I bought a 965 for a benchmarking project I'm working on, comparing a wide range of CPUs/GPUs, using a number of mbds in order to test all four main possile CPU/gfx combos, ie. Intel/ATI, Intel/NVIDIA, AMD/ATI and AMD/NVIDIA. I have a number of AMD CPUs to test, from a basic 6000+ up to this 965 BE; others include an Athlon II X4 635 2.9GHz, Athlon X2 7750 2.7GHz, Athlon II X2 250 3GHz and an Athlon II X2 240e. I've not yet done extensive tests, but so far I have to say it doesn't appear to be that much faster than the Athlon II X4, though atm I only have the 965 on a simple ASUS M3N78 SE with a gfx card that's too slow (4670) to reveal GPU bottlenecks that can be helped by CPU power, so results not totally conclusive yet (except for the CPU tests which were indeed not that much better so far compared to the Athlon II X4; can't be 100% sure until using the same board with identical RAM though). I have to try both CPUs on a better board (got an ASUS M3N-HT Deluxe for this, on which I can run 1 or 2 GTX 460s) and I also need to run tests with the CPUs set to the same clock, like 4GHz or something. Hope to do all this in October, lots of tests involved, very time consuming. Would I recommend this CPU for someone with an AMD board? If you can afford it, yes, but used prices are pretty high (it took many months before I was able to win a 965 at a sensible price). An Athlon II X4 would cost a lot less and in most cases be just as good; use the difference on a better cooler such as a TRUE RevC and decent fan. For those tasks where one really would want the better speed, an Intel chip makes more sense anyway, doubly so for a new build. As an upgrade though, if you're running with an old AMD dual-core and can afford it, then sure, the 965 is a nice boost, but do get a good HSF and oc the sucker to get the most value out of it (at stock speed, the 965 is hammered by numerous cheaper Intel options). I can't include a link to my benchmark results for this and other CPUs/etc., but just Google for, "ian pc benchmarks", it's the first link that comes back (look for the link that says, "PC Benchmarks, Advice and Information"). I'll probably start the main testing during October. Ian.Read full review
The processor improved the performance of my old computer. It crashed twice after installation, but I cannot be sure is the problem with CPU or something else.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great CPU, I managed to hit a 3.8ghz over-clock on this product using a cooler master Hyper 212 Evo and 4ghz with a hydro cooler after an upgrade. The stock cooler is fine to use on its standard setting without over-clocking and will stay cool around 32-38 degrees. Can't say much more because I haven't messed around with it too much but hope this helps you well.
Overall a superb CPU! Very much worth it! Been playing Mass Effect on max settings with no problems at all! Highly recommmended!
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