Phenom II System Buyers' Guide

Final Words

The Intel Core i7 processor currently owns the high-end market, which is the reason the CPU prices remain high relative to the Intel Core 2 Duo/Quad and the AMD Phenom II and Phenom. The cheapest Core i7 920 CPU is around $300, with two more models going for up to $1010. In addition, the Core i7 uses a new Socket 1366 and supports the first triple-channel DDR3 memory configuration. Both the socket and memory configuration are unique right now to the higher priced Core i7, which keeps i7 supporting component prices high.

Just below that high-end i7 you will now find a broad range of competitive AMD Phenom II processors. These new CPUs are 45nm and compete very well against Intel Core 2 Duo and Quad. The new Phenom II processors even overclock well, something that has been very much missed by AMD fans in the last couple of years. With the latest Phenom II introductions there is now a very complete Phenom II product line ranging from the $119 710 to the top line 940 BE Phenom II. In the middle of the line at $145 you will also find the Black Edition unlocked 720BE, which is proving to be a DDR3 and DDR2 overclockers "dream" CPU.

With the broad line of Phenom II processors, computer builders have quite a few choices in the computing directions they pursue with Phenom II. In this guide we put together a high value entry-level Phenom II for just $365. Even equipped with a 22" LCD Monitor supported by the integrated motherboard graphics and including the Vista Home Premium OS, keyboard, speakers, and mouse the complete Phenom II 710 system comes in at just $640. We can't remember a time in recent memory where so much computer power could be purchased for so little money. While we have said that a lot lately, the bang-for-the-buck in today's systems continues to impress us - particularly at the entry and lower midrange. That's certainly a good thing in a worldwide economy that is struggling. Computers are really a necessity in our plugged-in world and you can get a lot of computer today for very little money.

The Overclocking Phenom II combined a hot new $135 DDR3 motherboard with the 720 BE unlocked processor and 4GB of DDR3-1600 memory. At AnandTech, this combo easily pushed to 3.9GHz, which is the kind of overclocks we have not seen from AMD in quite a while. With competent AMD 4850 graphics, this powerful overclocking system still comes in at base price of $835. Add a Full HD 1080p monitor, precision input device, 5.1 speakers, and Vista Home Premium and you can still buy a complete DDR3 Overclocking Phenom II system for around $1275. Those who have performance DDR2 memory they want to take to Phenom II or those who prefer a DDR2 system will find the DDR2 OC Phenom II system costs all but the same as the DDR3 option.

Finally, we put together the Phenom II Performance System. Since the most expensive Phenom II X4 3.0GHz is still selling for just $225, the Performance system is not really high-end. Instead we upgraded the LCD to 24", the graphics to AMD Radeon 4870 1GB, and the memory to 8GB. Even with all the upgrades from the Phenom II OC System, the base price is around $1400 and the full-blown system with monitor, speakers, upgraded keyboard/mouse, and Vista OS is about $2000 for the complete system.

This broad range of Phenom II builds should provide you with mix and match choices to meet whatever needs you are aiming to fill in your new Phenom II system. You can also extend the system even further if that meets your goals with 4870X2 graphics or 4850 CrossFire with two reasonable 4850 cards (total cost about $300) powering a 30" panel at 2560x1600.

The Phenom II provides tremendous value in the computer midrange. Fortunately, the associated components are also a good value, which makes Phenom II systems very competitive in today's market. Whether your goal is an entry-level setup, a screaming overclocker, or midrange performance AMD is a good choice again. The choices provide good alternatives to Intel and the competition keeps prices for components low so you get maximum value from your computer hardware.