AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition Review - PAGE 1

If you have read the AMD Athlon II X4 635 & Phenom II X4 910e review, I'm going to repeat something that I mentioned at that review's conclusion: the C3 revision. There are many models now that are based on that revision of the Deneb die, but the dual-core Phenom II Black Edition remained untouched -- until now. Its successor will be the subject of this article. It is named the Phenom II X2 555. For the same TDP of 80W, it now runs 100MHz higher at stock, for the same price.

However, what is 100MHz on a Black Edition processor, featuring an unlocked multiplier? I am much more excited about it being the first dual-core on the C3 revision than it being 100MHz higher at stock. That's what I like from AMD processors; it is so easy to just bump the core multiplier a few notches for 24/7 use. What will this processor be able to achieve? Will it achieve better clocks than the X4 965, both on stock and increased voltage? Not all processor cores are created equal, and some will not go as far as the others. Having two disabled cores should give it an advantage. So let's now get to test this $139 Black Edition processor.

Specifications