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AMD Ships New "Performance" 790GX Chipset

Posted 08/06/08 at 02:08:27 PM |  by Paul Lilly

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AMD knows it doesn't have a processor line capable of competing with Intel's Core 2 architecture clock for clock, so instead the chipmaker looks to push a new chipset that promises improved overclocking performance. The new 790GX chipset is intended to target the "performance" gaming community, filling the spot just below its 790FX, which hones in on the ultra-enthusiast market.

According to AMD, the 790GX makes it possible to "shift your system performance into next gear with Advanced Clock Calibration that allows you to get the highest overclocking out of your AMD Phenom CPUs." To illustrate the effect, AMD uses a graph showing a 2.5GHz Phenom topping out at 3.0GHz with "standard overclocking," but jumping to 3.2GHZ and beyond with its Advanced Clock Calibration.

Hardcore gamers are likely to be turned off by the 790GX's integrated Radeon HD 3300 graphics and will opt to add in a discrete GPU solution. By doing so, gamers can take advantage of ATI's Hybrid Graphics technology and utilize both GPUs at the same time.

AMD also looks to push the budget angle, pointing out that gamers can pair a quad-core X4 9850 Phenom with a 790GX-based motherboard for $355, or $90 less than a comparable Intel rig sporting a quad-core Q9300 slapped on a P45-based motherboard.

Does AMD have a winner on its hands with the 790GX?

Image Credit: AMD

COMMENTS:
4
TAGS: 
amd, processor, motherboard, hardware, chipset, performance, build a pc, 790GX
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COMMENTS
avatarWell if a graph shows it, it must be true.

Submitted by Cache on Thu, 2008-08-07 08:42

Calling it a better means of overclocking is a crock.  It's a new chipset, no different than nVidia having the 680i and then releasing the 790i.  Of COURSE newer chipsets will improve performance.

Saying that it's some new form of overclocking is just an insult.  "Standard overclocking" is still the only kind of overclocking--it's bad enough AMD hasn't had anything competitive for so long, do they really need to insult power users by thinking we can't figure out the difference?

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avatarinteresting, but what about folding?

Submitted by band geek on Wed, 2008-08-06 18:38

Sounds cool. ATi is making a comeback, and it sounds like AMD might be next with their hybrid graphics. My next proc might be from AMD... But what about folding on a system with hybrid graphics? Using the newer GPU client, would you have to set the affinity to your discrete GPU? Seems like it would negate the power savings of the hybrid graphics, because you'd have your discrete card running all the time instead of using the integrated chip, even just idling on the desktop. So this might not appeal to those of us who fold.

Saxophone FTW

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avatarI know AMD's road map is

Submitted by sirphunkee on Wed, 2008-08-06 17:41

I know AMD's road map is confusing sometimes, but this one I really don't understand... "The new 790GX chipset...filling the slot just below its 790GX..."

EDIT: Fixed, makes sense now, thanks Paul :)

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avataryay amd!!!

Submitted by nerdzilla1130 on Wed, 2008-08-06 12:20

finally

i've been waiting for this for a long time!!!

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