ASUS Announces M4A89GTD PRO Series Motherboards, Feature CPU Core Unlocking Switch

[btarunr]

ASUS today launched the M4A89GTD PRO Series motherboard that delivers added core processing power by enabling the instant unlocking of latent AMD CPUs. Incorporating the latest AMD 890GX chipset with an advanced AMD graphics core, the M4A89GTD PRO Series also supports both ATI CrossFireX and Hybrid CrossFireX technologies. Combined with advanced rendering from the DX10.1 graphics API, the series offers spectacular visual output.

"By supporting both integrated and discrete graphics processing, the M4A89GTD PRO Series delivers enhanced graphics performance that will excite and impress both hardcore gamers and multimedia users," said Joe Hsieh, General Manager of ASUS Motherboard Business.



The M4A89GTD PRO Series is the first motherboard to natively support next-generation SATA 6 Gb/s throughput from its SB 850 chipset. It also includes two external USB 3.0 ports for ten times faster downloads, data backups or sharing of content. Additionally, as part of the Xtreme Design line-up, the M4A89GTD PRO Series delivers exceptional reliability, safety and performance.

A Simple Way to Boost Performance with Core Unlocker
Equipped with an exclusive Core Unlocker feature, the M4A89GTD PRO Series allows users to enjoy an instant performance boost by simply turning on a switch on the motherboard. Doing so activates the latent AMD CPU cores and maximizes processing to triple- or quad-core for extreme performance—especially useful for supporting multitasking or intensive processing. By increasing the processing cores, users can also achieve up to 103% better overclocking performance.

Automatic Tuning to Optimize Core Processing
Users can turn up the system performance by using Turbo Key II to auto-tune the system to an extreme yet stable state. To unleash extra processing capabilities, users simply need to turn on the dedicated Turbo Key II switch on the motherboard to activate intelligent optimization.

Instant Graphics Acceleration with Integrated GPU Boost Tool
The M4A89GTD PRO Series includes a GPU Boost tool that instantly overclocks the integrated GPU in real time to deliver high-definition images at smooth frame rates. Its user-friendly interface also facilitates flexible frequency and voltage adjustments for more control over graphics optimization. Additionally, GPU Boost has the ability to store and load overclocking profiles.

Faster than Ever with Next Generation SATA 6Gb/s and USB3.0 Support
The M4A89GTD PRO Series natively supports next-generation SATA 6Gb/s transfers, for twice the throughput of the previous SATA 2 specification, to accelerate the transmission of rich content and multimedia files. SATA 6Gb/s is also backward compatible with SATA 3Gb/s hard drives. Additionally, with USB 3.0 support, the M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 delivers up to ten times the data rate of the previous USB 2.0 standard—for faster data transfers from external digital devices. Users can now save a 25GB HD movie or a 4MB song in less than 70 seconds or 0.01 seconds respectively.



* USB 3.0 is available on the M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 model

[pantherx12]

Love it, now I don't have to go into bios and choose unlock!

This has saved me a good 5 seconds of time!


Obviously designed for idiots that can't use bios : ]

[Semi-Lobster]

Cool feature, but will it only unlock stable cores?

[Depth]

Users can turn up the system performance by using Turbo Key II to auto-tune the system to an extreme yet stable state. To unleash extra processing capabilities, users simply need to turn on the dedicated Turbo Key II switch on the motherboard to activate intelligent optimization.

[kylzer]

I hate that brown PCB

[toyo]

So in the end, this is like a proof that this wasn't a mistake by AMD, but a calculated move. Even more value, buy a cheapo CPU and unlock it... all known by big-daddy AMD. It's obviously to me ASUS wouldn't jeopardize a partnership to AMD just to launch this mobo.

[Mussels]

useless feature, takes me longer to open my case and flick a switch, than it would to go into the BIOS...

[buggalugs]

Originally Posted by Mussels

useless feature, takes me longer to open my case and flick a switch, than it would to go into the BIOS...

The thing is, the feature to do it in the AMI bios has been removed by order of AMD.

Asus said screw that and enabled it with a motherboard switch. If AMD didnt care about it they would have just left the bios option in there.

You can read about it here:

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets...spx?i=3755&p=4

[sweeper]

eh... if you look at where the switches are it makes it even more of a pain in the butt. That and the fact there is NO guarantee the board will unlock every CPU core.

Switches are a waste of time.

[Mussels]

it makes sense, i'd rather have switches than lose the feature.

[toyo]

And you have three ways to enable it:

1) Turn this switch on:
Technically it's the switch to the right of this one, but you get the point
2) Hold the “4” key during POST
3) Or enable it in the BIOS

[sweeper]

Yeah I saw the post after I posted. So I guess the switches are a good feature so atleast there is an option to potentially unlock cores.

[WarEagleAU]

Pretty nifty features, and Im liking the 890GX and FX and X mobos and chipsets. That Key feature isnt on the older boards (like my ROG Xhair 3) but I do have a core unlocking feature in the bios.