AMD Phenom II X4 850
AMD Phenom II X4 850 in 2025: Is it Worth Considering for Building a PC?
An updated review of the outdated "fighter" and usage tips
1. Key Specifications: What Does the Phenom II X4 850 Offer?
Architecture and Process Technology
The AMD Phenom II X4 850 processor, released in 2010, is based on the K10.5 microarchitecture (codename Propus) and manufactured using a 45nm process. It is a quad-core CPU without support for multithreading (4 cores / 4 threads). The base clock speed is 3.3 GHz, with 2 MB of L2 cache (512 KB per core), and it has no L3 cache.
Performance
According to Geekbench 6 tests (2025):
- Single-core result: 396 — weak for modern tasks;
- Multi-core result: 934 — acceptable for basic multitasking.
Key Features for 2025:
- Low cost (new units, if available, starting from $20);
- Compatibility with AM3/AM3+ motherboards;
- Energy efficiency for its class (TDP 95W);
- Upgrade option for old systems without platform replacement.
2. Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets
Socket and Chipsets
The Phenom II X4 850 uses the AM3 socket. Supported chipsets include:
- AMD 770, 785G, 790FX, 880G, 890FX;
- AM3+ motherboards (e.g., ASUS M5A97) are also compatible, but with limitations (not all AM3+ features are available).
Selection Tips
- Check CPU support on the motherboard manufacturer's website (e.g., older models like Gigabyte GA-790XTA-UD4);
- BIOS updates may be required for working with Phenom II X4 850 on newer (relative to the 2010s) AM3+ boards;
- Recommended boards should have USB 3.0 and SATA III ports (e.g., ASRock 970 Extreme3), but these interfaces are implemented through third-party controllers, not the chipset.
3. Supported Memory Types
The Phenom II X4 850 works only with DDR3:
- Maximum frequency — 1333 MHz (officially);
- On some AM3+ boards, overclocking to 1600–1866 MHz is possible;
- Capacity: up to 16–32 GB (depending on the motherboard).
Important!
- DDR4/DDR5 not supported;
- For stable operation, use dual-channel mode (2 or 4 modules of the same size).
4. Power Supply Recommendations
With a TDP of 95W and no integrated graphics (unless using a chipset with integrated GPU):
- Without a discrete graphics card: PSU rated at 300–400W (e.g., be quiet! System Power 10 400W);
- With a graphics card like NVIDIA GTX 1650: PSU rated at 450–500W (Corsair CX450);
- Mandatory: 80+ Bronze certification and higher, overload protection.
Example Build:
- Phenom II X4 850 + GTX 1050 Ti + 8GB DDR3 + SSD — around 250W consumption.
5. Pros and Cons of the Processor in 2025
Pros:
- Ultra-budget price — starting at $20 for new units (if found in stock);
- Suitable for upgrading old AM3 PCs;
- Low power consumption for four cores;
- Adequate for basic tasks: office use, browsing, HD video.
Cons:
- Outdated architecture — 50–70% IPC deficit compared to Ryzen 3;
- No support for AVX, PCIe 3.0, NVMe (only via adapters);
- Limited overclocking (multiplier is locked);
- Poor performance in modern games and applications.
6. Use Case Scenarios
Basic Tasks
- Office Work: LibreOffice, a browser with 10+ tabs;
- Media Center: 1080p video playback (via VLC or Kodi);
- Server: Home NAS or file server based on Linux.
Gaming
- Old Titles: Half-Life 2, GTA IV — 60+ FPS on medium settings;
- Indie Games: Stardew Valley, Terraria — comfortable performance;
- Modern Games: even Fortnite on low settings — 20–30 FPS (requires GTX 1050 level graphics).
Work Tasks
- Video Encoding: Converting 1080p in HandBrake will take 3–4 times longer than on a Ryzen 5 5500;
- Programming: Working in VS Code or Eclipse is possible, but project builds will be slow.
7. Comparison with Competitors
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 (2008)
- Similar price ($15–25);
- Better in single-threaded tasks (+10% in Geekbench 6 Single-Core);
- Worse in multi-threaded tasks (–15% in Multi-Core);
- LGA 775 platform is even more outdated.
AMD Athlon 3000G (2019)
- Newer processor — starting at $60;
- 2 cores / 4 threads, Vega graphics;
- Supports DDR4, NVMe, PCIe 3.0;
- Better for gaming and energy efficiency.
Conclusion: The Phenom II X4 850 wins only in price and multi-threading against the Athlon 3000G but falls short on modern standards.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
For an Office PC
- Motherboard: ASUS M5A78L-M LX3 (AM3+, USB 3.0 via additional controller);
- Memory: 8 GB DDR3 1333 MHz (2x4 GB);
- Storage: Kingston A400 240 GB (SATA III);
- PSU: 400W (for potential graphics card addition).
For a Media Center
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GT 1030 (passive cooling);
- Case: Mini-ITX with low-profile design;
- OS: LibreELEC for running Kodi.
Important Nuances
- Update the motherboard BIOS before installing the CPU;
- Use an SSD — this is critical for system speed;
- Even the stock cooler will suffice for cooling, but replace the thermal paste.
9. Final Verdict: Who Is the Phenom II X4 850 Suitable For?
This processor is relevant only in three cases:
1. Upgrading an old PC on AM3 without replacing the motherboard;
2. Building an ultra-budget computer for basic tasks (office, internet);
3. Retro computing enthusiasts, experimenting with 2010s hardware.
Why it shouldn't be chosen for new builds?
Even budget processors from 2025 (like AMD Ryzen 3 7300U) offer 3–4 times greater performance and support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0.
Final verdict: The Phenom II X4 850 is a relic that may still serve in very narrow scenarios, but for most users in 2025, choosing this CPU is unjustified.