Thursday, January 22nd 2009

MSI Unveils New AM3 Socket 790FX and 790GX Motherboards

MSI, the world's leading motherboard manufacturer, today unveils its AMD AM3 motherboard 790FX-GD70 and 790GX-G65. MSI AM3 motherboard fully supports AMD latest 45nm Phenom II processor and DDR3 memory. In addition, it comes with the AM3 processor which is optimized for the "second-generation DrMOS technology" and "APS (Active Phase Switching) technology", both in high and low loading, MSI AM3 series motherboard offers the highest power conversion efficiency and effectively reduces the heat. Not only that, Gaming series motherboard even comes with OC Dial and MAX FSB advanced overclocking technologies, as well as M-Flash BIOS update mechanism protection. OC Dial and MAX FSB overclocking enable users to overclock easily and become an expert in a short period of time; M-Flash enables user to load the BIOS files from USB drive to boot up. In addition, the full range products feature full support for multimedia applications, Blu-ray high-definition hardware audio, eSATA/USB combo port, and complete display output interface to provide Full HD and high-performance 3D display capabilities. This motherboard is simply one of the best solutions for gamers and multimedia users.
5-phase DrMOS Power Design and APS(Active Phase Switching)

MSI DrMOS and APS technology had been proved as one of the industry's first energy-saving technologies by Tom's Hardware. Therefore, MSI 790GX-GD70 utilized the optimized AM3 processor with true 5-phase DrMOS Power Design. That can support the high-performance 140W quad-core processors, and will enhance the power conversion efficiency up to 93.6%. MSI's unique power design not only improves the power quality and provides a more stable power, but also further reduces the heat.

MSI has implements the exclusive APS (Active Phase Switching) technology further in the processor, chipset and memory power design. MSI APS technology, a BIOS-level power-saving technology, is the key features to reduce the waste of the motherboard power supply. When the system is in high-load, APS technology will open the whole power phase to supply the adequate power; When the system is in low-load, the APS technology will close the redundant power supply phase to reduce the power consumption. Recently Tom's Hardware proved that both DrMOS and APS really save a lot of power, it is best solution in the world.

OC Dial & Max FSB advanced overclocking technology. M-Flash provides the complete BIOS protection and update features.

MSI 790FX-GD70 motherboards fully support OC Dial and MAX FSB advanced overclocking technology. Simply rotate the OC Dial knob to enable user to check the FSB clock state immediately under BIOS or operation system. Both of 790FX-GD70 and 790GX-G65 are equipped MAX FSB overclocking technology provides entry-user the most instant overclocking way. The motherboards will according to the hardware and provide the highest FSB clock to reach the gamers overclocking target. When user needs to update the BIOS, they only need to save the updated BIOS files in the USB drive. The M-Flash feature in the BIOS can easily update the BIOS. In addition, it also offers a complete BIOS protection. When the BIOS damaged, users can simply load the BIOS file from the USB drive and boot to repair the BIOS.

Utilized the Blu-ray high-definition audio, eSATA/USB combo port

MSI 790FX-GD70 and 790GX-G65 motherboard provides the Blu-ray high-Definition audio; completely provide a Blu-ray audio output, supports 7.1-channel stereo surround sound. Both in game or high-definition video, it provide you the more pure sound quality. The eSATA/USB combo port is a combination of eSATA and USB hardware features. The convenience design allows users to have greater flexibility in eSATA / USB application.

Supporting ATI CrossFire and Hybrid CrossFireX

MSI 790FX-GD70 motherboard is the best choice for gamers. It also supports 4 xPCI-E 2.0 x16 cards, enabling 4 high-end graphics card to work at the same time. ATI CrossFire technology enhances 3D game performance, making the MSI 790FX-GD70 is the best choice of gaming enthusiasts.

MSI 790GX-G65 motherboard utilizes AMD 790GX integrated chipset (IGP), built-in Radeon HD3300 GPU, offers powerful 3D display computing capability that can support the DirectX 10, DVI, HDMI and D-Sub.

For better display performance, 790GX-G65 is equipped with 1Gbit DDR3 1333MHz SidePort memory. Users can buy another independent MSI R3400 series graphics card; they simply need to open the Hybrid CrossFireX synergy function to enjoy improved display performance.

MSI 790FX-GD70
  • AMD 790FX/SB750 Chipset
  • Supports AMD Socket AM3 (941-pin) Phenom II / Athlon processor
  • 4 x PCI-E x16 slots support ATI CrossFireX Technology
  • Supports four dual-channel DDR3 1333 memory slots up to 16GB
  • Utilizes DrMOS chipset
  • APS(Active Phase Switching)
  • Dual 10/100/1000 Mb/s LAN Ports
  • High-quality 7.1-channel audio
  • 8 SATAII and 1 eSATA hard disk interface, support RAID 0/1/0+1/5
  • 2 PCI-E x1, 2 PCI slots
  • 12 x USB 2.0, 1 x IEEE1394a
MSI 790GX-G65
  • AMD 790GX/SB750 Chipset
  • Supports AMD Socket AM3 (941-pin) Phenom II / Athlon processor
  • 2 x PCI-E x16 slots support ATI CrossFireX / Hybrid CrossFireX Technology
  • Supports four dual-channel DDR3 1333 memory slots up to 16GB
  • APS(Active Phase Switching)
  • 10/100/1000 Mb/s LAN Port
  • High-quality 7.1-channel audio
  • 5 SATAII and 1 eSATA hard disk interface, support RAID 0/1/0+1/5
  • 2 PCI-E x1, 2 PCI slots
  • 12 x USB 2.0, 1 x IEEE1394a (optional)
  • Built-in 1Gbit IGP display dedicated memory
Source: MSI
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42 Comments on MSI Unveils New AM3 Socket 790FX and 790GX Motherboards

#26
Silverel
roofsniperhas anyone noticed that a lot if not all am3 motherboards have the northbridge next to the mosfets instead of its normal location below the cpu socket? i have seen that on multiple am3 motherboards so far and im wondering what the advantage of that is. i love the looks tho it would look perfect in my system.
:wtf:

The 790FX is indeed shifted off to the side, where the 790GX is normal. Looks like they ran out of room for that 7th PCI slot. Looks better that way for sure though. Cleaner at least, hopefully it doesn't cause too many heat issues with it sitting right next to the mosfets. I'd be leaving the I/O panel off for sure. :rolleyes:
Posted on Reply
#27
Disruptor4
Wow that FX looks sweeeeet!
And I was thinking of not bothering waiting and splurging either an a Q9650 + good P45 board or a X4 940 + good FX board lol!
Might have to wait til AM3... even though I'd LOVE to wait for SB890.

Will SB890 be AM3? Or a different socket?
Posted on Reply
#28
ShadowFold
AM3 is just going to refresh SB700's and 700 NB's. Why upgrade when they are perfectly fine?
Posted on Reply
#29
Disruptor4
ShadowFoldAM3 is just going to refresh SB700's and 700 NB's. Why upgrade when they are perfectly fine?
I was just curious as to if AM3 would be bringing out SB8xx and NB8xx or if that was going to be a different platform with different CPU's or something.

I keep tossing up between waiting til W7 is released, and just buying now.
Posted on Reply
#30
ascstinger
supposedly the 8-series is supposed to see some crossfire gains

I might buy that 790fx just for the sake of getting the diarehha brown asus out
Posted on Reply
#31
LittleLizard
im wondering why msi dont use 8pin eps for the cpu on their 790gx boards and use the old 4pin atx :confused:
Posted on Reply
#32
btarunr
Editor & Senior Moderator
MarinebornRELEASE DATE!!!! *throws keyboard threw monitor*
RELEASED!!!! should reach stores soon*. Camping outside one?

*when you have AM3 processors being sold. Till then, the boards are paperweights.
Posted on Reply
#33
chaotic_uk
so when am3 is released am4 will be released 6 months later ? , more money to be wasted on my system lol
Posted on Reply
#34
eidairaman1
The Exiled Airman
another nice looking board, hope it overclocks well.
Posted on Reply
#35
Super XP
PolarmanThey do look great but...

Again, they should put that small 1X Pcie thingy in the first place. Putting a big GFX card can leave that slot pretty much useless.
Agreed. I've noticed that in many AM2+ motherboards like some ASUS boards.
Posted on Reply
#36
OnBoard
Super XPJust wondering though, it says its compatable with current AM2+ with DDR2. Is this so? Does this take DDR2 when AM2+ is installed and DDR3 when AM3 is installed?
Nope, DDR2 doesn't fit DDR3 slots (or vise versa)
www.build-gaming-computer-guide.com/image-files/ddr3-vs-ddr2-ram.jpg

And AM2+ processor shouldn't work in it either as it doesn't have DDR3 memory controller. AM3 has both DDR2 and DDR3 controllers, so that AM2+ boards can take AM3 processors.
Posted on Reply
#37
Silverel
chaotic_ukso when am3 is released am4 will be released 6 months later ? , more money to be wasted on my system lol
:shadedshu

Show some proof of AM4 boards coming out in 6 months and you might have something there. Considering the amount of market-life DDR2 had, you won't need a new AMD board for a few years. That's kinda the beauty of how they run their stuff...
Posted on Reply
#38
Super XP
OnBoardNope, DDR2 doesn't fit DDR3 slots (or vise versa)
www.build-gaming-computer-guide.com/image-files/ddr3-vs-ddr2-ram.jpg

And AM2+ processor shouldn't work in it either as it doesn't have DDR3 memory controller. AM3 has both DDR2 and DDR3 controllers, so that AM2+ boards can take AM3 processors.
I've read that some companies like ASUS and Gigabyte are going to have Dual DDR2 & DDR3 compatible motherboards.
Posted on Reply
#39
OnBoard
Super XPI've read that some companies like ASUS and Gigabyte are going to have Dual DDR2 & DDR3 compatible motherboards.
Yeah, most likely. ASRock will do one for sure, like AGP+PCI-e/DDR+DDR2/S939+AM2 it has done before :)
Posted on Reply
#40
eidairaman1
The Exiled Airman
drawback with that setup, is the AGP draws the bandwidth from the PCI E and thus lowers the PCI E Slots speed, Better off to have AGP only or PCI E only motherboards, combos tend to be slower overall.
Posted on Reply
#42
Super XP
OnBoardYeah, most likely. ASRock will do one for sure, like AGP+PCI-e/DDR+DDR2/S939+AM2 it has done before :)
That's what I thought. I wonder if it would be worth the money for a dual DDR2/DDR3 mobo anyway? What I currently hate is I can't run DDR2-1066 stable even though my OCZ is 1066. I am stuck with DDR2-800. Hope Asus comes out with a bios fix and soon.
Posted on Reply
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