Gigabyte 890GPA-UD3H Motherboard

[The$Hulk]

Introduction :

The latest release of AMD had initially moved for us, first, because while the work of the review itself was carried out and stated otherwise, partly disturbing editorial, but as I said above, it is time to revisit the course and return to set foot on the accelerator with the analysis. AMD launched its new set weeks ago, North-South Bridge, which at first was rumored to be the major upgrade to step out of the new H55 and video integrated with the Intel Graphics Clarkdale HD, but after the lifting of the NDA began to display information about the performance of 890GX 790GX compared against its predecessor.

For many it was surprising that the performance was equal to or similar in much of the evidence, we also checked. After an analysis and give the twist, we realized that the actual launch was hidden in the south, yes, the SB850 South Bridge, which is incorporating new technologies such as SATA 3.0. USB 3.0 support as you well know, is not native to this platform or those of Intel or any who know, as it is NEC who supplies to different motherboard maker of the chip that does the magic called USB 3.0. On the cover we can see that implements almost all the features we were seeing in previous articles on Intel chipsets and AMD 790FX H55/P55 which highlights the "333 Onboard Acceleration" which basically has USB 3.0, USB 3.0 and SATA Power 3x as set on the cover in question.

At the rear we continue to see more product information, specifications and technologies implemented in detail in order to clarify some doubts and convince the consumer that this is a high quality motherboard, which we agree 100%. The content is not abundant as expected but is appropriate as it provides a complete user manual, quick installation guide, "back plate" E / S, drivers with proprietary applications and of course the IDE and SATA cables.

The design is very typical of Gigabyte with their blue, blue and white (the predominant) with a perfect distribution of the connectors. Without doubt the aesthetic quality of construction of the motherboard with its Ultra Durable 3 (Japanese solid capacitors, 2 ounces of copper in the PCB) and cooling that encompasses both the area and the NB mosfets together by a heatpipe to remove heat efficiently. Implemented this technology also reduces power loss in the PCB (estimated up to 50%) and of course improves the level of overclocking which undoubtedly increases the efficiency of the product at its peak and not only applies in high- range but in almost all their series. If we look at its back are in the area of the socket (CPU) a metal plate to reinforce the installation of coolers that can be removed without problems when installing a cooling solution with another type of restraint system.

As usual, Gigabyte includes an excellent sink on mosfets area providing a design of 4 +1 phase power regulation to properly support processors with TDP of 140 watts forcing the system to correctly handle extreme situations (Overclocking) with an optimized delivery energy thus generating lower operating temperatures. Behind this great cooler is the power connector 8-pin. The AM3 socket that supports the latest 45nm processors from AMD (Athlon Phenom II and II) with HT 3.0, including future six-core CPUs that will surely require a Bios update. In this sector, under the sink succulent Gigabyte, we have the 890GX chipset which has the Radeon HD 4290 with DX10.1 support is ideal for a HTPC as it faithfully reproduces high-definition video What games? While most are enforceable is not the goal of technology, for that there are other solutions such as Hybrid Crossfire or CrossfireX (discrete cards supporting the new series HD5xxx). Depending on the performance, 18% work more than a 790GX topping 3300 points in 3DMark '06, it is clear that this result is obtained by applying overclock because the 890GX is better able to do so.

To make matters worse, to improve the performance we have a total of 128 MB of dedicated DDR3 memory at 1333 MHz, also known SidePort shared and added to the system (UMA) will help to quickly run graphical applications. For expansion, it offers two PCIe 16x slots (where the first does at 16x and the second at 8x), three PCIe 1x and finally two PCI cards for those with "old technology." If you enable CrossfireX configuration will be PCIe 8x-8x as always happens with the series "GX." With a smaller dissipation chipset makes its SB 850, which provides the user with six SATA 3.0 (6 Gbps) with support for RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10 should increase the performance of disk storage. If the connectors are not enough, adds two SATA ports controlled by the white 2.0 chipset Gigabyte SATA 2 located behind them (also handles the IDE connector). As in all newly deployed technology products Dual-BIOS have two physical BIOS on the motherboard to resolve immediately any inconvenience the user with the Bios (virus attack or a bad update) creating more security, word which takes full account in the computing field.

Applying Dual-Channel Architecture (using the same colors) have four DDR3 memory slots 1333 / 1066 MHz via OC but can reach 1866 MHz modules provided the permit. We can use up to 16GB. Moreover, all Gigabyte boards come equipped with AMD 800A drivers ICs Hardware Overvoltage called for "Precision OV" (located above the 24-pin connector) to provide precise control of voltages with greater choice and / or adjustments for major system components (CPU, memory and 890GX).

In this picture you can see the different chipsets that are located across the PCB which highlights the sound, it is the LAC 892 Realteck excellent reproduction with support for Dolby Home Theater surround sound by providing up to 8 speakers or speakers. Nor can we disregard the NEC chipset company, responsible for giving life to USB 3.0 * for greater efficiency in the transfer of files from version 2.0. When we have in our hands a device of this type will analyze the true performance, which a priori seems promising enough. For an exciting experience in the connection, the GA-890GPA-UD3H has several video outputs: VGA, DVI and HDMI which provides the ability to enable ATI Surronded View mode up to two monitors (with the 890GX) or six (with two discrete cards). This is great for example to connect the TV HDMI HD output while handling some things for the monitor (VGA or DVI).

[The$Hulk]

Bios :

Access the BIOS of the motherboard we find first screen MIT where basically allows the most important settings of performance placing in the first instance the menu of the IGP to manipulate the memory available to the video (UMA + SidePort), the Surround View ( two monitors), operating frequency (700 MHz by default) or the SidePort memory speed (1333 MHz by default).

This segment also are options of the multiplier (if the processor is the review Black), bus (200 MHz initials) and of course the DDR3 memory. According to the reports that we install, we can configure certain aspects such as frequency, timings or voltages where it is possible to achieve the 1866 MHz When we started the system reports are 9-9-9-24 at 1333 MHz that can be modified without its drawbacks corresponding screen. Gigabyte provides all voltages possible to achieve a great experience, thanks in part to the technologies implemented. As a guide, we present the side voltages of the options, something really useful and practical.

In advanced option appears again IGP (repeated twice), but are important functions of the AMD Cool n 'Quiet and priority of the hard drives. Within the integrated peripherals have new options for SATA 3.0 and USB 3.0 for connecting devices in the near future compatible. Temperatures, voltages and fan revolutions are important data to explain the operation of the computer, for that we need a special screen that also allows a way to enable "Smart Fan" for the CPU cooler does not make noise, especially when at rest.

Technical Specifications :

CPU

• Support for Socket AM3 processors: AMD Phenom II processor / AMD Athlon II processor

Hyper Transport Bus

• 5200 MT / s

Chipset

• North Bridge: AMD 890GX
• South Bridge: AMD SB850

Memory

• 4 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM Sockets Supporting up to 16 GB of system memory
• Dual channel memory architecture
• Support for DDR3 1866 (OC) / 1333 / 1066 MHz memory modules
• Support for non-ECC memory modules

Integrated Memory

• 128MB DDR3 memory SidePort

Onboard Graphics

• 1 x D-Sub port
• 1 x DVI-D port
• 1 x HDMI port

Audio

• Realtek ALC892 codec
• High Definition Audio
• 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
• Support for Dolby Home Theater
• Support for S / PDIF In / Out
• Support for CD In

LAN

• 1 x Realtek 8111D chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)

Expansion Slots

• 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEx16)
• 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x8 (PCIEX8)
• 3 x PCI Express x1 slots
• 2 x PCI slots

Storage Interface

• South Bridge: 6 x SATA 6Gb / s connectors 6 Supporting up to 6 SATA 6Gb / s devices
• Support for SATA RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and JBOD

GIGABYTE SATA2 chip:

• 1 x IDE connector and ATA-133/100/66/33 Supporting up to 2 IDE devices
• 2 x SATA 3Gb / s connectors Supporting up to 2 SATA 3Gb / s devices
• Support for SATA RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD

iTE IT8720 chip:

• 1 x floppy disk drive connector Supporting up to 1 floppy disk drive

Back Panel Connectors

• 1 x PS / 2 keyboard port or PS / 2 mouse port
• 1 x D-Sub port
• 1 x DVI-D port (Note 2) (Note 3)
• 1 x HDMI port (Note 3)
• 1 x optical S / PDIF Out connector
• 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
• 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
• 1 x IEEE 1394a port
• 1 x RJ-45 port
• 6 x audio jacks (Center / Subwoofer Speaker Out / Rear Speaker Out / Side Speaker Out / Line In / Line Out / Microphone)

[The$Hulk]

CPUZ :

We update the BIOS to version F5 (at time of review), although the F3 version works perfectly always work with the latter, especially if it comes to compatibility. Detection is perfect this time, identifying both the NB and the SB. While the Corsair Dominator memory running at 1600 MHz 8-8-8-24, this configuration has not been possible to implement because in certain situations (loading a web page) produced sudden crashes. Therefore we decided to finally set at a speed of 1333 MHz at 9-9-9-34. On the other hand, recall that the integrated video takes system memory (up to 512MB) for better performance.

Reap little information about the Radeon HD 4290 operates at the frequency where less than 700 MHz to save power (if we do something heavy for the IGP) where the total amounts to 368 MB memory (256 MB + 128 MB UMA SidePort). DirectX 10.1 support if you run applications related to Microsoft's APIs.

Sandra Lite 09

The Phenom X3 720 II behaves properly with the Gigabyte motherboard with results expected to be commensurate with an interesting alternative to other solutions, especially at the cost as a Quad Core out more. The latter option is more desirable to form a platform "Gamer" next to the 890GX building one or two 16x PCIe slots.

The 890GX provides essentially two possibilities: one as a HTPC if we want to expand the needs, however if this happens there is always the possibility of adding new hardware support (such as six-core processors), generating an excellent level of performance without having to change anything in the future. Here, accompanied by impeccable results to the solution of Gigabyte Radeon HD4290 being more than enough to meet expectations in the entertainment environment or also called Multimedia. The DDR3 memory at 1333 MHz show an acceptable behavior within the parameters respectable in dual channel mode even know why they occur, certain incompatibilities (this time with the Corsair Dominator 1600 MHz), so before buying a kit to make sure the modules perfectly.

Overclocking :

Basically overclocking on the subject interested in the ability of the IGP, however manipulate both the bus on the motherboard and the processor multiplier to reach a competitive and stable frequency. In the latter case no tests are carried out, then at PGI. To do this we will use the AMD Overdrive changing points in the image (as well as their voltages). Raising the 17x multiplier we get a stable 220 MHz bus thus generating a speed of 3.7 GHz, a value that can not be overcome by the processor in question (apparently this is the limit despite increasing voltage). Thus we face a fully welcoming setting demonstrating the great capacity of the GA-890GPA-UD3H when it comes to Overclocking.

However, when handling the Radeon HD 4290 almost reached a frequency of 1000 MHz while the memory SidePort now runs at 700 MHz (crossed that limit the system hangs). Really masterly ability in this aspect, we can even continue to increase (for PGI) if the platform, including permitting. Certainly with this new configuration will get much better fps in certain games or graphics applications.

CPU RightMark Lite :

Nearly 720 Phenom X3 II is unchanged compared to the ECS model showing a similar performance in this case the limitation of the processor to 2.8 GHz Taking this data, we can define the orientation of the system (Gamer, HTPC, etc) while the cost a key factor when it comes to assembly.

[The$Hulk]

Conclusion :

Gigabyte has taken the features of the new AMD chipset, the 890GX + SB 850, making a remarkable product of great quality thanks to its Ultra Durable 3 design giving the user more security and performance with the application of OC in all segments (CPU, memories and PGI), adding the latest technologies in regard to storage through the "333 Onboard Acceleration" where distance from the ECS model discussed previously by the implementation of USB 3.0 (NEC Company) thinking ahead. With the specifications we've found, have different configurations to choose from an HTPC into a machine Gamer, as it incorporates features that increase performance in games (Hybrid Crossfire or CrossfireX) which depend on cost we are willing to pay. In addition, the onboard sound is not far behind with ALC 892 supports up to 8 channels What more could you want??

The GA-890GPA-UD3H contains most of the ingredients we look for in a motherboard which deserves our "Best Choice" for its many benefits and of course performance.

Strengths :

• Construction and design (Ultra Durable 3).
• 333 Onboard Acceleration! (USB 3.0, USB 3.0 and SATA Power 3x)
• Dual-Bios Technologies, Easy Energy Saver and Smart Backup (RAID Plug & Play).
• Supports DDR3 to 1866 MHz (OC).
• Strong ability to overclock.
• Full rear panel (several video outputs, eSATA, among other things).
• Excellent performance.
• Support for DirectX 10.1.
• Supports Hybrid Crossfire and CrossfireX.
• Contains dedicated DDR3 video memory (SidePort).

Weaknesses :

• Could do with a new Bios update to improve compatibility (especially with memory).