- High frequency (3.00 GHz)
- Honest full-fledged 4 cores
- Low heat dissipation for 45 nm
- Faster in multi-threaded applications than any Intel Core i3
- High performance in graphic editors and heavy games (a large cache is not needed there)
- Virtualization support
- Suitable for socket AM3+
- Low price

Flaws

Tested: this processor is not for professional video encoding and archiving, where a large amount of cache memory is important. But this is not even a drawback given the mass of its advantages for such money.

A comment

Athlon II X4 deserves special attention and respect. For a low cost, you get a full-fledged quad-core processor that will work flawlessly in multi-threaded applications and outperform any dual-core processor, be it Intel Core 2 Duo, Athlon II X2 or Intel Core i3. Using this processor, I assembled a graphics station for a friend to work in PhotoShop CS4 and CorelDraw (HELLO PHOTOGRAPHERS). In heavy games it performs well at high FPS with a resolution of 1920x1080 (Crysis 3, Battlefield 3, Assassins Creed etc.) in conjunction with video cards of the Radeon HD 7850 and GeForce GTX660 class, revealing their potential. Surfs the Internet quickly with a bunch of open tabs. So think about whether it is worth overpaying for more expensive multi-core processors for games and graphic applications?)

Complain Was the review helpful? 22 3

Price-performance ratio. Exceptional compatibility in all directions: from AM2 and AM2+ to AM3+. DDR2 and DDR3 support.

Flaws

There is no third-level cache, unlike the AMD Phenom II X4 945 (which, by the way, was recently sold at the same price 2400 rubles).
When buying, look at the legs! I received it slightly bent. Personally, I waved my hand, took the percent, straightened my legs later and set the pleasure to an amateur!

A comment

Although AM3 processors are gradually disappearing from sale due to the arrival of newer AM3+, I believe that AMD could squeeze a little more money out of this line. In the economy segment, AMD can spoil Intel very badly. It would be possible to crush Intel with quad-cores for 2400 rubles. They turned out to be very universal. And an old gaming computer can be refreshed, and a dull office computer can be given a second wind. This means that this is a massive sector of the user computer park. The user, without investing in a completely new platform, gets performance close to modern requirements for the mass market. Of course, AM3 doesn’t have enough stars from the sky (in the form in which it is presented today), but not everyone needs these same stars. After all, software manufacturers mainly focus on a certain “average computer”, which is a lethal average mixture of old and new platforms, with a predominance of old ones.
I don’t know how it is with tests and benchmarks, but in terms of operating comfort, installing this processor in an old mother (AM2+, for example), which can support it, gives a result comparable to the latest Core i3 and sometimes Core i5, not to mention the line of fresh AMD ( for a lot of money you buy almost the same thing).
This is a subjective assessment. But if you want to save money, but save as little as possible on performance, then AM3 processors in combination with AM3+ motherboards are your option. A four-core processor for an office computer is still not weak. There is also a ridiculous attitude towards games. Plus a promising upgrade opportunity (what if eight-core ones will also soon cost 2,400 rubles).
Intelo-fap Mazda lovers!

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1.Excellent price/quality ratio.
2.Minimal markup on the part of retailers.
3. Relatively low heat generation.
4. Sufficient speed for gaming systems.

Flaws

Level 3 cache cannot be unlocked, it is simply missing, but for the money it is quite predictable.

A comment

Excellent processor, easily overclocked to 3.5 GHz. After that, judging by the tests, it works at the level of processors whose price is 2 times higher. I use it together with the ZALMAN CNPS8900 Quiet cooler, bought here at Citylink, the temperature has never reached 50 degrees, and this is after overclocking. Considering all of the above, I advise you to take it.

The AMD Athlon II X4 640 is a processor that combines a high level of performance and a sufficient degree of energy efficiency. Even at the moment, the characteristics of this processor allow you to run any software. In addition, the device has a fairly modest cost. All these characteristics together make the hero of our review an excellent basis for creating mid-level computers.

AMD Athlon II X4 640: semiconductor solution niche, configuration options

At the time the AMD Athlon II X4 640 processor went on sale in 2009, personal computer system units were divided as follows:

— office computers with a single core processor. This market segment was occupied by Septron chips from AMD and Celeron from Intel. These processor solutions had very modest parameters, a minimal cache size and low clock speeds. The performance of such solutions was quite low, but this was quite enough for solving office tasks. Plus, the cost of these solutions was quite low.

- middle-class computers were necessarily based on a dual-core processor. In this case, clock speeds were also increased and the cache size was increased. The technical parameters of the semiconductor solution have also been significantly improved. All this led to a significant increase in the cost of computers. However, the list of tasks that could be solved on such computers increased significantly.

- the most productive systems were based on 4-core processor models. The AMD Athlon II X4 640 processor belonged specifically to this market segment. The characteristics of this processor fully correspond to the specified segment. At that time, this processor could solve problems of any level of complexity. Even today, having such a processor solution in a PC allows you to run most software.

Quite a long time has passed since the appearance of this processor solution on store shelves. Therefore, it moved from the premium solutions segment to the mid-range processor niche. There are two possible configuration options for this semiconductor solution. One of the options was called TRAY. This delivery package included the central processor itself, a warranty card, an installation manual, and a sticker with the name of the processor model for the front side of the system unit. The second configuration option was designated BOX. In addition to everything listed above, it also included a cooler and thermal paste.

AMD Athlon II X4 640: supported socket types

The characteristics of the AMD Athlon II X4 640 processor indicate that it should be installed in socket AM3. This is the main socket type for this chip. However, it can also be installed in AM2+ and AM3+ slots. The latest processor socket continues to remain relevant today among computer platforms from AMD. The optimal solution will assemble a system unit with this processor device. In this case, you can achieve the maximum level of performance and more up-to-date technical specifications. This will allow you to fully unleash the potential of this semiconductor crystal.

AMD Athlon II X4 640: production technology

The silicon crystal in this case was produced using the silicon-on-dielectric or LPC process. According to the specifications, the AMD Athlon II X4 640 complied with 45 nm process standards. The characteristics of this processor solution indicated an operating frequency of 3 GHz. The frequency was not dynamically adjusted. The value of the thermal package of the solution in this case was 95 W. The maximum temperature was reported at 71 degrees. This value in practice rarely exceeded 45-57 degrees.

AMD Athlon II X4 640: cache and RAM

The AMD Athlon II X4 640 processor boasts a two-level cache. Because of this, the AMD Athlon II X4 640 loses a lot in performance, but gains significantly in energy efficiency. The volume of non-volatile memory at the first level is 512 KB, and at the second level – 2 MB. In this case, a two-channel controller is used random access memory, which works with both DDR2 memory and the more common DDR3 variety today. The recommended frequency value in the first case is 1066 MHz, and for the second case – 1333 MHz.

AMD Athlon II X4 640: architectural features

This processor solution is known under the code name Propus. This chip belongs to the family of 4-core processors. In the language of professionals, such solutions are also called QUADCORE. The AMD Athlon II X4 640 processor is based on the K10 architecture. It is capable of processing even 64-bit program code.

AMD Athlon II X4 640: overclocking

The performance of the AMD Athlon II X4 640 processor can only be increased by the system bus frequency. In this case, overclocking must be done at system unit, equipped with an improved cooling system, a power supply with increased power and advanced system board. The body of this personal computer should also have improved air circulation. Otherwise, the overclocking algorithm is standard for a device of this class. The frequencies of all components should be reduced as much as possible, and the system bus frequency should be discretely increased to the nearest value. After this, you need to check the stability of the computer. If everything is in order, then you can further increase the bus frequency. It is also worth paying attention to the frequencies of other PC components, which should not go beyond acceptable limits. When they reach the limit at which the computer stops working stably, you need to start increasing the voltage on the processor. Then they increase the frequency. For this processor, the maximum possible values ​​are 3.5-3.7 GHz.

AMD Athlon II X4 640: processor cost

The AMD Athlon II X4 640 processor at the start of sales was priced at $122 by the manufacturer. This was a great price for a chip with these technical specifications. However, today this chip can be purchased in new condition for $42. You can buy the product used for $35. An important characteristic of this processor solution is that it has four computing cores implemented at the physical level. It is for this reason that computers based on this processor and a powerful graphics subsystem will be able to run even the latest gaming applications. They will definitely start, even if not at the highest settings. It is on this point that the owners of such computers focus their attention. The disadvantage of the AMD Athlon II X4 640 processor solution is the absence of a third level cache. This design feature of this chip significantly reduces its performance level. However, on the other hand, this makes it possible to reduce the value of the thermal package and thereby increase its energy efficiency.

• Test results: performance comparison
• General comparison of processor performance

Introduction

At one time, the entry of Athlon II processors into the market marked a new round of struggle for the lower price segment between AMD and Intel. With a good price/performance ratio and moderate power consumption, these CPUs are a very attractive purchase.

Today we will look at the Athlon II X4 640 processor, which has an unprecedentedly low price for a quad-core CPU. Its rivals will be the Core 2 Quad Q9500, Core 2 Quad Q8300, Core 2 Duo E8400, Core 2 Duo E7600 and Athlon II X2 250.

Test configuration

Tests were carried out on the following stands:

Stand No. 1:

• Motherboard: GigaByte GA-EX38-DS4, BIOS F3

Stand No. 2:

• Motherboard: GigaByte MA770-UD3, BIOS F2

Processors:

• Core 2 Quad Q9500 - 2830 @ 3800 MHz
• Core 2 Quad Q8300 - 2500 @ 3400 MHz
• Core 2 Duo E8400 - 3000 @ 4200 MHz
• Core 2 Duo E7600 - 3060 @ 4000 MHz
• Athlon II X4 640 - 3000 @ 3600 MHz
• Athlon II X2 250 - 3000 @ 3800 MHz

Other components:

• Video card: Radeon HD 5870 1024 MB - 850/850/4800 MHz (Sapphire)
• CPU cooling system: Cooler Master V8 (~1100 rpm)
• RAM: 2 x 2048 MB DDR2 Hynix (Spec: 800 MHz / 5-5-5-15-2t / 1.9 V)
• Disk subsystem: SATA-II 500 GB, WD 5000KS, 7200 rpm, 16 MB
• Power unit: Thermaltake Toughpower 1200 Watt (standard fan: 140 mm intake)
• Frame: open test bench
• Monitor: 30" DELL 3008WFP (Wide LCD, 2560x1600 / 60 Hz)

Software:

• Operating system: Windows 7 build 7600 RTM x86
• Video card drivers: ATI Catalyst 10.9 + Application Profiles

Testing tools and methodology

For a more clear comparison of processors, all games used as test applications were launched in resolutions of 1280x1024 and 1920x1080.

The following games used performance measurement tools (benchmarks):

• Colin McRae DIRT 2 (Battle of Battersea - London)
• Crysis Warhead (Ambush)
• Far Cry 2 (Little Ranch)
• Grand Theft Auto 4 EFLC (Lost and Damned)
• Just Cause 2 (Concrete Jungle)
• Lost Planet Colonies (Zone 1)
• Resident Evil 5 (scene 1)
• World in Conflict: Soviet Assault (Benchmark)

A game in which performance was measured by loading demo scenes:

• Left 4 Dead 2 (Demo a1)

In these games, performance was measured using the FRAPS v3.2.1 build 11425 utility:

• Battlefield Bad Company 2 (Very Expensive Target)
• Borderlands
• Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 (Act III - Unfortunate Accident)
• Dragon Age Origins(Ostagar)
• Mass Effect 2 (Tali's Court)
• Metro 2033 (Chase)
• Napoleon Total War(Lowland meadows)
• Need for Speed SHIFT (Rustle Creek Time Trial)
• Risen (Coast)
• Splinter Cell - Conviction (Lincoln Memorial)
• S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat (Backwater)

Measured in all games minimum And average FPS values.

In tests in which there was no possibility to measure minimum FPS, this value was measured by the FRAPS utility.

VSync was disabled during testing.

To avoid errors and minimize measurement errors, all tests were performed three times. When calculating the average FPS, the arithmetic average of the results of all runs was taken as the final result. The minimum value of the indicator based on the results of three runs was chosen as the minimum FPS.

Intel Processor Specifications

AMD processor specifications



Overclocking processors

Core 2 Quad Q9500

Regular mode. Clock frequency 2830 MHz, system bus frequency 333 MHz (333x8.5), DDR2 frequency - 1066 MHz (333x3.2), core supply voltage 1.29 V, DDR2 supply voltage - 2.1 V.

3200 MHz - system bus frequency 377 MHz (377x8.5), DDR2 frequency - 1131 MHz (377x3), core supply voltage 1.29 V, DDR2 supply voltage - 2.1 V.

The processor was overclocked to a frequency of 3800 MHz. To do this, the system bus frequency was raised to 447 MHz (447x8.5), the core supply voltage was up to 1.45 V, the DDR2 supply voltage was 2.1 V, the system bus supply voltage was by 0.2 V, the northbridge voltage was 0.1 V. The DDR2 frequency was 1073 MHz (447x2.4).

Core 2 Quad Q8300

Regular mode. Clock frequency 2500 MHz, system bus frequency 333 MHz (333x7.5), DDR2 frequency - 1066 MHz (333x3.2), core supply voltage 1.29 V, DDR2 supply voltage - 2.1 V.

This processor turned out to be the worst overclockable quad-core processor. To overclock it to 3200 MHz, we had to increase the core supply voltage - to 1.4 V, the DDR2 supply voltage - 2.1 V, the system bus supply voltage - by 0.2 V, the north bridge voltage - 0.1 V. The system bus frequency was increased to 427 MHz (427x7 .5), the DDR2 frequency was 1068 MHz (427x2.5).

The processor was overclocked to a modest 3400 MHz. To do this, the system bus frequency was raised to 453 MHz (453x7.5), the core supply voltage was up to 1.45 V, the DDR2 supply voltage was 2.1 V, the system bus supply voltage was by 0.2 V, the northbridge voltage was 0.1 V. The DDR2 frequency was 1087 MHz (453x2.4).

Core 2 Duo E8400

Regular mode. Clock frequency 3000 MHz, system bus frequency 333 MHz (333x9), DDR2 frequency - 1066 MHz (333x3.2), core supply voltage 1.275 V, DDR2 supply voltage - 2.1 V.

3200 MHz - system bus frequency 356 MHz (356x9), DDR2 frequency - 1068 MHz (356x3), core supply voltage 1.275 V, DDR2 supply voltage - 2.1 V.

The processor was overclocked to a frequency of 4200 MHz. To do this, the system bus frequency was raised to 467 MHz (467x9), the core supply voltage was up to 1.45 V, the DDR2 supply voltage was 2.1 V, the system bus supply voltage was by 0.2 V, the northbridge voltage was 0.1 V. The DDR2 frequency was 1121 MHz (467x2.4).

Core 2 Duo E7600

Regular mode. Clock frequency 3060 MHz, system bus frequency 266 MHz (266x11.5), DDR2 frequency - 1066 MHz (266x4), core supply voltage 1.275 V, DDR2 supply voltage - 2.1 V.

3200 MHz - system bus frequency 279 MHz (279x11.5), DDR2 frequency - 1116 MHz (279x4), core supply voltage 1.275 V, DDR2 supply voltage - 2.1 V.

The processor was overclocked to a frequency of 4000 MHz. To do this, the system bus frequency was raised to 348 MHz (348x11.5), the core supply voltage was up to 1.45 V, the DDR2 supply voltage was 2.1 V, the system bus supply voltage was by 0.2 V, the northbridge voltage was 0.1 V. The DDR2 frequency was 1044 MHz (348x3).

Athlon II X4 640

Regular mode. Clock frequency 3000 MHz, system bus frequency 200 MHz (200x15), memory controller frequency 2000 MHz (200x10), DDR2 frequency - 800 MHz (200x4), core supply voltage 1.3 V, DDR2 supply voltage - 1.9 V.

3200 MHz - bus frequency 213 MHz (213x15), memory controller frequency 2130 MHz (213x10), DDR2 frequency - 852 MHz (213x4), core supply voltage 1.3 V, DDR2 supply voltage - 1.9 V.

The processor was overclocked to a frequency of 3600 MHz. To achieve this, the bus frequency was raised to 240 MHz (240x15), the memory controller to 2400 MHz (240x10), the core supply voltage to 1.475 V, the DDR2 supply voltage to 2.1 V, the northbridge voltage + 0.1 V. The DDR2 frequency was 960 MHz ( 240x4).

Athlon II X2 250

Regular mode. Clock frequency 3000 MHz, system bus frequency 200 MHz (200x15), memory controller frequency 2000 MHz (200x10), DDR2 frequency - 800 MHz (200x4), core supply voltage 1.35 V, DDR2 supply voltage - 1.9 V.

3200 MHz - bus frequency 213 MHz (213x15), memory controller frequency 2130 MHz (213x10), DDR2 frequency - 852 MHz (213x4), core supply voltage 1.35 V, DDR2 supply voltage - 1.9 V.

The processor was overclocked to a frequency of 3800 MHz. To achieve this, the bus frequency was raised to 253 MHz (253x15), the memory controller to 2530 MHz (253x10), the core supply voltage to 1.475 V, the DDR2 supply voltage to 2.1 V, the northbridge voltage + 0.1 V. The DDR2 frequency was 1012 MHz ( 253x4).

Let's move directly to the tests.

Introduction.
. Unfortunately, this was due to objective reasons that we this moment eliminated and proceed to an objective assessment of processors, both from AMD and Intel.
In today's review you will be presented with AMD processor Athlon II X4 640, which has more high frequency compared to the previously tested AMD Athlon II X4 620 solution.

Equipment.

We purchased the OEM version of the processor, which was due to our reluctance to bother with the original cooler, which always shows mediocre performance and noise indicators.

At the same time, I would like to note that these processors in the BOX version are also available for sale and are delivered in this black and green box.
When purchasing a BOX processor package, the user receives a cooling system from AMD and an extended product warranty for three years. Products in OEM format only have a 1 year warranty.

External inspection of the processor.

The processor is labeled ADX640WFK42GM. Each letter and number in the marking always means something, so we will try to decipher it. So,
- the letters AD tell us that we have a processor from AMD of the K10.5 generation.
- the letter X means the presence of a locked speed multiplier;
- the numbers 640 mean the model number of the processor within AMD’s own line of processors;
- letters WF - mean the processor heat dissipation level is up to 95 W and operation in the voltage range 0.900 - 1.425 volts;
- the letter K means the socket version of Socket AM3;
- number 4 - indicates the number of processor cores;
- the remaining numbers 2GM - indicate the revision of the processor core
Of particular interest to us is the second line, in which the first five letters indicate the processor core, in our case, Propus.

The back side of the processor does not stand out in any way. It has standard legs that can be easily bent and broken when straightened. The processor is designed to work in socket AM3.

Processor specifications.
1.Model number: Athlon II X4 640
2. Frequency: 3.0GHz
3. Maximum heat dissipation: 95 watts
4. Cache size: L1 Cache 64K + L2 Cache: 512KB per core (2MB total)
5. Process technology: 45nm SOI
6. Bus: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 4.0GHz full duplex (2.0GHz x2)
7. Memory controller: dual channel controller supporting memory up to PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066MHz) and PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333MHz)
8. Process technology: 45nm
9. Socket: Socket AM3 with full compatibility AM2+ 940-pin

Key features of this series of processors.
Data of special interest processors they are called due to the fact that some of them have a locked third-level memory cache, which quite often can be turned on without hindrance.
This is due to the fact that very often the company AMD under the brands of junior models it produces processors of older series in a stripped-down form, which is due to market demand. Or a high-quality illiquid product that cannot work as a full-fledged processor is cut down to a junior model and sold as a fully functional product.
Currently presented line of processors Athlon II X4 is produced on the basis of two cores. The first core is the Propus core. The kernel was specially created for the release of these processors, so it does not have any additional third-level cache; in a word, there is nothing for us to unlock. Unfortunately, the test participant turned out to be based on this very kernel.
The second core for these processors is a stripped-down version of the core Deneb, based on the full-featured version of which the Phenom II X4 processors are produced.
Key feature of the series processors Deneb is the physical presence of a third level cache of 6 MB, but for Athlon II X4 processors it is disabled and owners of these processors have full opportunity turn it on. Enabling this cache memory turns the user's processor into a fully functional Phenom II X4. Naturally, an unlocked processor must be tested to identify errors.
As already stated above, processor core can be recognized by the second line of marking. Deneb processors have the following sets: AACTC, AACZC, AACAC, CACZC, CADAC, CACYC CACYC, CACVC, CACZC, CACAC, AACYC, AACSC. All other variations are most likely our core - Propus.

Questions that users have when working with these processors.
1. What is needed to be able to unlock the processor core?
Answer: To do this, you need a motherboard that supports this function. In the BIOS menu, find the unlock item, most often it is L3 Cache Allocation and Advanced Clock Calibration.

2. Motherboards from which manufacturers definitely do not support unlocking L3 cache on these processors?
Answer: It is reliably known that all motherboards from ECS do not support this function. Most likely, this also applies to products such as Jetway, Zotac.

3. What power supply do I need to use an unlocked Deneb processor?
Answer: our experience shows that a 400-450 watt ATX 2.xx power supply from a well-known brand is quite sufficient. Much depends on the video cards you use.

Overclocking the processor.
As we already mentioned, we were unable to unlock the third level cache on this processor, since its core simply does not have this memory cache.

The processor was overclocked to 3.8 GHz at a voltage of 1.45 volts.

Conclusion.
We would like to wish our users to try to purchase processors of this series based on the Deneb core. These processors are quite often found in computer stores, and look at the second row of numbers on the cover when purchasing OEM versions processor is not a problem for anyone.
The price of the processor in the review does not exceed $130, which makes it quite an interesting product for purchasing and upgrading an existing processor.

AMD offers retail customers six-core Phenom II X6 processors based on the Thuban chip, and it also supplies its OEM partners with quad-core chips based on the Zosma core (Thuban with two cores disabled). Like its legendary predecessors in the AMD K10.5 architecture, Zosma processors are capable of unlocking hidden cores. With some luck, the Phenom II X4 960T model can turn into a full-fledged six-core Phenom II X6 chip. However, the OEM segment still has something to surprise.

Employees of the Chinese resource Mydrivers.com published the results of their acquaintance with the Athlon II X4 640 processor, which is based on E0 stepping. It is worth saying that the Athlon II X4 640 model appeared last year and is equipped with four computing cores. Operating at 3.0 GHz, the Propus die strips this chip of 6 MB of cache. The marking of the old Athlon II X4 640 is ADX640WFK42GM, updated based on the Thuban core - ADX640WFK42GR.

Biostar even released for motherboard A880G+ new firmware BIOS that provides support for the Athlon II X4 640 processor (ADX640WFK42GR).

IN Windows environment The Athlon II X4 640 model is identified as the Phenom II X4 940T.

Thanks to ACC (Advanced Clock Calibration) technology, our colleagues managed to obtain a Phenom II X6 1405T processor from the Athlon II X4 640. With this they added two computing cores and 6 MB of L3 cache.

The only disappointment in this whole story is the fact that the Athlon II X4 640 processor (ADX640WFK42GR) is intended only for the OEM segment.