8+2 phase VRM vs DIGI+ VRM (6+2).

[poohbear]

Hey all, im seeing alot of marketing for mobos emphasizing different VRM phases of mobos that purport to supply "stable & clean" voltage to the CPU. There's the high end "8+2 phase VRM", and the newer termed "DIGI+ VRM" (6+2 phase) that is marketed by Asus & Asrock. The latter's marketing states its "digitaly controled" hence delivering more accurate & stable voltage.

look here & scroll down for the Asus explanation of "DIGI+VRM":

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131757

Would the above be equal in overclocking to an 8+2 phase VRM mobo?

Can anyone elaborate beyond the marketing BS? How important is this stuff? Im surprised a midrange Gigabyte 8+2 phase VRM mobo is cheaper than a mid range Asus 6+2 phase VRM (but has "DIGI+VRM"), but all high end mobos have the 8+2 phase VRM and emphasize it alot.

Thanks in advance for any clarification.

 

[Zink]

http://sinhardware.com/index.php/vrm-list
This guy knows a lot about VRMs. Check out his reviews of individual boards for a detailed look into that VRM type. You might need to google sin0822 and the motherboard name because he has lots of reviews on forums that he did before his website.

 

[FalconHorse]

Here is a large thread listing power phase for various AMD boards.

http://www.overclock.net/t/946407/amd-motherboard-vrm-information-list

 

[Athadeus]

I read this article from the site Zink linked. Basically the conclusion is that digital is only better for allowing the user much more control over the VRMs. The 8+2 analog would be better for you unless you were willing to spend a lot of time tweaking the digital 6+2 for high OC or something.

http://sinhardware.com/index.php/vrm-articles/101-digital-vs-analog-pwms

 

[Anarchist420]

I thought that digital VRMs meant that the motherboard automatically gave the most power to parts that needed it.

Of course, i could've thought wrong.

 

[poohbear]

wow those links are a treasure trove of info! thanks alot guys, gonna be doing more research into this stuff! much appreciated!

so ultimately, an 8+2 Analog PWM system is still better than a 6+2 Digital PWM system? is that about correct?

 

[lau808]

i would think so (digi is better than analog) but 8 is still better than 6.
asus does have an 8+2 digi+ vrm tho (990fx sabertooth) unsure which chipset u are looking into, intel/amd...

 

[bononos]

Hey all, im seeing alot of marketing for mobos emphasizing different VRM phases of mobos that purport to supply "stable & clean" voltage to the CPU. There's the high end "8+2 phase VRM", and the newer termed "DIGI+ VRM" (6+2 phase) that is marketed by Asus & Asrock. The latter's marketing states its "digitaly controled" hence delivering more accurate & stable voltage.
.....

I made a similar topic in the MB section and the response to such tech was mehh/BS... http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2207727

I still haven't read thru the sinhardware articles/reviews but I'm wondering even if double digit power phases are BS, is integration of VRM components (eg Gigabyte's mosfet+driver) a very good thing and gives Gigabyte a genuine leg up over other manufacturers.

 

[poohbear]

i would think so (digi is better than analog) but 8 is still better than 6.
asus does have an 8+2 digi+ vrm tho (990fx sabertooth) unsure which chipset u are looking into, intel/amd...

im looking @ the AM3+ 970 chipset. Yes i'd assume the top of the line 990fx which costs $200+ would have all those features, but im talking a midrange mobo that would have that.