Zambezi AM3+ Core Logic Slated for Q2-2011

[btarunr]

AMD's upcoming "Bulldozer" architecture based processors that use a new socket type, the AM3+, are slated for Q2, 2011. To complement its launch, AMD will be launching the 9-series chipset series, consisting of four kinds of desktop chipset. The lineup starts with the AMD 990FX, the high-end 4-way CrossFireX-ready chipset, geared for high-end motherboards. Next up, is the 990X. This discrete graphics chipset is also ready for CrossFireX, but has just 16 PCI-Express 2.0 lanes to spare for graphics, platforms based on this will feature two PCI-Express x16 slots which reconfigure to electrical x8 slots when both are populated.

The third is an entry-level discrete graphics chipset that doesn't support CrossFire, but can spare one PCI-Express 2.0 x16 slot for discrete graphics, it's the AMD 970. Lastly, there's the 980G integrated graphics chipset, which features a DirectX 10.1 compliant IGP, which supports UVD 2.0 video acceleration. For some reason, this chipset doesn't support older AM3 processors, but only AM3+. The other chipsets in the series however, do support existing socket AM3 Athlon II and Phenom II series processors. All four northbridge chipsets support HyperTransport 3.0 processor interconnect, supporting data rates of up to 5.2 GT/s.



To back up these northbridge chipsets, are two new southbridge chips, which are compatible with any of the above northbridge chips over ALink III Express chipset bus (technically PCI-Express 2.0 x4). The SB950 is a high-end southbridge that packs a six port SATA 6 Gb/s AHCI/RAID controller which includes support for RAID 5 mode, and 14 USB 2.0 ports. The SB920 is the value southbridge part which will be paired mostly with 980G and 970. It packs a six port SATA 6 Gb/s AHCI/RAID controller, but without RAID 5 support.



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[ivicagmc]

Wonder if there will be core unlocking options for Phenom??? Finally decent replacement for my AM2+

 

[Assimilator]

It's "complement" not "compliment".

If there's no native USB3 support, what is the incentive for consumers to buy boards using this chipset, as oppsed to the 8xx series (unless of course you want Zambezi support)?

Will any of these 9-series chipsets support Hybrid CrossFireX?

 

[1Kurgan1]

2nd Quarter sure is going to be exciting, I can't wait to hear pricing.

 

[mechtech]

Hmmm I am curious when SB will have integrated USB 3.0??

 

[CharlO]

No USB 3?, DirectX 10? I'm a huge AMD fan, but this is hard.

 

[Fourstaff]

No USB 3?, DirectX 10? I'm a huge AMD fan, but this is hard.

Currently, the USB 3 support is non native across the board, so I am not surprised that AMD has opted out of this. Plenty of other add on chips support USB 3 though (look at how many new mobo's out there do support USB 3). DX10 is a non issue, since that the graphics card cannot handle DX11 features anyway (not in terms of hardware, but performance)

 

[WarEagleAU]

I was hoping they would have a DX11 outfit out there. Intel just recently said something about introducing the USB 3.0 native spec (saw it in MaximumPC I think) so maybe they might get it out in time for the 9 series and intels newest chipsets to have it. Wishful thinking I know.

I think either Complement or Compliment will work unless they are using it as a reference to complement something, like a bottle of wine with a meal

 

[lism]

I cannot even use 6 USB slots at the same time, why implement up to 14 USB slots?

Too bad this is'nt backwards compatible to enjoy the latest chipset features on a older generation of processors, but makes moving on into new CPU's alot easyer.

 

[Ferrum Master]

I cannot even use 6 USB slots at the same time, why implement up to 14 USB slots?

I have a lot of interface cables and security dongles for work applications. What hurts to have more USB ports?

 

[Meizuman]

Looks like they are going to drop integrated graphics from NBs... and no performance/feature boost from 880G to 980G. Would make sense.

 

[1Kurgan1]

I cannot even use 6 USB slots at the same time, why implement up to 14 USB slots?

Too bad this is'nt backwards compatible to enjoy the latest chipset features on a older generation of processors, but makes moving on into new CPU's alot easyer.

I use almost all 6 of mine, and if anyone has anything big hooked up, like a Magic Jack, it blocks off the port next to it and can even possibly block of the 2 ports above it.

 

[Disruptor4]

Personally think it's rather silly not supporting USB3.0 in the chipset. Seriously. How soon do you think the next series after this will come out? I think it would be smarter to support it earlier especially saying you have new features for great upcoming products. Not to mention that USB's are coming out in 3.0 now.

 

[cavemanthreeonesix]

wish they would just add native sli support, I know it'd be counter productive towards their effects in the graphics market but if the bulldozer is as good as were led to believe it'd probably go a long way to helping increase their market share in cpu's. Unless they can dramitically increase the scaling performance in crossfire for the 69xx cards

 

[crazyeyesreaper]

lets keep things to CPU talk not GPUs as for scaling ill say this much 6800 scale far better then 5800s across the board with in w1zz's review if you remove 3dmark scaling is around 80% same as the gtx 460 in terms of high end gpus well scaling still sucks on both camps with 580 getting around 50-60% scaling in general. It could be CPU bottleneck who knows who cares.

This is a new chipset that supports up coming cpu's good to see something on the drawing board and in the works so to speak, Just gotta wait and see what happens.

 

[ToTTenTranz]

Meh @ 2nd reciclyng of the 3 year-old RV610 IGP.

 

[DriedFrogPills]

I cannot even use 6 USB slots at the same time, why implement up to 14 USB slots?

Too bad this is'nt backwards compatible to enjoy the latest chipset features on a older generation of processors, but makes moving on into new CPU's alot easyer.

AM3 processors will be compatible with AM3+ boards

 

[KaelMaelstrom]

AM3+ vs LGA2011 or LGA1155 anyone??

 

[inferKNOX]

I wonder if (and hope that) the 990FX will support PCIe 3.0?
I agree, the USB 3.0 should definitely be integrated.:shadedshu

 

[largon]

That line-up needs more "3"s instead of "2"s and one "11" instead of the "10.1".

 

[Peter1986C]

No USB 3?, DirectX 10? I'm a huge AMD fan, but this is hard.

USB 3 is by Intel AFAIK, and even they still don't implement it natively. But due to the large amount of available PCI-e lanes in case of modern AMD chipset, using a microcontroller chip should not be a problem. So just pick one of such motherboards with an extra chip.

And why have DX11, when the additional features compared to DX 10 all require so much power that an IGP will not be able to pull the load anyway?

 

[Imsochobo]

That line-up needs more "3"s instead of "2"s and one "11" instead of the "10.1".

Nortbridge does not control usb3.
SB does.
As far as i can see i se 990FX who easy'ly can get a sb 9xx for usb 3.

if its 890/790FX with a die shrink i wudnt say no tnx, 790/890FX is already pretty solid! maybe new pci-e rev support, anyways with a die shrink these chipsets would require almost no cooling at all!

 

[Fourstaff]

AM3+ vs LGA2011 or LGA1155 anyone??

Prediction: Bulldozer is going to smash LGA1155 to a thousand little pieces, but LGA2011 is going to do the same to Bulldozer. Resulting price war means that we, as the consumer, will win yet again.

 

[MikeMurphy]

Prediction: amd will only shine with software designed for this amd architecture.

 

[HalfAHertz]

Is Liano going to run on AM+ as well or will it need a separate socket? I am guessing it will at least require a new south bridge which will map out some pci-e lanes for display purposes?