Cost-Effective Radeon HD 7900 PCB Already In The Works

btarunr · Dec 21, 2011, 07:58 AM

A little earlier today, we showed you pictures of AMD's first Radeon HD 7900 series single-GPU PCB that makes use of digital-PWM power delivery. Some of the first batches of Radeon HD 7900 graphics cards will stick to that PCB and board design, as it's backed by AMD's engineering. Even as the SKU's launch is less than 24 hours away, there are pictures of AMD's cost-effective Radeon HD 7900 PCB surfacing on Asian media sites. Once ready, AMD add-in board partners can opt for this cost-effective PCB if they want to fine-tune their prices. It looks like AMD is ready well ahead to face competition from NVIDIA, with its GeForce Kepler 104 (GK104) GPU.

The cost-effective PCB, without any components laid, is pictured below. The first picture shows its obverse side, the second, its reverse side. The PCB is completely up to speed with everything Tahiti GPU will need. It has provision for two 8-pin PCIe power inputs, an 8+2 phase cost-effective analog VRM, probably driven by a cost-effective CHIL controller, and a different display output connector loadout. It has provision for two DVI, and one each of HDMI and full-size DisplayPort. Partners can still use a single DVI connector, and keep their cards single-slot capable. Provisions for 12 GDDR5 chips are right where they should be. There is nothing eventful in the reverse side, just traces for all the supportive components.

Sources: Weibo.com, Expreview

btarunr · Dec 21, 2011, 08:01 AM

FAQ #1: What is this?:

Ans: It's a spacer for the production line. They remove it after the assembly and QA are over. Your graphics card will have marks of its spacer if you look closely.

eidairaman1 · Dec 21, 2011, 08:05 AM

I see Yeston on one of the Images, It looks like it might be a Chinese marketed board version.

Zubasa · Dec 21, 2011, 08:06 AM

This PCB seems to make better use of space than the reference board than anything else.

btarunr · Dec 21, 2011, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eidairaman1

I see Yeston on one of the Images, It looks like it might be a Chinese marketed board version.

The PCB has AMD brand markings on it. Yeston can't design its own PCB and use AMD markings on it. So it's a picture of a PCB designed by AMD, and not a "Chinese marketed board version."

DannibusX · Dec 21, 2011, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btarunr

FAQ #1: What is this?:

http://img.techpowerup.org/111221/bta9874d.jpg

Ans: It's a spacer for the production line. They remove it after the assembly and QA are over. Your graphics card will have marks of its spacer if you look closely.

Looks like something for machinery to hold onto during the manufacturing process. Pretty much looks like it snaps off. I only say this because there is another small tab toward the "front" of the PCB with a similar hole location to the long one at the "back".

Zubasa · Dec 21, 2011, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannibusX

Looks like something for machinery to hold onto during the manufacturing process. Pretty much looks like it snaps off.

They do snap it off at the end of production, and it is on the same place as most GPUs are, next to the PCI-E connector.

btarunr · Dec 21, 2011, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannibusX

Looks like something for machinery to hold onto during the manufacturing process. Pretty much looks like it snaps off.

Yup. I made it a point to make that post to save a few dozen "OMG what is that ugly thing, it won't fit in my case/motherboard, AMD faaail" posts.

DannibusX · Dec 21, 2011, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btarunr

Yup. I made it a point to make that post to save a few dozen "OMG what is that ugly thing, it won't fit in my case/motherboard, AMD faaail" posts.

I was trolled very, very softly....

/kiss

eidairaman1 · Dec 21, 2011, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btarunr

The PCB has AMD brand markings on it. Yeston can't design its own PCB and use AMD markings on it. So it's a picture of a PCB designed by AMD, and not a "Chinese marketed board version."

So explain why Yeston had the Image when Yeston is an AIB of AMD then fyi, and if you look at other AIBs the PCB has AMD on the edge of it aswell.

btarunr · Dec 21, 2011, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eidairaman1

So explain why Yeston had the Image when Yeston is an AIB of AMD then fyi, and if you look at other AIBs the PCB has AMD on the edge of it aswell.

I don't understand what is your argument exactly. You're arguing for the heck of it, over a total non-issue.

eidairaman1 · Dec 21, 2011, 08:16 AM

im just sayin the PCB design maybe for markets in Asia mainly. And Btarunr i wasnt arguing with you at all, just putting my thoughts in is all

btarunr · Dec 21, 2011, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eidairaman1

im just sayin the PCB design maybe for markets in Asia mainly. And Btarunr i wasnt arguing with you at all, just putting my thoughts in is all

No, that PCB was designed by AMD. The Yeston watermark over an image is irrelevant. AMD designed a similar cost-effective reference PCB for Cayman (HD 6900 series GPU), which is sold everywhere, including the US, by pretty much every AIB. So this is not a China-specific PCB design.

Zubasa · Dec 21, 2011, 08:18 AM

Given the color scheme and being made by Yeston, this will most likely show up as Sapphire or HIS cards.

eidairaman1 · Dec 21, 2011, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btarunr

No, that PCB was designed by AMD. The Yeston watermark over an image is irrelevant. AMD designed a similar cost-effective reference PCB for Cayman (HD 6900 series GPU), which is sold everywhere, including the US, by pretty much every AIB. So this is not a China-specific PCB design.

which in turn the company Yeston will probably use the cost effective PCB for their Radeon lineup

btarunr · Dec 21, 2011, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eidairaman1

which in turn the company Yeston will probably use the cost effective PCB for their Radeon lineup

Right, so it's a non-issue.

eidairaman1 · Dec 21, 2011, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btarunr

Right, so it's a non-issue.

lol not sure where it was an issue but ok...

ACEkombatkiwi · Dec 21, 2011, 08:36 AM

Anyway back on topic looks like it may have 2 DVI connectors (no single slot solution)

eidairaman1 · Dec 21, 2011, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACEkombatkiwi

Anyway back on topic looks like it may have 2 DVI connectors (no single slot solution)

its a modular design, as we head further into the future VGA and DVI are becoming less common as its being replaced by HDMI/mHDMI and Display Port, HDMI and DVI are interchangeable with an adapter, HDMI is practically DVI with the capability of transmitting Audio over the same connector.

This right here means board partners can have 1 or 2 dvi connectors and the rest HDMI/Display port, some boards will definitly be single slot and others will be dual slot

R_1 · Dec 21, 2011, 08:48 AM

First of all even reference PCB has some chippo PWM. Don't know if it is digital, but needs heavy-duty capacitors, so it's output voltage ripple is high and needs smoothing. How is that better than ATI/AMD previous 3 generation? No 12 layer, 4 ounce gold PCB either. Who da fu*k came up with that ridiculously high prices

Aleksander · Dec 21, 2011, 09:08 AM

What is the difference between 8+2 phase cost-effective VRM and 5+1+1 VRM?

Tuvok · Dec 21, 2011, 09:30 AM

so this should be for 7950?
I think I've read that 7970 will all be stock while on 7950 AMD has given freedom to partners to clock / design cards as they want

scaminatrix · Dec 21, 2011, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btarunr

FAQ #1: What is this?:
http://img.techpowerup.org/111221/bta9874d.jpg
Ans: It's a spacer for the production line. They remove it after the assembly and QA are over. Your graphics card will have marks of its spacer if you look closely.

Sometimes it's also because components are made "2 at a time" and then broken apart later like the ones in this vid. Of course you know that bta, just a message for the masses

Super XP · Dec 21, 2011, 12:58 PM

To date, I've never seen a board more evenly spaced and clean. So far the HD 7900 series is looking good. Now for some benchmarks and how much warranty will be offered.

Reason I ask is because Western Digital along with its competition both have greatly reduced warranty for their hard drives due to the fact they are breaking down more often now. I find this counterproductive; if you are not capable of backing up your products, then get the hell out of dodge. HD 7900 series better have at least 3 years of warranty, better yet lifetime.

radrok · Dec 21, 2011, 01:29 PM

I agree with you about more warranty but atleast for me 3 years is more than I would keep a graphics card... I'd like more the warranty that covers heatsink removal

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Dec 21, 2011, 08:01 AM	#2
btarunr Editor & Senior Moderator Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Hyderabad, India Posts: 14,983 (7.29/day) Thanks: 788 Thanked 12,908 Times in 5,654 Posts System Specs	FAQ #1: What is this?: Ans: It's a spacer for the production line. They remove it after the assembly and QA are over. Your graphics card will have marks of its spacer if you look closely. __________________ Gadgets, Phones, Tablets, Cameras, TVs, HiFi...NextPowerUp

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Dec 21, 2011, 08:05 AM	#3
eidairaman1 Eligible for custom title Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: HTX Posts: 10,078 (4.68/day) Thanks: 1,359 Thanked 1,159 Times in 1,035 Posts System Specs	I see Yeston on one of the Images, It looks like it might be a Chinese marketed board version. __________________ Athlon XP USERS with COD 4 FIX http://www.techsupportforum.com/foru...ls-202011.html http://www.howorks.com/2011/02/24/ho...-memory-limit/ “Sometimes my level of fail is unprecedented.” -TheMailMan78 “This is what the force of a thousand suns looks like.” -3870x2

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Dec 21, 2011, 07:58 AM	#1
btarunr Editor & Senior Moderator Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Hyderabad, India Posts: 14,983 (7.29/day) Thanks: 788 Thanked 12,908 Times in 5,654 Posts System Specs	Cost-Effective Radeon HD 7900 PCB Already In The Works A little earlier today, we showed you pictures of AMD's first Radeon HD 7900 series single-GPU PCB that makes use of digital-PWM power delivery. Some of the first batches of Radeon HD 7900 graphics cards will stick to that PCB and board design, as it's backed by AMD's engineering. Even as the SKU's launch is less than 24 hours away, there are pictures of AMD's cost-effective Radeon HD 7900 PCB surfacing on Asian media sites. Once ready, AMD add-in board partners can opt for this cost-effective PCB if they want to fine-tune their prices. It looks like AMD is ready well ahead to face competition from NVIDIA, with its GeForce Kepler 104 (GK104) GPU. The cost-effective PCB, without any components laid, is pictured below. The first picture shows its obverse side, the second, its reverse side. The PCB is completely up to speed with everything Tahiti GPU will need. It has provision for two 8-pin PCIe power inputs, an 8+2 phase cost-effective analog VRM, probably driven by a cost-effective CHIL controller, and a different display output connector loadout. It has provision for two DVI, and one each of HDMI and full-size DisplayPort. Partners can still use a single DVI connector, and keep their cards single-slot capable. Provisions for 12 GDDR5 chips are right where they should be. There is nothing eventful in the reverse side, just traces for all the supportive components. Sources: Weibo.com, Expreview

Dec 21, 2011, 08:06 AM	#4
Zubasa Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Hong Kong, China Posts: 3,703 (1.53/day) Thanks: 586 Thanked 451 Times in 387 Posts System Specs	This PCB seems to make better use of space than the reference board than anything else. __________________ ʃ( ◕ ‿‿ ◕ )ʅ “but oh ze noes! i can't convert my porn to iphone so i can watch in the bus .. it doesnt support cuda / badaboom.” -W1zzard

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Dec 21, 2011, 08:16 AM	#12
eidairaman1 Eligible for custom title Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: HTX Posts: 10,078 (4.68/day) Thanks: 1,359 Thanked 1,159 Times in 1,035 Posts System Specs	im just sayin the PCB design maybe for markets in Asia mainly. And Btarunr i wasnt arguing with you at all, just putting my thoughts in is all __________________ Athlon XP USERS with COD 4 FIX http://www.techsupportforum.com/foru...ls-202011.html http://www.howorks.com/2011/02/24/ho...-memory-limit/ “Sometimes my level of fail is unprecedented.” -TheMailMan78 “This is what the force of a thousand suns looks like.” -3870x2

Dec 21, 2011, 08:18 AM	#14
Zubasa Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Hong Kong, China Posts: 3,703 (1.53/day) Thanks: 586 Thanked 451 Times in 387 Posts System Specs	Given the color scheme and being made by Yeston, this will most likely show up as Sapphire or HIS cards. __________________ ʃ( ◕ ‿‿ ◕ )ʅ “but oh ze noes! i can't convert my porn to iphone so i can watch in the bus .. it doesnt support cuda / badaboom.” -W1zzard

Dec 21, 2011, 08:36 AM	#18
ACEkombatkiwi Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 17 (0.01/day) Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post System Specs	Anyway back on topic looks like it may have 2 DVI connectors (no single slot solution)

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Dec 21, 2011, 08:48 AM	#20
R_1 Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 449 (0.19/day) Thanks: 4 Thanked 39 Times in 26 Posts	First of all even reference PCB has some chippo PWM. Don't know if it is digital, but needs heavy-duty capacitors, so it's output voltage ripple is high and needs smoothing. How is that better than ATI/AMD previous 3 generation? No 12 layer, 4 ounce gold PCB either. Who da fu*k came up with that ridiculously high prices

Dec 21, 2011, 09:08 AM	#21
Aleksander Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 3,028 (2.39/day) Thanks: 648 Thanked 280 Times in 228 Posts System Specs	What is the difference between 8+2 phase cost-effective VRM and 5+1+1 VRM?

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Dec 21, 2011, 09:30 AM	#22
Tuvok Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 33 (0.02/day) Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	so this should be for 7950? I think I've read that 7970 will all be stock while on 7950 AMD has given freedom to partners to clock / design cards as they want Last edited by Tuvok; Dec 21, 2011 at 09:38 AM.

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Dec 21, 2011, 12:58 PM	#24
Super XP Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ancient Greece, Acropolis Posts: 2,209 (0.74/day) Thanks: 1,204 Thanked 534 Times in 362 Posts System Specs	To date, I've never seen a board more evenly spaced and clean. So far the HD 7900 series is looking good. Now for some benchmarks and how much warranty will be offered. Reason I ask is because Western Digital along with its competition both have greatly reduced warranty for their hard drives due to the fact they are breaking down more often now. I find this counterproductive; if you are not capable of backing up your products, then get the hell out of dodge. HD 7900 series better have at least 3 years of warranty, better yet lifetime. __________________

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Dec 21, 2011, 01:29 PM	#25
radrok Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Italy Posts: 1,903 (3.30/day) Thanks: 142 Thanked 463 Times in 365 Posts System Specs	I agree with you about more warranty but atleast for me 3 years is more than I would keep a graphics card... I'd like more the warranty that covers heatsink removal

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