AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Review

The Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition is a slightly underwhelming release from AMD. We really do have a soft spot for the 6 core AMD solutions, and still rate the 1055T processor as a great entry level chip into the performance sector. At 4ghz or more they really come to life and this is easily achieved with a good air cooler.

The Phenom II X4 range is hampered from the start, because AMD, core for core just can't compete with the latest Intel Core i5 or i7 designs. Our testing shows that even with a substantial overclock, the 980 BE fails to compete with Intel's Core i5 2500k. As they are priced so closely around the £150 mark, it is important that the AMD processor can offer a close run matchup. Sadly, no matter how we try and spin it, the 980BE falls short of the mark.

When it comes to overclocking, we managed to get the X4 980BE to 4.4ghz on air, which is a decent 700mhz improvement on the reference speeds. That said, the Core i5 2500k at the same clock speeds absolutely dominates every test we threw at it, and quite often was faster even without overclocking it. This proves just how far ahead Intel are right now, and we can't help but feel that AMD need to get Bulldozer to market, sooner rather than later.

While the Core i5 2500k dominates the £150 benchmark results, we also need to look within AMD's own ranks for competing products. Currently the 6 core 1055T can be bought for £135 in the UK, which is noticeably less than the unlocked 4 core 980BE. AMD may claim that the extra money is due to the ‘Black Edition' status, but strangely enough the AMD 1090T which is also a Black Edition, with 6 cores can be picked up for £150. Why would you want a 4 core unlocked processor for the same price as a 6 core unlocked processor from the same company?

We have to admit, the constant re-releasing of the same architecture with 100mhz clock increases is wearing us out a little. It is not only confusing to consumers, but it rather pointless. Sure, its a fast fix for AMD to try and close the expanding gaps between Intel 4 core and AMD 4 core designs, but sadly it isn't working. AMD really do need an additional 2 cores with this current range to remain even remotely competitive.

There is another problem for AMD in this sector, and that is overclocking. We have tested a 965 Black Edition at 3.4ghz, a 970 Black Edition at 3.5ghz and a 975 Black Edition at 3.6ghz and they all overclock to 4.3ghz. The 980 Black Edition we tested today hits 4.4ghz. All with a Noctua NH D14 air cooler. The Core i5 2500k samples we have tested all hit 4.8ghz with a more modest cooler and with a Noctua NH D14, 5ghz is a possibility. The Core i5 2500k is competitive against AMD's 4 core designs, even with a 1ghz clock deficit. When the i5 is clocked to 4.4ghz or 4.8ghz it is in a totally different performance ball park.

Sadly, we have to conclude that AMD have gotten this release all wrong, it was bad enough last time with the 975 Black Edition, but we reviewed that before the new range of Intel Core i5 and i7 processors were released. The gulf now is huge and even with 2 extra physical cores, AMD find it tough to compete. On an equal core basis there really is no chance. AMD need to get Bulldozer to market, it is as simple as that. We have high hopes that this new range of processors will close the massive gulf because I really do not want to be receiving a ‘985 Black Edition' at 3.8ghz, built on the same architecture in another months time.

If AMD drop this to £100 or less then it might be worth a purchase, as it stands at this price, I simply can't recommend it.

Pros:

• Runs cool

Cons:

• another pointless .5 multiplier increase
• Intel quad core designs are much faster
• AMD 6 core processors offer so much more value for money
• still pretty much limited to 4.3-4.4 ghz with good air cooling
• Intel processors overclock better

KitGuru says: AMD fans should opt for a Phenom II X6 AMD processor, or wait on Bulldozer.

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