The AMD 890GX chipset will be the base of the Leo platform together with Phenom II X6 and it will bring an integrated graphics circuit with DX10.1 support and UVD 2.0. The clock frequency of the IGP is the same, 700MHz, as the current 790GX chipset.
Other cool features of Biostar’s motherboard include the new SB850 southbridge sporting SATA6Gbps, but still needs external support for USB 3.0. Exactly when Biostar will release the new 890GX motherboard was not revealed, but we have indications for a March launch from other companies. Below is Biostar’s complete press release with all of the juicy details;
BIOSTAR MICROTECH INT’L CORP., a professional manufacturer of motherboards today announced its compatible motherboard lineup “TA890GXE” constructed supporting AMD latest “Leo” Enthusiast platform with AM3 processors as well as upcoming “Thuban” Phenom II X6 6 core processor and with DDR3 support. The 890GX is basically an upgrade of the 790GX with internal graphics core remains at 700MHz, added DX10.1 and UVD 2.0 support. It can be setup to run Asymmetric CrossFire. The south bridge SB850 is an upgrade from SB750, it includes SATA3 (6Gbps).
“TA890GXE”, among BIOSTAR T-Series product group; micro ATX form factor with 4 DIMM slots, ATI Asymmetric CrossFire Graphics support, HDMI 1.3a, DVI-D Dual Link, Optical S/P DIF HD Audio output, 8+2Ch Blu-Ray Audio Ready, SATA3 (6Gbps), e-SATA, IEEE 1394, on-board 128M DDR3 side port memory, GbE LAN, 8 channel audio support, and 100% X.D.C Japanese solid capacitor. In addition, it also adopts BIOSTAR unique “D.P.U – Digital Power Unit”, “G.P.U II – Green Power Utility”, and “BIO-Remote Utility”.
“D.P.U – Digital Power Unit”, on-board digital power control IC that provides ultimate reliability and highest performance control. It guarantees precise control of the power phases to insure maximum operating efficiency and minimum operating thermals. It enables the fastest digital response to CPU demands with digital transient response. Furthermore, it’s the most reliable power solution with thermal control of each phase.
“G.P.U II – Green Power Utility”, it enhance energy efficiency by disabling extra phases while CPU on light loading. It integrated a friendly GUI to monitor CPU resourcing, response and optimized the power saving on your system; it also provides the best power efficiency and remains the same 3Dmark performance while running a heavy loading.
“BIO-Remote Utility”, with on-board Consumer IR header comes with a MCE Remote Controller (optional) certified by Microsoft makes a perfect combination for in-home entertainments. It works with the MCE in Windows 7 to easy access TV, Music, Photo, DVD all kinds of digital media; users can enjoy the digital contents with friendly on-screen menu that is special designed for remote control interaction, provides fun, energizing and integrated digital media experiences.
It will be interesting to see if people upgrade for USB 3.0 and SATA 6gbps. If Thuban is able to fit into current AM2+/AM3 boards, I am sure many enthusiasts (including myself) will prefer to just buy a 1x PCI-E card for SATA 6gbps and USB 3.0. I have no other uses for the slot anyways.
USB 3.0 makes sense to get an expansion card for, SATA 6Gbps not so much. It’s simply not worth it for the desktop.