Tom's Hardware > Forum > CPU & Components > CPUs > AMD Phenom II X4 945 95W vs 125W?

AMD Phenom II X4 945 95W vs 125W?

Forum CPU & Components : CPUs - AMD Phenom II X4 945 95W vs 125W?

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sberganini   10-05-2009 at 07:49:08 AM

Are there technical and/or other considerations that should be regarded in deciding which of these two CPUs to select for a new build? Why are there two different versions of the same chip, seemingly with the only difference being the power and heat differences. The 95 Watt chip has a maximum temperature of 71 degrees C, while the 125 Watt chip has a maximum temperature of 62 degrees C. All other technical specs seem to be identical, although I don't clearly understand why the lower power chip would have a higher temperature tolerance. So, ... why wouldn't the clear choice be to always go with the lower power chip?

What other things should I be thinking about when making a choice? AMD recommends essentially the same motherboards for either chip.

I sure would appreciate some good guidance.

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jimmysmitty   10-05-2009 at 08:14:37 AM

They are the same chip but a different stepping. When yields get better they also tend to be able to get a better stepping in with bug fixes and better thermals as well.

When Intel released the Q6600 it was a 125w TDP CPU with the B3 stepping. They worked out some bugs and some thermal spots and the G0 stepping was a 95w TDP CPU. And you can use the same mobo for both CPUs.

I would go with the 95w TDP. It will run cooler and also be able to OC better while also giving about 1-2% better performance due to the later stepping and all at the same price.

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jj463rd   10-05-2009 at 02:14:51 PM

I noticed though that at newegg the older 125 watt TDP Phenom X4 945 was $10 cheaper though at $159.99 but jimmysmitty gave you good information.

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sberganini   10-05-2009 at 10:32:37 PM

jimmysmitty and jj463rd ... thanks for your helpful comments.

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