Strengths: Plug and play, greatly improves multitasking

Weaknesses: High power consumption, lack of applications capable of exploiting multicore architecture, cost

Summary: With these 3-and 4-core CPUs, hardware has definitely skipped a few steps ahead of software...again. Don't expect this to improve frame rates in most PC games, but it will improve performance if you commonly multitask several major applications at once, as I frequently do. High power draw necessitates a muscular power supply, especially if you also have a cutting-edge graphics card. Ultimately a chip like this could somewhat future-proof a machine, provided we either get an operating system or apps which can really leverage the multicore capabilities.

Strengths: i) reasonable price for a quad core ; ii) unlocked multiplier ; iii) fast speed

Weaknesses: none so far

Summary: It is relatively cheap among the quad cores. Though compared with Intel, it worked a little slower, it is still good for the price. It works much much faster than my old dual core CPU when it comes to the graphic tasks like photoshops and huge 3D games. Also, it didn't give off much heat, so no special requirement for your cooling systems. Finally, it is very stable, and I haven't meed blue screen or auto restart problem yet.

Strengths: 1. Low price2. Cool n Quiet

Weaknesses: 1. TLB patch causes slowdown in WinRar2. Not very overclockable

Summary: This processor is frequently available at a very low price point which makes it a much better choice than other quad or tri processors.The TLB patch does take away some performance. However, due to the quad core, your system will be much smoother.I am using this processor with an Asus M2A-VM motherboard as a file server/virtual machine server. This quad core will easily run 6 VM's (1GB ram each) very smoothly.

Strengths: quad-core; reliable brand; reasonable price

Weaknesses: Not much better than Athlon X2 6400";

Summary: For sure,this is the first quad-core CPU technically speaking. But as to the performance, I don't think it works better than the Athlon X2 6400. Maybe the job I'm doing could not make a difference between the two.

Strengths: 1. Quad-core processor for a low price.2. Unlocked multiplier.

Weaknesses: 1. The TLB bug fix slows down the speed.2. Not very overclockable.

Summary: Equipped with ECS A780GM-A and works pretty fine. I haven't measured the performance with the TLB bug fix disabled since I'm pretty satisfied with current speed. I've watched 1080P movies with total CPU utilization below 50% (hardware hd decode disabled of course). This processor comes with multiplier unlocked, so I can try overclocking it without worrying about any other components. But unfortunately the limit I can reach is only 2.7GHz even with 10% Vcore increase.

Strengths: true quad-core, unlocked multiplier

Weaknesses: limited overclocking potential, known bugs

Summary: I strongly recommend reading up on this processor and it's quirks before making a purchase. For me, it was a good choice for a budget (sub $100) quad-core desktop build.

Strengths: Fast, good price,

Weaknesses: none

Summary: AMD phenom 9600 has a better price than competitor's Quad core processor, although the performance is a little bit slower, people would not fell the difference since most of people do not have high end job to do. I use this processor for 3 days and compared with Q6600 on every day work such as word, IE, watch DVD, no difference at all. Considering the price and its performance, I stronlgy recommend it!

Strengths: quad-corecheap

Weaknesses: TLB bug

Summary: I was originally holding out for the new AMD quad-core chips (which fixed the TLB bug and uses less power, but slower). But then some places were clearing out this chip for 50% off! So I jumped the gun on it despite having the TLB bug and a higher TDP then I originally wanted. I had some lock ups at first. So I switched back to a 32-bit XP and enabled the TLB patch in bios. It runs stable now, and is especially great for multi-tasking. At this price point, it's a bargain.

Strengths: Quad-Core, low-power, inexpensive

Weaknesses: arcane TLB bug

Summary: This is a quad-core processor from AMD. its the 9600 with an unlocked multiplier. while not overclockeable much, it still packs a punch and is well-suited for video processing applications and is relatively inexpensive. paired with a good AMD motherboard this could be perfect for home-theater PC use as well. it does have the arcane and rare TLB bug which has been corrected by newer motherboards but that causes a 10-15% slowdown in some apps.

Strengths: 4 cores of processing goodnessBlack Edition comes with HSF!

Weaknesses: TLB bug is terrible to work around if you buy a MOBO that comes with a bios that has the "fix" installed

Summary: Works perfect with my XP build, I didn't need to apply the fix. (15% performance hit if you opt to install modified MOBO bios. Came with HSF that I didn't expect; if you plan to OC you will need something beefier. Got it to 2.9 without trying Great deal if you can find them on sale when they try to clear this model out.

Strengths: cheap and perfect

Weaknesses: none really

Summary: Get this if you get a deal on it. Half the cost of intel and just as good. dont hesitate to own one. quad core on the cheap!! make sure you get a compatible board

Strengths: (1) Speedy processor (2) Quiet (3) Unlocked multiplier for those who wish to overclock

Weaknesses: (1) None

Summary: I purchased this processor for a brand new computer build and found it to be very speedy and quiet. Combined with a good graphics card and lots of RAM, my new computer is very quick and able to handle everything I throw at it. I am running it in a 32-bit environment but I believe it would be functioning at its optimum level running 64-bit OS and applications. One special thing about this processor is that it is unlocked; paired with the AMD overdrive utility, you can overclock the CPU without having to push the motherboard past its intended specifications.

Strengths: Runs much smoother than my C2D E6750 and feels like it runs faster.

Weaknesses: None so far.

Summary: I bought an MSI K9A2 790FX motherboard and SAPPHIRE Radeon HD4850 for my third build. First time try AMD and Radeon family. Everything runs like a charm. Extremely satisfied and also money is keeping out of my pocket...