Friday, May 20th 2011

MSI 990FXA-GD80 Socket AM3+ Motherboard Detailed

Earlier referred to as "Big Bang Conqueror", MSI's next top-end AMD platform motherboard has emerged under its final name, 990FXA-GD80. The socket AM3+ motherboard that supports AMD's upcoming FX series processors, is based on the AMD 990FX + SB950 chipset. The CPU is powered by a 10-phase VRM that makes use of tantalum-core capacitors, and SFC chokes (that don't whine), driver-MOSFETs (DrMOS). Expansion slots include four PCI-Express 2.0 x16, supporting NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFireX; two PCI-E x1, and a PCI.

Storage is mostly care of the southbridge, all its six SATA 6 Gb/s ports are assigned as internal ports; a third-party SATA 3 Gb/s controller handles rear-panel eSATA. There are two USB 3.0 controllers, driving two ports on the rear panel, and two via an angled internal header. Other connectivity includes 8+2 channel HD audio with THX TruStudio Pro support, gigabit Ethernet, and FireWire. A number of MSI-exclusives are bundled, including MSI-designed graphical UEFI setup program (click BIOS), and OC Genie II that is overclocking with side-wheels. Expect the MSI 990FXA-GD80 to be out in mid-June, at a US $175~$250 price range.
Source: MyGarage.ro
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22 Comments on MSI 990FXA-GD80 Socket AM3+ Motherboard Detailed

#1
Izliecies
so msi's using some surplus socket plastic :D

anyway, gotta love the angled usb 3.0 header..
Posted on Reply
#2
Imsochobo
Izlieciesso msi's using some surplus socket plastic :D

anyway, gotta love the angled usb 3.0 header..
and gots to hate esata.
Posted on Reply
#3
inferKNOX
I had no doubts in my mind that MSI would be the next to respond to ASUS' "leak".

Anyway, this being the successor to my mobo, so I must ask if it also has the blue phase indicator LEDs on it?

What would you guys say about how this stacks up against the Crosshair V, spec + price wise?
I'm trying to decide between the 2...:)
Posted on Reply
#4
TheLostSwede
News Editor
Imsochoboand gots to hate esata.
What's wrong with eSATA?
Posted on Reply
#5
Imsochobo
TheLostSwedeWhat's wrong with eSATA?
whats the use ?
I hardly see devices that use it, and when they do they support usb too, which is just easier, and plug n play, esata got much hassle alot of the time, just add a IO bracket like gigabyte did back in the day and you got esata then its your choice!

6 internal sata..
High end boards need 8, my DFI mobo from 2006 had 8 FFS! dfi lanparty UT NF4-Expert and Venus.
Posted on Reply
#6
Dacur
Looks like im going Asus this time, either Sabertooth/Crosshair:

Native support for 1866 mhz ram vs having to oc to get that speed
Ide/floppy connector, anyone using that anymore? come'on its 2011.
More sata connectors
A dedicated x4 pci-e for ssds

Just my 2 cents
Posted on Reply
#7
MilkyWay
Imsochobowhats the use ?
I hardly see devices that use it, and when they do they support usb too, which is just easier, and plug n play, esata got much hassle alot of the time, just add a IO bracket like gigabyte did back in the day and you got esata then its your choice!

6 internal sata..
High end boards need 8, my DFI mobo from 2006 had 8 FFS! dfi lanparty UT NF4-Expert and Venus.
Pretty sure if a system runs on AHCI mode it can hot swap a hard drive so you could just plug in a sata drive into a esata port and get going.
Posted on Reply
#8
Imsochobo
DacurLooks like im going Asus this time, either Sabertooth/Crosshair:

Native support for 1866 mhz ram vs having to oc to get that speed
Ide/floppy connector, anyone using that anymore? come'on its 2011.
More sata connectors
A dedicated x4 pci-e for ssds

Just my 2 cents
msi and Asus is what I go for nowadays.

this board got 1866 mhz too, its based on CPU and not on motherboard FYI.

Mobo just need a bios option to support it, with the correct cpu.
Posted on Reply
#9
Imsochobo
MilkyWayPretty sure if a system runs on AHCI mode it can hot swap a hard drive so you could just plug in a sata drive into a esata port and get going.
from outside to inside, and it's just a big mess, other way around to a IO bracked is muuuch better :D
Posted on Reply
#10
TheLostSwede
News Editor
You did notice that this board has eSATAp ports though, right? As in powered eSATA ports that are also USB combo ports.
Posted on Reply
#11
Loosenut
This time around, I preffer this board to Asus
Posted on Reply
#12
TheMailMan78
Big Member
Ill stick with Asus. I had some big problems with my last MSI mobo.
Posted on Reply
#13
crazyeyesreaper
Not a Moderator
yea same ill stick to Gigabyte for any boards ill buy, to many issues with the 790fx and 890fx boards from MSI catching fire when systems were overclocked, since i run my rig 24.7 all the assurances in the world of how good MSI is wont make me forget the numbers of boards that burst into flames.
Posted on Reply
#14
btarunr
Editor & Senior Moderator
That NB heatsink looks inadequate.
Posted on Reply
#15
micropage7
btarunrThat NB heatsink looks inadequate.
yep its kinda pretty plain or MSI has secret recipe to make the NB cooler than before :rolleyes:
Posted on Reply
#16
TheLaughingMan
micropage7yep its kinda pretty plain or MSI has secret recipe to make the NB cooler than before :rolleyes:
The secret is that heat pipe coming out of the side into the larger heatsink.

I thought the sides of the CPU cooler attachment brackets are suppose to be gone now. Did MSI not get the memo?
Posted on Reply
#17
Steven B
these boards can run bulldozer correct?

990 chipset=bulldozer?
Posted on Reply
#18
nINJAkECIL
TheLaughingManThe secret is that hea pipe coming out of the side into the larger heatsink.

I thought the sides of the CPU cooler attachment brackets are suppose to be gone now. Did MSI not get the memo?
the office dog ate it, I think :laugh:
also, they are too lazy to cut the cpu bracket, or make a new one, and they got a huge stack of these cpu bracket leftover
Steven Bthese boards can run bulldozer correct?

990 chipset=bulldozer?
indeed it is, and if it's not support bulldozer, no one would buy it.

Finally, AMD realizes that it is stupid to keep the old RAM-socket configuration and went Intel-like.
Posted on Reply
#19
Zubasa
nINJAkECILFinally, AMD realizes that it is stupid to keep the old RAM-socket configuration and went Intel-like.
Good luck fitting tall ram under a decent air cooler.
You will just end up with single channel memory.
Guess which way is stupid now? :laugh:
Posted on Reply
#21
WarEagleAU
Bird of Prey
Like the look. The HS are a little small though. Dont see the memory sockets either to know how they are laid out.
Posted on Reply
#22
bpgt64
Izlieciesso msi's using some surplus socket plastic :D

anyway, gotta love the angled usb 3.0 header..
This! ....omfg I hate the standard USB 3.0 header location on the P67 boards...sucks rocks.
Posted on Reply
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