If you decide to start an overclocking session with the processor; you are always better off with the BE editions and the combo of an AMD 790GX/FX based mainboard. Key to the new 790FX/GX series feature AMD's Overdrive interface that allows effortless overclocking of the Black Edition processors. Especially with AOD 3.0 the sky is the limit.

The significant performance increase the platform can deliver to gamers using Black Edition processors is thanks to what AMD calls Advanced Clock Calibration technology.

The Athlon X2 7850 BE processor is multiplier unlocked, so that made overclocking pretty easy really. We increased the core CPU voltage towards 1.4 volts, and increased the multiplier until we ended up with a hanging system or couldn't boot into windows any longer.

Granted, the 7850BE shows some potential, we ended up at 3300 MHz, but did have to insert 1.5~1.55 volts into the CPU to keep it stable. At 3400 our Prime95 stress tests would fail after a while. Phenom II architecture definitely has more potential.

What we'll do in this review is include the overclocked results we yielded at 3300 MHz throughout all benchmark sessions. This overclock only costs us 15 Watts of additional power consumption. Well worth the effort really, and sure .. that is another 500 MHz we draw from the processor.

Screenshot of the overclock settings -- click to enlarge