14 DAY TRIAL // Advanced Micro Devices has finally unleashed its first 8 Series core-logic set, namely the 890GX with integrated graphics, and the company's partners are already showcasing products based on it at CeBIT, along with motherboards built around other, upcoming chipsets. One of these hardware makers is, unsurprisingly, ASRock, whose exhibition includes the 880GMH/USB3 and the 890GMH/USB3.
The 880GMH/USB3 motherboard is based on the 880G + SB810 chipset and supports AM3 processors, namely AMD Phenom II X4/X3/X2 chips (except for the 920/940 models). The board is also compatible with Athlon II X4/X3/X2 and Sempron processors and comes with dual channel DDR3 1800 (OC) memory. Graphics capabilities are provided by the AMD Radeon HD 4250 graphics. In addition, the mainboard features 128MB of DDR3 1333 (OC) side-port memory and D-Sub, DVI and HDMI outputs. Of course, for end-users interested in more capable graphics, the 880GMH/USB3 has a PCI Express x16 slot.
As far as storage capabilities are concerned, the platform comes with five SATA II 3.0Gbps ports, as well as eSATA II and US 3.0 connectivity. The product also makes use of a pair of IEEE 1394 connectors and PCIE GLAN.
The second motherboard on display at ASRock's booth is the 890GMH/USB3. This particular model is based on the 890GX + SB850 chipset and supports the same processors as its sibling. In fact, most specs are similar, except for the fact that the 890GMH/USB3 has five SATA 6Gbps instead of SATA II ports and an eSATA III connector instead of eSATA II.
Both of these mainboards come with 7.1 channel audio, use the ASRock DuraCap design (2.5-times longer life) and 100% Japan-made high-quality Conductive Polymer capacitors. In addition, the two even come with the ASRock UCC technology, which has the ability to unlock CPU cores, and are EUP-ready.
To demonstrate its technology, ASRock is also showcasing a system running an AMD Phenom II X3 processor whose extra core has been unlocked, so that it now acts as an AMD Phenom II X4. The configuration also boasts 4GB dual-channel ADATA DDR3 memory at 1600 MHz and two ASUS HD5850 graphics cards in a CrosFireX configuration. A Seagate SATA3 2TB hard disk is used for storage and the entire rig is powered by a 1000W power supply.
Unfortunately, the prices and availability of the 880GMH/USB3 and the 890GMH/USB3 are still unspecified.
Live report by Traian Teglet from CeBIT 2010 in Hanover, Germany.
