Final thoughts and rating
AMD has shown us a Phenom II processor that can go quicker than high-end Intel Core 2 Quads, and it can be applauded for that long-awaited achievement.
Trouble is, that wait has been too long and though AMD now offers Core 2 Quad-beating performance, Intel is set to supersede its long-standing Core 2 range with the launch of new Nehalem-derived Core i5 and Core i7 parts next month, codenamed Lynnfield. How the Phenom II X4 965, 955 and 940 Black Editions compare with Intel's upcoming Core i5 750, Core i7 860 and Core i7 870 will be of vital importance in regards to the relevance of AMD's range-topping parts, and we'd recommend readers hold fire as the CPU landscape could be drastically altered in the coming weeks.
We've said it before, but we'll say it again, AMD needed to realise the performance of its Phenom architecture sooner. Had we seen the Phenom II 965 Black Edition back in 2008, AMD may have enjoyed greater success.
As it is, the part arrives shortly after the potent Phenom II 955 Black Edition, and perhaps more importantly, on the eve of Intel's next barrage of performance-orientated CPUs.
In summary, despite the fact that the 3.4GHz Phenom II 965 Black Edition is AMD's fastest desktop processor currently available, it may only apply to die-hard users who wouldn't take anything less than AMD's best. Wallet-conscious consumers, on the other hand, will note that a 3.2GHz Phenom II 955 Black Edition can now be had for nearly £50 less - it'll perform nearly as well, and can easily be overclocked to 3.4GHz using air cooling.
If cost matters not, Intel's Core i7 is clearly the way to go. Bargain hunters, meanwhile, will be aware that the arrival of Intel's Core i5 in September should further lower prices, and high-end, quad-core Phenom II or Intel Core 2 parts could edge closer to the £100 mark.
HEXUS Rating
We consider any product score above '50%' as a safe buy. The higher the score, the higher the recommendation from HEXUS to buy. Simple, straightforward buying advice.
The rating is given in relation to the category the component competes in, therefore the CPU is evaluated with respect to our 'extreme components' criteria, where value plays a small part in the overall score.
AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition
HEXUS Awards
It's AMD's fastest desktop processor to date, and consequently worthy of our Extreme Speed award.
AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition
HEXUS Where2Buy
The AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition can be purchased from SCAN.co.uk* at a cost of £190.50.
*As always, UK-based HEXUS.community discussion forum members will benefit from the SCAN2HEXUS Free Shipping initiative, which will save you a further few pounds plus also top-notch, priority customer service and technical support backed up by the SCANcare@HEXUS forum.
HEXUS Right2Reply
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