AM2+ motherboards?

[sswilson]

I'm not sure when the projected release date is for the new AMD procs, but has anybody seen a motherboard yet which incorporates AM2+ features?

Has the full spec even been released to manufacturers yet?

After their "media fest" in the spring summer about the new chips, AMD once again appears to have gone underground.......

That's not giving me a warm fuzzy feeling about seeing the new procs out for Christmas....... :(

Contrary to how it may appear some times when we make recommendations about hardware purchases, there is no fan boi mentality going on... I'm sure I speak for all in hoping for a strong AMD showing in time for the Christmas rush.

[SKYMTL]

Yet, the motherboard vendors have the complete specifications.

Actually, some AM2+ compatible motherboards have already been released with the Nforce 560 and 520 chipsets. Actually, MOST AM2 mobos will be AM2+ compatible but they (as well as the 560 and 520-based boards) will not be FULL AM2+ compatible. All that will be needed is a BIOS update.

Make no mistake about it, while these boards SUPPORT AM2+ they are not true AM2+ mobos. An AM2+ motherboard will have Hypertransport 3.0 and a split power plane. So, any AM2+ processor put in an AM2 mobo will default to the 1Ghz HT 2.0 speed as well as use a single power plane.

[sswilson]

So even the 560 and the 520 chipsets are not true AM2+ motherboards?

I was aware that AM2+ is designed to be backwards compatible with AM2 boards (albeit without the full benefit of the "new" format) but what I'm wondering is if there have been any full AM2+ boards released, and if I'm reading your post correctly the answer is "no".

(I'm more interested in the ability to OC the interface (whatever they want to call the northbridge equivilant) independant of the CPU OC.)

[magictorch]

Seems Biostar has something on the way right now....
BIOSTAR
Biostar Unveils the First AM2+ Motherboard - Phenom motherboards starting to emerge - Softpedia
www.hardwarezone.com® :: News Flash At A Glance!
AM2+ and AM3 backwards compatible with AM2

I wonder if AMD is waiting for Intel to put all its Penryn chips on the table. I really hope AMD becomes competitive again and gives ATI an extra kick too. Those GTX cards also need some competition. Must say I really like this Opteron though--seems quite happy@2.9 in Bioshock. Heres hoping for some competition, would certainly liven up the AMD corner of the forum.

[SKYMTL]

Actually, that Biostar is not a true AM2+ mobo. It is based off the 560 chipset I believe.

[Inik]

@Magictorch

I read on Fudzilla that Intel is actually waiting for AMD..i'll get you the link (Fudzilla - Intel waits for Barcelona)

I'm also wondering if they will be a good competition in the near future. I'm planning on making my next rig this spring, and I want some competition to have good choices between AMD/ATI vs Intel/Nvidia.

[magictorch]

Seems like i jumped the gun there. Hurry up AMD!!...Yes we need some vidcard competition to get those GTX prices down..For now Intels a very good deal but if AMD doesnt come out swinging soon Intel will be able to do whatever they like and recoup the profits from selling cheap now in the next few years.

[Inik]

Exactly! We love price-cut due to good competition :P
I never had an AMD system and I'm not a fanboy (never bougth a computer for me except a laptop), but I want to have choices when I'll build mine next spring! I hate to be forced to go with Intel because it's simply the best right now.

GO AMD GO!