Modern processors are pretty expensive stuff. However, they boast high performance. But models from the past can still compete with current "stones". One of such active oldies is the AMD Phenom II X2 550 processor. Even in modern realities, it can give odds to budget solutions from AMD or Intel. And this despite the fact that at one time he was by no means a top model. Consider this interesting "stone" in more detail.
Packaging and delivery
Since the processor bears the proud name of Black Edition, its box does not differ in a special riot of colors. Everything is very concise: a completely black box with the AMD logo. Nothing extra. Inside is the AMD Phenom II X2 550 itself in a plastic case. Also included is a tower cooler with a Foxconn radiator. In addition, there are instructions (in Russian) and a warranty card. The warranty period is three years. As a bonus, the AMD sticker on the system unit is attached. In general, the package contains everything you need to install the processor and its further use. Now it's time to consider the main technical specifications.
Key Features
AMD Phenom II X2 550, the characteristics of which we will now consider, is a dual-core device for a home computer. The most interesting thing is that other processors from this line have 4 cores. But our hero easily bypasses them in performance. And so it turns out because of the unlocked multiplier and third-level cache of 6 megabytes. The starting clock frequency is 3.1 gigahertz. Not a bad result. The processor has a set of all necessary instructions. Also, the "stone" successfully works with RAM standard DDR 2 and DDR 3. Moreover, the latter allows you to achieve the best disclosure of the processor potential. "Stone" is made under the socket AM3. Almost all modern motherboards support it.
Overclocking capabilities
Now a little about the acceleration capabilities of the AMD Phenom II X2 550. The multiplier is unlocked programmatically (using a proprietary utility from AMD) or through the BIOS of a computer. In any case, having special equipment for this or possessing specific skills is not required. After unlocking, you can increase the operating frequency of the processor and its voltage. But doing this with a regular Foxconn cooler is not recommended. We need a serious cooling system, as the chip will become very hot. The acceleration resource is quite large. Some overclockers achieved a result of 6,200 megahertz. But they also used liquid nitrogen as a cooler. Experimenting with such overclocking at home is not recommended. You can just burn the processor.
Comparison with other models
The closest competitors for the AMD Phenom II X2 550 Processor are its “relatives” from the “Phenom” line, several “Athlons” and several processors from Intel of the same times. What can be said about them? Firstly, none of them (excluding Phenomas) has a full third-level cache of 6 megabytes. And this greatly affects performance. Secondly, no one has an unlocked kernel multiplier at all. Thirdly, some competitor models can be overclocked, but they will never reach the level of our hero. Only these features described above make this processor the best. And no need to consider the technical characteristics of each chip. No matter how many megahertz the competitors have, Fen will easily plug them in the belt in overclocking mode. And this is an indisputable fact.
Owner reviews
To find out how a particular device works in real conditions, you need to look for reviews of the happy owners of the device. Exactly the same situation with processors. What do users say about the AMD Phenom II X2 550? In general, they are all satisfied with the processor. Although they acquired it a long time ago. The vast majority of owners note the stability of work even during overclocking. Also, this processor copes well with modern games. The most inquisitive users conducted their own testing in order to compare this "stone" and modern processors at a budget level. And if you believe their results, then "Fenom 2" easily overtakes them in stability, performance and other parameters. This alone speaks volumes. The difficulty lies only in the fact that such processors have long ceased to produce. And you can buy only a used model in the secondary market. However, a used processor is a cat in a poke. You never know how the previous owner used it. Therefore, you should refrain from such purchases. Somewhere in the warehouses of online stores, a suitable copy may be littered. That's where you need to look for him.
However, there are those who are categorically not happy with the AMD Phenom II X2 550. Most often, people complain about the high temperature of the processor. And indeed it is. It's not for nothing that the “stones” from AMD are called “stoves”. The regular cooling system clearly does not cope with its responsibilities. Also, sometimes complaints are heard about insufficient performance in demanding applications (such as Vegas, Pinnacle, Photoshop of the latest versions). But this is only because users are unfamiliar with overclocking technology. If you increase the frequency, then there will be no such problem. In general, there are very few complaints about Fenom X2. The vast majority of users knew very well that they purchased. Therefore, they are not inclined to demand from the processor the impossible. There are no complaints about performance in games at all. "Stone" copes well even with modern toys. And this is good. Though AMD used to produce high-quality processors.
Conclusion
So, we disassembled an old AMD Phenom II X2 550 processor. Its characteristics are such that it can easily compete with modern budget models. An undeniable advantage is the unlocked multiplier, which opens up wide overclocking capabilities. This makes the processor even more powerful. Even modern state employees often cannot compete with it in productivity. And this makes Fen the best solution for a budget home computer. That's just for him will have to buy a good cooling system. Established simply can not cope with the amount of heat that it emits. But this processor costs ridiculous money. True, he still needs to be found somewhere.