The processor is the heart of the computer. It can be extremely powerful or frankly weak. But it is he who decides how fast the PC will work. The amount of supported RAM is also entirely dependent on the processor. Now on the market there are a lot of models with various characteristics: from cheap and low-power "stones" for office PCs to super-productive "monsters" designed for difficult tasks. Be that as it may, the choice of processor must be made, after weighing all the pros and cons. But there is a model on the market that will suit almost everyone: gamers and ordinary users. This is an AMD Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition. Let's analyze this processor in more detail.
A little bit about the company
AMD began its career in 1969. For a long time, the manufacturer was a monopolist in the production of electronic computers. But Intel soon appeared, and our heroes have been fighting with this company for years in the field of production of computer chips and components. For a long time AMD was forced to lose ground. Their chips did not go to any comparison with Intel products. And only in recent years the company began to regain its former greatness. One of the milestones was the release of AMD Phenom II X3 720.
This is the first AMD processor to compete with Intel crafts in terms of performance and power consumption. It is not surprising that the company began to further develop this line. "Phenomas" won the love of users around the world. This PC processor has become the best-selling in Russia and the CIS countries. And all thanks to a successful design, competent marketing and optimization. The release of this processor has become AMD's finest hour. From now on, they are approximately at the same level with Intel.
CPU positioning
It belongs to the low-end category. This means that the device from the budget price category, intended for mass sale. However, there are some differences with outspoken "state employees". It lies in the technical characteristics of the chip. Such powerful processors have never been so affordable. Only one third-level cache of 6 megabytes says a lot. Other characteristics are also not far behind. And all this for frankly ridiculous money. Unsurprisingly, Intel’s solid position has shaken noticeably.
The AMD Phenom II X3 processor has become a truly popular product. According to retailers, it is installed in every third personal computer. Despite the fact that now the processor looks somewhat archaic with its three cores, it has rich overclocking capabilities. And that says a lot. In particular, that it stands out clearly even against the background of low-end gadgets.
Contents of delivery
The chip is packaged in a black cardboard box with a graphic image and AMD logo. Black Edition is written in large letters on it, which seems a little redundant. The box is already black. At the end there is a window through which you can look at the processor itself. But you won’t see anything interesting there. In addition to marking the model. The main technical characteristics of the processor and its clock frequency (the most important) are painted on the box.
Inside there is a cooler with a radiator, an instruction manual in different languages and the processor itself. You could put anything else here. But the question is what? What else is needed with the processor? AMD Phenom II X3 720 is soundly packed in bubble cellophane. This completely eliminates the possibility of damage during transportation. Here is such a Spartan and simple delivery set.
Specifications
AMD Phenom II X3 720 is created under the AM3 socket. But it can perfectly become on AM2 and AM2 + sockets. Installing it is simple. She will not cause problems for anyone. The main thing - do not forget to smear thermal grease before installing the cooler that comes with the kit. The nominal clock speed is 2 800 megahertz, and the multiplier is 14. But this is far from the limit, since this processor is simply designed for overclocking. The processor has a tri-core design and 6 megabytes of cache in the third level. This is a very decent result.
This PC processor works with a full set of instructions and has at its disposal various technologies that it makes no sense to list now, because they do not affect the overall performance of this “stone”. It is worth noting that although this processor belongs to the category of morally obsolete, but it supports almost all modern motherboards and video cards.
Overclocking capabilities
The AMD Phenom II X3 720 has the broadest overclocking capabilities thanks to an unlocked multiplier. After overclocking, this PC processor demonstrates exactly the same performance as many modern quad-core processors. So, for example, it was possible to disperse it to a clock frequency of 3,600 megahertz. Now compare with the "stock" 2 800, and everything will become clear to you. Now they do not do such processors. So, it’s too early to write it off.
In synthetic performance tests, the processor shows miracles of endurance. Do not just forget that before overclocking you need to replace the cooling system, because the standard fan is not designed for such power. And it would be nice to download such a thing as a program for processor temperature from the AMD official website. It can control the heating of the "stone" in real time. If the temperature reaches a critical maximum, acceleration must be stopped and the standard settings returned. At least for a while.
Hidden core
Officially, the "Fen" Black Edition is considered a tri-core processor. But few people know that it has a hidden locked core. Physically, there are 4 cores in it! And there is a way to unlock this very core, which will give some increase in performance. However, this requires a suitable motherboard. Perfectly fits the GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P. It allows you to activate the Advanced Clock Calibration option. After the inclusion of the corresponding item in the BIOS, the fourth core is connected. And the processor goes to a completely different level. Now imagine the overclocking capabilities of an already quad-core processor.
This practice is in the spirit of AMD. The company has specially located a hidden core in the processor architecture in order to sell it as a tri-core one, but exactly the same, but with all four cores they sold an order of magnitude more expensive. This is a great marketing move. Only "craftsmen" quickly found the hidden core and learned how to turn "budget" processors into premium ones. Only nevertheless, a program is required for the temperature of the processor (its tracking) in order to avoid trouble.
Positive reviews
Reviews are always useful information from those who have already purchased a particular product and are eager to share their experience with others with others. It is absolutely necessary to read reviews about processors, because this is the only way to understand how its real technical characteristics differ from the declared ones. In the case of AMD Phenom II X3 720 the situation is as follows. Most owners of this processor are absolutely delighted with its rich overclocking capabilities. There were no such "flexible" processors. The main thing, users note, is the presence of an adequate cooling system. For otherwise the "dead stone" awaits you.
Also, many note the high stability of the overclocked Phenom II Socket AM3. This was not yet in any product of such a plan. However, the most important thing for many is the low price. And she does not disappoint. Now you can buy such a processor for almost nothing. This is what users like most.
Negative reviews
There are a couple of owners who got married or did not comply with the rules of dispersal. These include reviews that the "stone" is heated like a stove. But if you install an advanced cooling system, then there’s nothing in sight. A standard cooler is not always able to cope with the load. Also, many complained that the processor burned out after overclocking. It is important to understand that you need to disperse within reasonable limits. And always with good coolers. Better yet, liquid-cooled. Then there will be no problems.
Most of the negative reviews of this plan are not entirely fair, because users, due to ignorance and non-compliance with elementary safety rules, disable a completely good processor. Therefore, experts advise to adhere to the operating instructions.
Conclusion
So, we reviewed the AMD Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition processor. This is an excellent product at a budget level, which with a flick of the wrist can turn into a top-end quad-core chip (if you have the appropriate motherboard). You can add here wide overclocking capabilities, low cost and high quality. And it turns out that this model is quite relevant in our time.