AMD Phenom II X4 970 Deneb 3.5GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Desktop Processor HDZ970FBK4DGM - OEM

Pros: One of the highest value CPU's according to cpubenchmark.net as of 7-8-2012

Cons: none yet

Other Thoughts: Wasn't sure if it would take in my Biostar TF8200 but it's working just fine with the latest non-beta bios (there's a beta bios from 2010 that's newer but I wanted to try the non-beta first. Running stock speed right now 30c idle, ~50c loaded.

Pros: Easily overclocked to 4.2ghz.

Cons: None.

Pros: Just finished installing this CPU into my rig. Windows Experience Index rates this CPU[stock] at 7.4/7.9 and 7.5 at the settings seen below.

Great Overclocking capabilities:
currently running at 4.1GHz(200mhz X 20.5multiplier) stable at 1.456v as per PCWhizkid's recommended setting in his review of this chip.

Cons: This CPU runs hot. Idles at 45C+(stock and OC) with a Hyper TX-3 92mm fan at 50% of max rpm(will probably increase) in push configuration. I used the same cooler on my previous processor(Athlon IIx2 255 w/ 17% OC to 3.5GHz at 1.487v) down to 25C at idle and in the upper 40s at full load. This difference in temperature probably has to do with going from a 65W cpu to 125W cpu.

Other Thoughts: I definitely recommend this CPU with a 5 egg rating, as of now. I will update this review(or post another) in a few weeks to a month to let you know how it holds up.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT OEM PACKAGING: Newegg does a TERRIBLE job of packaging OEM processors. Firstly, they put this stupid pink foam pad(that left very small fibers between the pins) on top of the chip inside of a small, flimsy plastic package. It was a pain in the neck to get off. Secondly, they put that packaging in a manilla envelope, stuck it in the bottom of the box and filled the box with peanuts. Idiotic. That doesn't protect against impacts to the processor. My processor had a bent pin and I was barely able to nudge it back with my fingernail only because it was bent outwards. I AM VERY ANNOYED WITH THIS. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this awful packaging doesn't cause me to have to RMA. If I do, I hope it happens within the 30 day warranty provided by Newegg.

Pros: got it on sale for 100$. great budget cpu. unlocked multiplier makes for easy OC. compared this to the fx series chips and lets just say i chose this one instead.
if you are on a budget, buy this.

Cons: runs at a high voltage as do all amd chips. does not come with a cooler, so plan on the extra money to purchase one.

Pros: Very fast for the money.

Cons: Died in 60 days.

Other Thoughts: Watch what you buy. The OEM processors only have a 30 day warrenty. Had it about 60 days and the thing died. Spend a few more bucks and get one in a box with a warrenty from AMD

Pros: No problems whatsoever and its runs SWTOR like a champion alongside my Nvidia GTX560 Ti (2gb) EVGA card. I recommend this chip to anyone.

Cons: None whatsoever.

Pros: Cheap, fast. AMD cpu+ msi 970 mobo= $220. Hmmm Intel cpu 2500k=220 + 100mobo= $300+, obvious choice is amd.
Will not notice a difference in gaming from intel!!!
Easy OC 4ghz!!!, Unlocked multiplier!!!

Cons: NONE

Other Thoughts: game my phenom 1055t away so i bought this along with an MSI 970A-G46 motherboard. I easily OC this to 4GHZ using multipier x20 and vcore @ 1.38 stable prime95!!! Its faster than my 1055t! though my 1055t could only reach a max OC of 3.5ghz. WEI 7.5. This is a great budget gaming rig. BF3 high settings gets me 50 fps+ and on ultra settings 40+ never lower, this is paired with a powercolor 2gb 6950 flashed bios.

Pros: 4 cores, much cheaper than the other brand.

Cons: I was rather disapointed coming from a athlonX2 to this, I didn't notice that much of a speed increase or multi tasking differance. I was hoping for more.

Other Thoughts: Windows7-64 handles this cpu much better than XP. Once I installed windows7-64, AMD needs a bigger cache.

Pros: Three of the cores ran for hours and hours.

Cons: One of the cores repeatedly would run less than 20 minutes at stock voltages and speed before failing prime95. I had good voltage, reasonable temperatures, and the motherboard was running the most current bios. The 970 is on the approved CPU list.

Even an extra tenth of a volt could not save it at stock speed.

So back in went the 555BE, running great at 3.8, just like before.

Other Thoughts: Newegg is willing to take it back and send me another, so I still love them, even if AMD let me down. The 2 week delay is disappointing, but fair.

Pros: Overclocked on air at stock 1.425V to 4.1GHz. At 1.4375V I bumped it to 4.2GHz. Might be able to do more, but I didn't spend much time with it.

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: No bent pins, perfect condition. Idles @ under 30 degrees with a SpinQ heatsink. Great bang for the buck.