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Hardware AMD Officially Announces 790GX Chipset
Shane McGlaun (Blog) - August 6, 2008 12:12 PM
Print 28 comment(s) - last by rhog.. on Aug 11 at 11:31 AM

AMD Overdrive Utility
AMD 790GX chipset promises best overclocking available for Phenom Black Edition CPUs

AMD officially announced its new AMD 790GX platform today. The 790GX is aimed at the performance computer users and packs in a host of features. One of the main features of the 790GX is advanced overclocking capability when paired with Phenom Black Edition processors.

The 790GX features AMD's Overdrive interface that allows easy overclocking of the Phenom Black Edition processors. 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 790GX platform uses on-board ATI Radeon HD 3300 series graphics. AMD claims that the HD 3300 onboard GPU is the best performing on-board GPU available. AMD backs that claim up with a 3DMark Vantage score in excess of 2900 -- making the HD 3300 the fastest on-board GPU as of August 6, 2008.

In addition to laying claim to the fastest on-board GPU, AMD says that the 790GX also supports Hybrid CrossFireX technology to pair the performance of the on-board GPU with either an ATI Radeon HD 3400 or HD 2400 series discrete video card. The platform also supports CrossFireX for running multiple discrete video cards at once.

VP and general manager of AMD's Chipset Division, Phil Eisler said in a statement, "Today’s high definition, multimedia applications demand powerful graphics and multi-core processor performance and only AMD is delivering a truly balanced platform that accelerates these workloads. The AMD 790GX chipset contains several AMD innovations that further improves both multi-core AMD Phenom processor performance and motherboard ATI Radeon graphics performance, the result of which are versatile performance PCs that deliver an eye-catching visual experience."

The 790GX platform also integrates features for delivering what AMD calls "The Ultimate Visual Experience for HD." The 790GX chipset supports full HD resolution up to 1080p and supports the latest video formats including VC-1, MPEG-2, and H.264. The chipset uses the AMD Unified Video Decoder to offload HD video playback from the CPU to the GPU. AMD says that mainboards using the 790GX chipset will be available for its add-in partners including ASUS, Biostar, DFI, and more.

In early July, AMD introduced new Phenom parts that the 790GX chipset's overclocking capabilities complement perfectly. At that time AMD introduced its fastest Phenom Black Edition ever called the X4 9950 running at 2.6GHz and retailing for $235. AMD reports that Phenom Black Edition processors running at 2.5GHz stock can be pushed to 3.2GHz and over thanks to its new Advanced Clock Calibration.



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8 channel LPCM via HDMI?
By sotti on 8/6/2008 12:45:23 PM , Rating: 2
All I want to know is weather or not it has 8-channel HDMI LPCM audio.




RE: 8 channel LPCM via HDMI?
By Rodney McNaggerton on 8/6/2008 12:57:39 PM , Rating: 5
Partly cloudy, looks like it's going to rain.


RE: 8 channel LPCM via HDMI?
By RamarC on 8/6/2008 12:59:41 PM , Rating: 2
touché


RE: 8 channel LPCM via HDMI?
By TETRONG on 8/6/2008 2:21:09 PM , Rating: 2
McNaggerton, eh?

You don't say.


By therealnickdanger on 8/7/2008 8:35:29 AM , Rating: 2
From Anandtech:

quote:
However, for the multimedia crowd, our passionate requests for multi-channel LPCM audio over HDMI will have to wait until the next product.


Next time Gadget! NEXT TIIIIIIIIME!


RE: 8 channel LPCM via HDMI?
By ZootyGray on 8/6/2008 2:40:29 PM , Rating: 2
Sorry, I am not an expert; but I recall previous review (maybe 780G?) - (anand) where they mentioned that multichannel sound was only available using the included hdmi-adaptor or dvi-adaptor. But otherwise only 2-channel sound was possible. The article also involved talk of Dolby standards and home theatre usage - perhaps this can help your search. Anyway the adaptor was the solution offered. Not sure if this is what you require; hope this is of use.


RE: 8 channel LPCM via HDMI?
By ZootyGray on 8/6/2008 3:03:09 PM , Rating: 3
better still - ask AMD !


RE: 8 channel LPCM via HDMI?
By pattycake0147 on 8/6/2008 8:47:29 PM , Rating: 2
The simple answer is no. You're going to have to find a different solution or wait for another chipset iteration.


RE: 8 channel LPCM via HDMI?
By ZootyGray on 8/7/2008 8:22:25 PM , Rating: 2
So what WILL the available 8-channel onboard sound do?


RE: 8 channel LPCM via HDMI?
By HueyD on 8/7/2008 8:41:25 AM , Rating: 2
The new Intel board does.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=10...

This will be my next HTPC,


Pretty Nice
By JasonMick on 8/6/2008 12:47:23 PM , Rating: 2
Still an Intel/Quad Core seems a bit better, but this really opens up the overclocking on the Phenoms impressively. A solid pick for this price range, seems better than the comparable Nvdia offerings in early testing.

What really bugs me is how they are upping the overclocking so much with basically a SouthBridge tweak (supposedly)?? I mean this could offer a bit of an increase, but these increases are BIG. Seems like we're not getting the full picture here, but hey, if its fast I don't think many will complain. Just bugs the curious side of me.




RE: Pretty Nice
By maverick85wd on 8/6/2008 1:24:35 PM , Rating: 1
I agree the overclocking improvements are quite impressive. However, with Larrabee and Nehalem around the corner, I hope AMD manages to step it up a notch with Shanghai or they're going run into some serious issues as Intel broadens the performance gap. Larrabee may be speculation at this point, but from what I saw on the Nehalem preview on Anandtech, it's going to be quick.

I'm also curious to see how Larrabee cards run on AMD systems in comparison to their ATI offerings. I have been holding out on building a new system until 45nm hits gen 2 at the very least, now I'm getting curious as to whether that system will be AMD, Intel, or both (one for CPU the other for GPU). It's certainly going to get interesting when all these new parts come out!


RE: Pretty Nice
By TETRONG on 8/6/2008 2:29:47 PM , Rating: 5
Nah, when Shanghai arrives you'll want them to step it up another notch. Isn't that right?

You're planning on rendering Pixar's next film on your netbook, right?


RE: Pretty Nice
By maverick85wd on 8/6/2008 4:44:32 PM , Rating: 3
I'm not worried about my immediate applications... I'm thinking about running whatever comes after Windows 7. Right now I'm on an Athlon XP 2600+ with a gig of RAM. I haven't even attempted to use Vista after I help a friend set up an Athlon 64 4200 with a gig of RAM and it runs Vista about as well as my rig runs XP. I've had this computer coming on 5 years and I'd like to run my next one until it's unable to run the latest software as well. Also, right now I do very little gaming but that's going to change when I do my next build.

I understand what you're saying, but my point was that if AMD lets Intel pull away in not only the CPU market but also the GPU market they are in for hard times when they aren't making a profit because they have to sell hardware for way less than they need to be.


RE: Pretty Nice
By KinEnriquez on 8/7/2008 9:49:12 AM , Rating: 2
Larrabee doesnt come out until 2010...it's irrelevant here at the moment, so stop spreading FUD


RE: Pretty Nice
By eye smite on 8/6/2008 2:13:10 PM , Rating: 2
Well, about the southbridge tweak.........I've had a sneaky feeling for quite some time now that the engineers at AMD have been dragging their heels and botching certain things on purpose to get Ruiz out of the command chair. Now that he's out I have a feeling we'll start seeing more aggresive utilization of existing resources out of Dirk Meyer. Just a speculation though, I could be way off base with that.


RE: Pretty Nice
By ZootyGray on 8/6/2008 3:39:56 PM , Rating: 1
I had similar thoughts but without the political details - more like a picture of the little company coming really close EVEN WITH the problems - and then fix problems and ZOOM !! the glorious comeback!

And this all part of the beautiful underdog image. But the lil doggy has ATI now, eh!

ntel is just rehashing their own lame onboard vid capabilty - and advance hyping it, and the "inside" commercials will follow with the puppets like del! or whatever... TO INVADE THE LIVINGROOM WITH THE USUAL $CAM$ to con the idiot public outta bigbux. Hey, that's capitalism, I guess. Not too nice.

AMD is already offering HD capabilities and tapping on the home theatre plus perf-PC total package idea. It's bigger than mere gaming and oclox on a cpu - and the economics are amazing for people who want to go there already. ntel doesn't have anything like this and they know it. But the ntel fanboys keep yapping about oclox in their outdated world - get with the program, that scene has moved on to the ultimate desktop era.

But there's a lot of research needed on all this hi-def, multichannel sound, hdmi, bluray, as well as 'will it run 'crysis', etc'. It's a good time to be a tekky who can see thru the bs. It is no longer good enough to just have a fast cpu - when it has already gone GRAFX.!

And I can't support antitrst monopole scenes that have already been revealed globally but not is the u.s - get real, or sell yer beliefs. this amazes me - does conscience have to leave before capitalism is ok? why the delay. it's gotta be part of a big moneyfunnel. not about honesty 4 sure, not full disclosure, terror game? ooo messy plus. official secrecy? pathetic - good luck to the public at large. none of this makes sense, so it's about $$ and cover. of what? global watergate.


RE: Pretty Nice
By 325hhee on 8/6/2008 2:21:15 PM , Rating: 2
I'm still amazed that some Intel chips can be OCed by 1gig, scary thought, yet the AMD's can't push as hard. That just makes me sad, and when are we going to get the die shrink for the Phenoms?

I'm looking forward to a smaller chip, and less heat before I pick up a Phenom, as of now I'm running the BE 5000+ at 3.1, I can't seem to cool it down enough to keep it stable at 3.2

And is what is AMD doing with the tri cores, for the price, you're better off just sticking with a dual core, or pay the extra few bucks for the Quad. I was hoping to get a tri core OC to 3gig or better for less than $140, doesn't look like it's gonna happen any time soon. :(

I hope this new chipset will allow the 9550 BE to clock at 3.6 gig. I'm not too happy about giving up my DFI lanparty board, but if this new chipset is what it's cracked out to be, it'll be worth the sacrifice.


RE: Pretty Nice
By ZootyGray on 8/7/2008 9:05:59 PM , Rating: 2
I don't think this is the top board yet.
I think this is a hipower version of the 780G and we are soon going to see a new 790FX board with the SB750 chip. My crystal ball has really been acting out lately.

The FX boards were a lot higher priced. These GX boards are only slightly more than the 780G's were.

I think "more will be revealed" - and soon. AMD indicated something new was coming - and this could be it.
But the performance junkees have been crying for an FX with a new SBchip. So I think we can just stay tuned for more still to come.

I am not into mega performance or pro cyber athlete gaming - so this 790GX mobo looks good to me and my interests. I think there's more - and it might be aimed at the people who would want a 4870x2 - way over my head :)

But I am interested - because I wanna see the ntel 'employboys' (paid fanboy$) mess their drawers. I am just waiting for this little company to slap the crap outta the monopoly - AGAIN!

They are already creeping up on the Qquads. But it's all about grrraaaFX. hahahaha.
Hey if ntel can stuff a pile of old-tek into a socalled gpu, what can a grafx leader do with truequad? I am watching. And smiling already. :)


My next platform
By larson0699 on 8/6/2008 12:31:31 PM , Rating: 2
If they can crank out the 45nm Phenom, you know, 65W at 2GHz+ (current best is 1.8), I'm down. They just released the 5400+ BE as well (OC > 3.2+), so that may do in the meantime.

But doesn't the announcement of a product usually occur before its availability? Newegg's had the GX boards for a few days already.




RE: My next platform
By psychobriggsy on 8/6/2008 12:44:09 PM , Rating: 2
Well AMD are still saying they'll be along in the 4th quarter this year.

Also next month sees the RV710 and RV730 graphics chips for the low-end.
Speculator's ahoy! How many shaders? 800 for RV770, so 200 for RV710 and 400 for RV730? Or half that? 160/320, making RV730 the equivalent of the previous generation's best?


RE: My next platform
By silversound on 8/6/2008 12:46:38 PM , Rating: 3
Way better graphic platform compare to intel, but hope they can improve their cpu a lot with the shanghai chip


RE: My next platform
By ZootyGray on 8/7/2008 8:13:27 PM , Rating: 2
This looks like the 'adult version' of the 780G mobos. Much the same features like IGP, HDMI, DVI, HD-goodies. Plus dual PCIe x16's (x8,x8). Plus SB750 /ACC for oclox. Looks like support for 140watt cpu's and oclox, etc. is all there. This could be the one for my next pc.

The hi-watts cpu's were a problem for 780G boards with the cheap mosfets that some board manufacturers used. I want to hear anandtek comment on "pop goes the mosfet" or resolve the issue after raising it in the first place; but this looks like it can handle anything.

I am thinking of economy and future upgrade potential or futureproof - for my own casual gaming, and maybe some HiDef /HTPC-stuff: I don't know much about all that yet.

Start with a 5000-BE cpu, later an HD-4850 vid, eventually a Phenom x4 cpu when I need more horsepower. These 790GX boards are priced only slightly higher than the 780G's were.

Newegg shows Foxcn, Asus, Giga, Biostar - from $99~140. I don't see any on .ca sites yet.


HTPC
By ineedaname on 8/6/2008 12:49:43 PM , Rating: 2
I'm really looking forward to hybrid graphics for a HTPC. Would help keep the power down a lot. This chipset paired off with a low power cpu would b great.




RE: HTPC
By ZootyGray on 8/6/2008 3:56:49 PM , Rating: 2
Agree - but that's already available with a 780G chipset combo'd with a 4850e cpu (45watt).

But this chipset should make possible the use of 125watt+ hi-pow cpu's and oclox, without the mosfet problems associated with using hi-pow cpu's and oclox on the 780G - (see anand "pop goes the mosfet". (the only possible solution I have seen for this is that asus is offering 780G boards that fully support 125watt cpu's - but strangely anand has not followed up with a report on these, even though a followup was supposed to be coming forth. (?) still waiting for that...


By crystal clear on 8/6/2008 12:48:48 PM , Rating: 3
"One golden day redeems a weary year."

This is the day for AMD with the AMD 790GX platform.

As for the 790GX-

Just every site is giving great reviews on this-one such example...

AMD 790GX Review

http://www.amdzone.com/index.php/news/chipsets/37/...

Goodness is easier to recognize than to define."




Question.
By Amiga500 on 8/7/2008 4:02:58 AM , Rating: 2
You have a 790GX with a 4870 in the PCI-E slot.

You want to watch a movie.

Is there an easy way to see the movie using the 790GX (and thus saving power on the 4870) without having to replug monitor cables? [in effect port the IGP graphical output to the discrete cable output]

If not, its something for the "performance inc. IGP motherboard" market in the future.




AMD is Getting Better
By rhog on 8/11/2008 11:31:45 AM , Rating: 2
I have the unique experience of having both an Intel System based on a P35 with an OC'd Q6600 (3.0ghz) and a new 790GX system with an OC'd AMD BE9850 (3.0ghz). I use both systems and they are both excellent performers. In my opinion Since the BE9850 and the 780G came out AMD has been very competative with the Intels processors. At least when compared to the Q6600/Q9300 and that class of proessors. Please don't tell me how great the faster ones are and how high you can over clocked them, I get it. Where I do find fault with the Intels is in Multi-threaded applications like compilers/debuggers and other development tools. The Intel processors do not seem to like more than two threads. Once an Intel is out of this confort zone is seems to lose a step and this is where the AMD CPUs really shine especially when it comes to compilers. At 3.0ghz the AMD's are very good processors and my choice for a devlopment system. It is good to see steady progress.




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