Unbeatable multi-core value with AMD Phenom II™ processors. They deliver the Ultimate Visual Experience™ for high-definition entertainment, advanced multitasking performance, and power-saving innovations for smaller, cooler, energy efficient machines. Loaded with features and benefits, you'll appreciate smoother, faster performance, even when running complex software applications with native Multi-Core Technology. In addition, you'll benefit from scaled performance to conserve PC power with HyperTransport® 3.0 Technology. Every wish you could hear your MP3s and not your computer? With Cool-n-Quiet Technology you won't have distracting system noise system noise muddying your music. The AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition Processor also helps you prevent the spread of certain viruses and strengthen your network integrity with Enhanced Virus Protection, also called EVP.

CPU Performance
Running at 3.2 GHz, the two cores have shared access to 6MB of level 3 cache in addition to 512KB per core of level 2 cache. So it's fast enough to power through even your most demanding tasks while optimizing system performance. Also a plus, with the Black Edition, your DDR2 memory can run at up to 1066MHz and DDR3 memory at up to 1333MHz.

Technical talk aside, this mighty processor will produce amazing visual and audio with incredible sharpness and clarity to enhance your PC experience. Gamers will love the the life-like quality of images, even intense 3D graphics.

And, talk about potential. In addition to being powerful enough for every day computing, this dual-core processor has plenty of overclocking capability with an unlocked multiplier.

Direct Connect Architecture
One more way to improve system performance and efficiency, Direct Connect helps to eliminate front-side bus bottlenecks by directly connecting the processor core to the memory, the I/O subsystem, and other processors via high bandwidth Hypertransport™ links. This architecture allows for the memory controller to be located on the processor instead of the motherboard, thereby reducing latency.

HyperTransport™ Technology
Created to increase communication speeds between integrated computer, server, and embedded system circuits - and including networking and telecommunications equipment - the benefits of hypertransporting are point-to-point communication at high speeds with less latency.

Hardware Virtualization
The AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition processor provides support for virtualization technology for robust platforms offering a scalable virtualization environment. Also known as AMD-V™, this set of hardware extensions enables better use of resources helping to improve the effectiveness of clients, servers, and data centers. The benefits of AMD-V include more efficient creation of virtual machines simultaneously running multiple operating systems, more improved application responsiveness when switching between virtual machines, accelerated application performance through memory management, enabling live migration of virtual machines, and improved integrity and security.

Cool'n'Quiet™ Technology
Energy efficiency benefits everyone by reducing power usage, reducing energy costs, and improving PC performance. AMD's Cool'n'Quiet Technology not only offers energy saving benefits, it also enables space-saving smaller form factors.

By responding dynamically to user demands, AMD processors can adjust frequencies and enable or disable portions of the processor as they are needed. This results in less energy used, less heat produced, and more efficient overall operation.