Gigabyte's AMD 790X-Based MA790X-UD4 Pictured, Detailed

[btarunr]

Gigabyte has a complete range of AM2+/AM2 socket-based motherboard range lined up for launch, based on the company's Ultra-Durable 3 construction. Among its range, Gigabyte has resurrected the AMD 790X chipset and given it a go with in its upcoming GA-MA790X-UD4 motherboard. The AMD 790X is a scaled-down version of the AMD 790FX, based on the RD780 core. While lacking integrated graphics, it provides ATI CrossFireX support, with a maximum of 16 PCI-Express 2.0 lanes to spare for graphics, which usually split into electrically dual PCI-Express 2.0 x8 when used with CrossFire setups. The 790X chipset was largely unpopular when it launched along with the 790FX and 770. It couldn't stand firm as the middle-ground between performance and value. This, along with competition from NVIDIA's nForce 750a SLI forced AMD to work on the 790GX chipset that offers all the features of the 790X, plus the integrated graphics.

In Gigabyte's latest work, the 790X is accompanied by the overclocker-friendly SB750 southbridge chip. The motherboard supports all AM2/AM2+ processors including the latest AM2+ Phenom II series. It advertises DDR2-1200 as its memory standard. In the mix, are two PCI-Express 2.0 x16 slots that operate electrically (x8, x8) in CrossFire, a high-grade onboard audio CODEC, Firewire, and a single gigabit Ethernet connection. It is expected to release in February, with a price-tag of 135€.



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[Castiel]

That is nice. I'm glad that it uses DDR2-1200. But it operates at (x8, x8), and I just like my board even more. But im glad they added the SB750 chip.

 

[KBD]

why in the world would they release this board without DDR3 support is beyond me.

 

[Silverel]

They're about a year late for the 790X party. It does come with native PII support for the DDR2 chips though. It's also one of the few 790X boards with the 750SB...

Not entirely bad, but certainly not going to be a hugely popular board.

 

[Darknova]

why in the world would they release this board without DDR3 support is beyond me.

Because it's AM2/AM2+ not AM3?

 

[KBD]

Because it's AM2/AM2+ not AM3?

yea, but didnt AMD say that AM3 boards will support both DDR2/DDR3? Then it would've been much smarter to make this board (and all new boards) AM3 and DDR2/DDR3 capable. I just dont see buying a DDR2 only board a smart thing at this point.

 

[btarunr]

Yeah, but this isn't an AM3 board. It's an AM2+ board supporting AM3 socket processors.

 

[KBD]

Yeah, but this isn't an AM3 board. It's an AM2+ board supporting AM3 socket processors.

and thats why its not a smart move at this point.

 

[mdm-adph]

As long as they made it with stronger voltage regulators than MSI's first 790X board (the one I've got), sounds good!

 

[vampire622003]

The pretty colors make it look like it's edible.

 

[Silverel]

As long as they made it with stronger voltage regulators than MSI's first 790X board (the one I've got), sounds good!

Yea... I've got the same board. The v2 has different regulators on it, not much more power, but less likely to burn up a 125w chip. Twas most of the reason I never grabbed an X3... Money too. Never had money for it until after I heard about the PII's coming out.

 

[Leadfarmer]

Don't know about this board, but I have the previous version (DS4) and it's a killer board. Literally. Three days ago it burned my 9950 just after 10 mins of COD5 in perfectly cool temps, no overclock no nothing! Funny thing the motherboard still works, but not for long. As soon as I get my RMAed Phenom back, the DS4 is dying a painfull death (forcing me to use a 4200+ in year 2009!). Back to ASUS for me. I like the layout of Gigabyte boards but I would also like my CPUs lasting more than three months...
Hopefully this one will cope better (to put it mildly) and with the PII rated at 125W.
Anyone reading this that has a DS4 paired with 9950, better have an extinguisher close to ur PC!

 

[LittleLizard]

looks good, amd overclockers, get ready to get some

 

[adrianx]

it's probably the last amd board with ddr2 from gigabyte...

next only ddr3 ...or a combo....ddr2 with ddr3 (transition board)

 

[zithe]

it's probably the last amd board with ddr2 from gigabyte...

next only ddr3 ...or a combo....ddr2 with ddr3 (transition board)

Leave that to AsRock. XD

I want to jump to the AMD team! It'd be fun to make a Dragon-based PC.

 

[WarEagleAU]

I bought their AMD 790X board and love it. Hell Im using it now until I get the Kuma put together. This is good though with the SB 750

 

[Hayder_Master]

790x , that's old , but it look like new 790gx

 

[kysg]

hey it's alright board, I got nothing against think it's a good more for gigabyte, for those who don't want the 790GX...actually wait what advantage does this have over the GX??? outbeside supporting AM3 if thats a plus????

 

[Darknova]

hey it's alright board, I got nothing against think it's a good more for gigabyte, for those who don't want the 790GX...actually wait what advantage does this have over the GX??? outbeside supporting AM3 if thats a plus????

It doesn't. 790GX has the advantage because it has IGP as well.