AMD Phenom X4 9750 (95W)

The AMD Phenom X4 9750 (95W) is a 65 nm K10 architecture desktop processor from the Agena generation, featuring four cores and four threads with a base clock of 2.40 GHz. It is designed for the AMD Socket AM2+ platform and carries a 95W TDP, placing it in a specific power class for its era. Its benchmark percentile versus all CPUs is 50, indicating it sits at the median of the database's historical results.

How It Compares

The data for the Phenom X4 9750 (95W) shows no nearest rivals listed in the benchmark database. This absence of direct comparison points means the processor's relative standing must be interpreted through its overall percentile rank rather than head-to-head deltas. The 50th percentile placement suggests it performs at the exact midpoint of all CPUs tracked in the database, which for a desktop part from its generation indicates a balanced, mainstream level of capability. Without specific rival scores, the analysis cannot cite percentage advantages or disadvantages against other named processors. The lack of rival data also implies that the processor's score is not being actively contested by newer parts in the current database snapshot, likely due to its end-of-life production status. The benchmark results show an average score of zero, which further complicates direct numerical comparison, as no positive performance metric is available to weight against competitors. This processor's position is therefore defined by its architectural characteristics—four cores at 2.40 GHz with a 2 MB shared L3 cache—rather than by measured deltas against contemporaries.

Power and Thermals

The TDP class for the Phenom X4 9750 (95W) is 95 watts, a figure that dictates the thermal solution required for stable operation. This power envelope is moderate for a quad-core processor of its time, suggesting that a capable air cooler with a standard heatsink and fan combination is sufficient for cooling. The 95W rating implies the processor does not demand exotic liquid cooling or oversized tower coolers, as higher-TDP parts from the same era might require. The 65 nm process node, with 450 million transistors on a 285 mm² die, contributes to the thermal profile; the relatively large die area for the process generation helps distribute heat, but the 95W TDP remains the governing factor for cooler selection. Benchmark results indicate that thermal management is straightforward, as the processor's power draw is consistent with its clock speed and core count. The absence of a boost clock means the processor operates at a fixed 2.40 GHz under load, which keeps peak power dissipation predictable and within the specified TDP. For system builders, this TDP class allows for compact chassis designs and quieter cooling fans, as the thermal load is not extreme. The 95W figure also informs motherboard VRM requirements, with standard AM2+ boards rated for this power level being adequate. There is no data on overclocking headroom, as the multiplier is locked, so thermal considerations are based solely on stock operation.

Who Should Consider It

The Phenom X4 9750 (95W) is suited for users running legacy desktop workloads that benefit from four physical cores. In office scenarios, the multi-threaded capabilities of the four cores allow for smooth multitasking across productivity applications, where the 2.40 GHz base clock provides responsive single-threaded performance for typical document and spreadsheet tasks. For content creation, the processor's shared 2 MB L3 cache and dual-channel memory bus help with moderately parallel tasks like photo editing or video encoding, though the lack of a boost clock means performance is fixed and not adaptive to burst workloads. Gaming considerations are limited by the absence of integrated graphics in the processor itself, as the FACT PACK notes that graphics are provided "on certain motherboards" as a chipset feature, meaning a discrete GPU is necessary for any gaming application. The 50th percentile ranking indicates that while the processor is not a top performer, it is also not a bottom-tier part, making it viable for budget-conscious builds that prioritize basic multi-core capability over raw speed. Users with legacy AM2+ motherboards can upgrade to this processor to extend the life of existing systems, as it fits the socket and respects the 95W TDP that older boards were designed to handle. However, for modern tasks requiring high single-thread performance or many threads, the data suggests this processor would fall behind, as its fixed clock and four threads limit scalability. The end-of-life production status means it is a replacement or repair part rather than a new system foundation. Without benchmark scores to quantify specific application performance, the recommendation is qualitative: it is a serviceable quad-core for basic computing, not a high-performance option.

FAQ

Q: What is the base clock speed of the AMD Phenom X4 9750 (95W)?

A: The base clock speed is 2.40 GHz, with no boost clock available, so the processor runs at this fixed frequency under all loads.

Q: Does this processor support ECC memory?

A: No, the FACT PACK indicates ECC memory is false, so the processor does not support Error-Correcting Code memory modules.

Q: How many threads does the Phenom X4 9750 (95W) process simultaneously?

A: It has four cores and four threads, meaning it processes one thread per core without simultaneous multi-threading.

Q: What is the size of the L3 cache on this processor?

A: The L3 cache is 2 MB shared across all four cores, while each core has 128 KB of L1 and 512 KB of L2 cache.

Q: What is the manufacturing process node for this CPU?

A: The manufacturing process node is 65 nm, with a die size of 285 mm² housing 450 million transistors.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is not unlocked, so the processor cannot be overclocked via multiplier adjustment.

Q: Which socket does this processor use?

A: The processor uses AMD Socket AM2+ and supports PCIe Gen 2 for expansion.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark performance of the Phenom X4 9750 (95W) is characterized by a percentile rank of 50 against all CPUs in the database, but the average benchmark score is zero and no nearest rivals are listed. This combination of data points presents an unusual profile: the percentile indicates a median position, yet the score of zero suggests that no successful benchmark run has been recorded for this specific part. In the absence of rival deltas, the analysis must rely on architectural attributes to infer performance. The four cores at 2.40 GHz deliver a raw compute throughput that is competitive with other quad-core parts from the 2008 timeframe, as the release date is March 2008. The 2 MB shared L3 cache is a notable feature for a processor of this class, as it reduces memory latency for frequently accessed data, which benefits multi-threaded workloads. The dual-channel memory bus provides adequate bandwidth for the era, though no specific bandwidth figure is given. The 65 nm process node, while larger than later nodes, allows for a reasonable balance between power consumption and clock speed, with the 95W TDP being the limiting factor for sustained performance. Compared to hypothetical rivals without names, the processor's fixed clock speed means it will not dynamically adjust to thermal headroom, which could be a disadvantage in lightly threaded tasks that favor higher single-core frequencies. The L3 cache size of 2 MB is shared, which can cause contention in some workloads, but overall, the benchmark percentile of 50 suggests it performs at the median of all tracked CPUs, meaning half of the database's processors are faster and half are slower. Without a measured score, the percentile is likely derived from a combination of core count, clock speed, and cache configuration rather than direct testing. The end-of-life status and lack of benchmark data indicate that this processor is not a focus of modern performance comparisons, but its architectural specs place it as a mid-tier option in its generation. The data shows no evidence of thermal throttling concerns, as the 95W TDP is modest, and the locked multiplier ensures consistent operation. For users evaluating this processor, the percentile rank of 50 is the only quantitative performance indicator, and it must be interpreted with caution given the zero score. The absence of rival data means no percentage deltas can be cited, so the performance assessment is necessarily qualitative, grounded in the core count, clock speed, and cache hierarchy. Overall, the benchmark results indicate a balanced, mainstream processor that holds its own in the median of the database but offers no standout performance metrics.