AMD Phenom X4 9100e

The AMD Phenom X4 9100e is a desktop processor built on the K10 architecture under the Agena codename. It features 4 cores and 4 threads, operating at a fixed 1800 MHz base clock with no boost capability. The processor carries a 65 W TDP, uses the AMD Socket AM2+, and is manufactured on a 65 nm process with 450 million transistors across a 285 mm² die. Released on March 26, 2008, it is now end-of-life. In the benchmark database, it holds a 50th percentile rank among all CPUs, though it has no recorded benchmark scores (average score of 0) and no nearest rival entries. This places it as a median performer in the overall distribution.

Benchmark Performance

The data shows no direct benchmark scores for this processor; the average benchmark score is 0, and the nearest rivals list is empty. Consequently, its performance standing is derived entirely from the percentile rank of 50. This rank indicates that the processor sits exactly at the midpoint of all CPUs tracked in the database, meaning half of the parts are faster and half are slower. The fixed 1800 MHz base clock, with no boost clock present, means that performance is constant across all workloads. There is no dynamic frequency scaling to provide temporary speed increases. With 4 cores and 4 threads, the multi-threading capability is limited to physical cores only, as there is no SMT. The lack of a boost clock caps single-thread performance at 1800 MHz, which is a defining characteristic. The data implies that this processor's performance envelope is modest, defined by its low clock speed and lack of frequency headroom. The 50th percentile rank suggests it is a balanced, if unremarkable, performer in the broader CPU landscape. The absence of any recorded scores means that the percentile is the sole quantitative measure of its standing, reinforcing the notion that it is a median part rather than a standout.

Power and Thermals

The thermal design power is 65 W, which is a low figure for a quad-core processor. This TDP class indicates that the processor is designed for efficiency rather than raw performance. The underlying physical characteristics include a 65 nm process node, 450 million transistors, and a 285 mm² die size. The 65 W TDP implies that a simple air cooler, such as a stock or low-profile unit, would be sufficient to manage heat output. Because there is no boost clock, the power draw is predictable and does not spike under transient loads. The data suggests that thermal management is straightforward, with no need for high-end liquid cooling or large heatsinks. The 65 W figure places it in a low-power tier, which is notable for a 4-core part. This efficiency likely comes from the low 1800 MHz clock and the mature 65 nm process. The absence of a boost clock also means that sustained workloads will not cause frequency drops due to thermal throttling, as the processor operates at a constant rate. The die size of 285 mm² is relatively large for a 65 W part, but the low clock keeps power in check.

How It Compares

Without nearest rival entries in the dataset, the comparison must be drawn against the aggregate percentile of 50. This means the processor sits at the median of all CPUs in the database. Half of the tracked processors are faster, and half are slower, based on the percentile metric. The data shows a balanced position. Its 4-core, 4-thread configuration at 1800 MHz is a specific combination. The absence of SMT (threads equal cores) means it cannot leverage simultaneous multi-threading, which is a notable trait. Compared to the overall field, its 65 W TDP is low, suggesting it is positioned for efficiency rather than raw performance. The 50th percentile rank indicates that while it is not a top performer, it is also not an outlier at the bottom. The fixed 1800 MHz clock means its performance is flat, without the peaks that boost clocks provide in other parts. The data shows that its competitive position is defined by its efficiency and median standing, rather than by any specific rival. The lack of recorded rivals means no direct delta comparisons can be made, but the percentile provides a global reference point.

FAQ

Q: What is the base clock speed?

A: The base clock is 1800 MHz, and there is no boost clock, so it operates at this frequency consistently.

Q: How many cores and threads does it have?

A: It has 4 cores and 4 threads, meaning each core handles a single thread without SMT.

Q: What is the TDP?

A: The thermal design power is 65 W, indicating a low-power desktop processor.

Q: What socket does it use?

A: It uses the AMD Socket AM2+.

Q: Does it support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What is the process node?

A: It is manufactured on a 65 nm process node, with 450 million transistors on a 285 mm² die.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The processor has 4 cores and 4 threads, so multi-threaded workloads can utilize up to 4 concurrent threads. The absence of SMT means that the thread count equals the core count, so there is no additional virtual core benefit. The fixed 1800 MHz clock applies to all cores, so single-thread performance is limited to that frequency. The cache hierarchy includes 128 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 2 MB shared L3. The shared L3 cache can benefit multi-threaded workloads that access common data, reducing the need to fetch from system memory. For single-threaded tasks, the low 1800 MHz clock is the primary constraint, as there is no boost to raise frequency. The data suggests that multi-threaded scaling is linear up to 4 threads, but the absolute performance per thread is modest. In mixed workloads, the balance between the 2 MB shared L3 and the per-core L1/L2 caches will determine efficiency. The lack of boost means that single-thread latency is constant, which can be a disadvantage for interactive or latency-sensitive tasks. The 50th percentile rank reflects this balance, showing that the processor is not specialized for either extreme.

Who Should Consider It

The data shows a 4-core, 4-thread processor at 1800 MHz with a 65 W TDP. For office applications that are lightly threaded and do not demand high clock speeds, this processor can handle basic tasks. The 4 cores allow for some parallelism in productivity suites, though the low clock speed will limit responsiveness. For gaming, the lack of a boost clock and the modest 1800 MHz frequency will likely bottleneck modern titles that favor high single-thread performance. The 50th percentile rank indicates it is a median performer, so it is not suited for high-end gaming or heavy creation workloads. For content creation, the 4 threads can assist with rendering tasks that scale across cores, but the low clock and absence of SMT will limit throughput. Users with legacy software that is not multi-threaded may find the 1800 MHz clock insufficient. The 65 W TDP makes it a candidate for low-power builds or systems where heat output is a concern. Its end-of-life status and production status suggest it is a part for retro or low-intensity use cases. The fixed clock means no overclocking headroom via multiplier, as the multiplier is not unlocked.

Platform and Compatibility

The processor uses the AMD Socket AM2+ platform. It supports dual-channel memory, though the specific memory types are not listed in the data. The PCIe interface is Gen 2, which provides a baseline for expansion cards. Integrated graphics are not on the CPU but are available on certain motherboards as a chipset feature, meaning a discrete GPU is typically required for display output unless the motherboard provides it. ECC memory is not supported, so standard non-ECC modules are required. The multiplier is not unlocked, so overclocking via multiplier adjustment is not possible. The upgrade path on the AM2+ socket would depend on other AM2+ processors, though the data does not specify which ones. The part number is HD9100OBJ4BGD. The release date is March 26, 2008, and the production status is end-of-life, indicating it is no longer manufactured. The 65 nm process node and 285 mm² die size are the physical characteristics. The memory bus is dual-channel, which affects memory bandwidth, though the exact bandwidth is not provided. The socket AM2+ compatibility implies a specific motherboard generation. The architecture is K10 with the Agena codename, and the generation is listed as Phenom X4 (Agena).