Picking between very similar processors such as the AMD 955, 965, and 970 can be frustrating. All three processors are AMD Phenom II, X4, Black Edition, AM3 Socket, 125W, Quad-Core Processor, but have the respective processing speeds/costs of:
- 3.2GHz and $139.99 (US )for the AMD 955
- 3.4GHz and $159.99 (US) for the AMD 965
- 3.5GHz and $180.99 (US) for the AMD 970
I went through this debate when I ordered my AMD 955, and decided it was worth it to me to save the extra $20 or $40 dollars to get the 0.2 and 0.3 GHz processor increases. This is because you can simply overlock your processors speed with little hassle, and I have read of others overlocking the 955 up to 3.8GHz. For those of you that are not comfortable with over clocking quite yet, don’t fret. I doubt you will notice the base speeds between the three anyways. One user review of the AMD 970 on newegg stated:
This benchmarks no differently than my Phenom II 955, which I keep clocked at 3.8 Ghz on a push/pull air cooling solution. I’m more confused at the release and sale of this processor than I was at the Phenom II 965.
As well another user stated:
“This processor [the AMD 970] is clearly for people scared of overclocking, and if that’s you I’m sure you’ll be happy with this. If you have overclocking knowledge, go with a 955 and put that fifty dollars towards something else.”
I would advise that even without overlocking your AMD 955 you will do just fine, but if you are willing to pay the extra $$, then go with the faster processor speed.
AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor
AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition 3.4GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor
AMD Phenom II X4 970 Black Edition 3.5GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Desktop Processor