Tuesday, March 15th 2011
AMD FX Zambezi Processors Compatible with ASUS AM3 Motherboards Using BIOS Update
AMD's upcoming FX series "Zambezi" desktop processors based on the "Bulldozer architecture are also expected to bring with them compatible motherboards, as AMD, on a number of occassions, stated that the chips will require a new socket (referred to as AM3+) and compatible chipset, and that the chips will be incompatible with existing AM3 socket and existing chipset. Information available with SweClockers points to the contrary.
According to the source, motherboard major ASUS is planning to provide support to AM3+ processors to some of its existing AM3 motherboards using mere BIOS updates. That's right, Zambezi will indeed be backwards compatible with AM3 and existing chipset, only what remains to be seen is if the processors will perform to their full potential and overclock well on existing platform. Amongst ASUS' Schindler's list are top of the line AM3 models, such as ROG Crosshair IV Formula and Extreme, M4A89TD PRO/USB3, and even AMD 890GX-based motherboards such as M4A89GTD PRO. The list also shows certain AM3+ motherboards that use dated chipsets such as 760G, probably the entry-level of ASUS' M5A series of motherboards.
Source:
SweClockers
According to the source, motherboard major ASUS is planning to provide support to AM3+ processors to some of its existing AM3 motherboards using mere BIOS updates. That's right, Zambezi will indeed be backwards compatible with AM3 and existing chipset, only what remains to be seen is if the processors will perform to their full potential and overclock well on existing platform. Amongst ASUS' Schindler's list are top of the line AM3 models, such as ROG Crosshair IV Formula and Extreme, M4A89TD PRO/USB3, and even AMD 890GX-based motherboards such as M4A89GTD PRO. The list also shows certain AM3+ motherboards that use dated chipsets such as 760G, probably the entry-level of ASUS' M5A series of motherboards.
145 Comments on AMD FX Zambezi Processors Compatible with ASUS AM3 Motherboards Using BIOS Update
Like the ZOTAC 890GXITX-A-E ??? Its 140 watt CPU capable.
I do wonder though whether the AM3 motherboards will be compatible, but not as good as the AM3+ boards from a performance perspective despite both using DDR3 and so on.
Does ASUS plan to release some kind of adapter or were the pin count reports wrong?
To answer your question on ITX, that will also depend on the VRM of the ITX board, whether it supports 125W CPUs. Most ITX AMD motherboards support up to 95W CPUs, not 125W or 140W.
Yes but if read the specs it supports up to 140-watt TDP CPU, might just put my BE processor in it and use a Bulldozer processor in my gaming rig, once they are released.
Anyone up for a count?
As it seems bulldozer will be backawards compatible but we have to see in what extent.
Market reasons will restrict motherboard vendors. They would much rather see you buy a new board from them. However, ASUS is a huge company, and giving away a Bulldozer-supporting BIOS won't hurt them. If anything, it will make ASUS' existing AM3 boards sell well till June.
Personally, I was hoping that AMD would use this as an opertunity to switch to LGA sockets instead of ZIF, I'm tired of pins on the CPU, they bend/break easier.
If AMD wanted you to buy a new board every time the released a new chip, they would just take Intel approach and come out with a completely new pin layout/socket each time. They have never done that, so why start now.
If we are taking sides, I chose to believe this news report is full of crap and the old info. about the sockets were right. I mean its all up in the air until someone from AMD steps forward and says something or the NDA is lifted and BtaRunr can just tell us the truth.
I wish AMD will use LGA too, but it makes sense to use ZIF if the processors are cheaper than the motherboards (which seems to be the case for lower end processors).
JF-AMD has statedthat AMD's official stance is that a motherboard manufacturer making a Zambezi chip run in an AM3 board via BIOS update is not supported. He doesn't say it is impossible.