The new AMD Phenom II X4 965 can be termed as an update of Phenom II X4 955. This can be termed as an incremental update that has enhanced the performance without affecting the price. Manufactured by Global Foundries FAB 1, Dresden (Germany) ,the AMD Phenom II X4 965 runs at a speed of 3.4 GHz, which is 200 MHz faster than its predecessor, Phenom II X4 955. This black edition is 125 W model and there is a hardware implementation of C1E enhanced halt state. This is basically a tool in CPU power sharing chest and reduces clock speeds on the fly when the PC is idle. This helps in lowering power consumption. There is a better support for four sticks of DDR3 – 1333 RAM.

There is a code number difference between the new 125 W black edition and the X4 955 140 W model.

The code number inscribed on 140 W TDP ends in “I” whereas the number on 125 W TDP chips is HDZ965FBK4DGM, ending in “M”.

The architecture is DENEB; the socket is AM3, the CPU features 6 MB of shared L3 and 512 KB of L2 cache for each of the four cores.

In this edition there a larger L3 cache that feed the L2 cache faster in case of individual core. This balance improves multi threading performance. The revised chip comes with lower heat output, boding well in case of overclocking potential. Like all previous AMD models, the Phenom II X4 965 features an unlocked multiplier that makes fun while overclocking.

The X4 965 contains 758 million transistors on a die 258mm2 in size. This edition is compatible with Hypertransport 3.0 specifications and operates with a 16 bit link at 2.0 GHz up and down stream. The black edition is built for motherboards using socket AM3, but can also be changed into socket AM2 motherboards. This will enable switching between embedded DDR2 and DDR3 memory controllers. AMD has also brought out its dragon platform which consists of AMD Radeon 5850 videocard, AMD's socket AM3 motherboards, and Phenom II line of processors and is looking to make the dragon platform a useful product, more than just an assortment.

AMD overdrive is software designed to make overclocking AMD CPUs like Phenom II X4 965 easier and more accessible.