?
A: It has 3 cores and 3 threads, meaning there is no simultaneous multithreading. Each core handles a single thread.
Q: Does the processor support ECC memory?
A: Yes, ECC memory is supported. The processor also supports both DDR2 and DDR3 memory types.
Q: What is the average benchmark score compared to the Intel Core i3-2120T?
A: The average score is 489, while the Intel Core i3-2120T has an average score of 491, making the i3-2120T only 0.4% faster.
Q: What socket does the processor use?
A: It uses the AMD Socket AM3. The PCIe support is Gen 2, and the processor has no integrated graphics of its own.
Q: Is the processor unlocked for overclocking?
A: No, the multiplier is locked, so overclocking via multiplier adjustment is not possible.
Power and Thermals
The TDP is rated at 95 watts, which is high for the level of performance offered. This is a consequence of the 45 nm process node and the K10 architecture's power characteristics. A 95-watt TDP requires a capable air cooler, not a small low-profile unit, because the heat output is significant for a three-core processor. The data shows that modern processors with similar or better performance typically have much lower TDPs, often in the 35-65 watt range. The 95-watt rating means system builders must ensure adequate case airflow and a cooler with at least a 92mm fan or equivalent. The processor does not have a boost clock, so the TDP is constant under load, which simplifies cooling requirements but also means no transient power spikes. Given the 45 nm process, the thermal density is manageable, but the absolute power draw is disproportionate to the benchmark results. The 95-watt TDP class suggests a mid-range cooling solution is mandatory, and the lack of an unlocked multiplier means there is no headroom to increase clocks for better performance per watt. The end-of-life status means that any cooling solution must be sourced from legacy stock or be compatible with the AM3 mounting holes, which are not shared with modern sockets.
The Intel Equivalent of Phenom II X3 B73
Looking for a similar processor from Intel? The Intel Core i5-750 offers comparable performance and features in the Intel lineup.
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