Core 2 & AM2 Motherboards - Recommendations

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Appendix IV. AM2 Motherboards ? A Complete List of
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Table of Contents
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• Preface

1. Overview of Recent Chipsets for the AMD Platform
2. AMD 480 Series Chipset Motherboards
3. AMD 580 Series Chipset Motherboards
4. AMD 690 Series Chipset Motherboards
5. AMD 7 Series Chipset Motherboards
6. AMD 8 Series Chipset Motherboards
7. NVIDIA nForce3 Chipset Motherboards
8. NVIDIA nForce4 for AMD Chipset Motherboards
9. NVIDIA nForce 500 Series for AMD Chipset Motherboards
10. NVIDIA nForce 600a Series Chipset Motherboards
11. NVIDIA nForce 700a Series Chipset Motherboards
12. NVIDIA nForce 800a Series Chipset Motherboards
13. NVIDIA GeForce 6-Series GPU and nForce4 MCP Chipset Motherboards
14. NVIDIA GeForce 7-Series GPU and nForce 6-Series MCP Chipset Motherboards
15. NVIDIA GeForce 8-Series GPU and nForce 7-Series MCP Chipset Motherboards
16. SiS Chipset Motherboards
17. ULi Chipset Motherboards
18. VIA Chipset Motherboards

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Preface
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For those who are interested in building a Socket AM2 system, I collected a list of chipsets and motherboards, ATX or microATX, supporting the AMD Athlon 64 processor family (Socket AM2). This part begins with a preliminary section: a brief overview of chipsets for the AMD platform. Then a list of motherboards follows. Motherboards are classified by chipset and then form factor. Each motherboard is hyperlinked to the manufacture's website. A brief description of specifications is included. To make the description concise and readable, I assume the following specifications are standard for today's desktop motherboards:

• HyperTransport 2.0 1000MHz (or 2000MT/s), 32-bit wide
• 4 DIMMs and 4GB maximum memory
• 1 x VGA and 1 x DVI/HDMI for a microATX board
• 1 x PCI Express x16 (x16 electrically), 1 x PCI Express x1, 2 x PCI
• 1 x PATA, 4 x SATA at 3.0Gbps
• RAID 0/1/01 or 10/5, NCQ, Hot-Plug
• 8 x USB 2.0 (or more)
• 1 x PCI Express Gb LAN
• 7.1 Ch. HD Audio
• 1 x coaxial S/PDIF out and/or 1 x optical S/PDIF out
• 2 x IEEE 1394

Part of the specifications that does not meet the above is written in bold letters. I also used bold letters elsewhere if a special attention is needed. I included a few overclocking options in BIOS for those who are interested in overclocking the system. Links to review sites and user forums are also included if any. Information on the actual availability in US retail stores is included. The link to Newegg.com is often included for your convenience.

Conventions

A name in italic letters like Winchester is a codename. In motherboard lists, I used various abbreviations:

Specs

• Active/Passive means that the cooling method of northbridge/southbridge is active/passive (i.e. heatsink with fan/heatsink only), etc.
• PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,4)/1/3 means that there are two PCI Express x16 slots, each of which can run at the maximum speed of x16, x8 respectively (but may not run at that speed concurrently), one PCI Express x 1 slot, and 3 PCI slots, and one of the PCI slots cannot be used when a two-slot video card is installed, etc.
• PATA/SATA/eSATA: 1/4/2 means that the number of PATA controllers is 1 (so 2 PATA devices), the number of SATA ports is 4 and the number of external SATA ports is 2, etc.
• RAID implies NCQ and Hot-Plug for AMD and NVIDIA chipsets (since nForce4). So I won't write them for brevity. SiS, Uli, VIA southbridges are different. I did not mention RAID capability of additional storage controllers.
• No S/PDIF means no onboard S/PDIF header. No S/PDIF (need an optional bracket) means that there is an onboard S/PDIF header, but a bracket is not included in the retail package.

BIOS

• CG: 400MHz means that the maximum clock generator (CG) frequency available in BIOS is 400MHz, etc. The default value is 200MHz. The CPU frequency and the effective DRAM frequency are calculated by the following formulas:
  • CPU frequency = (CG frequency) x (CPU multiplier)
  • DRAM frequency = (CPU frequency) / Ceiling [(CPU multiplier) / (CG-DRAM ratio)] x 2
  Please read Appendix V. AMD Platform Overclocking Guide for details.
• CPU: 1.725V means that the maximum CPU voltage available in BIOS is 1.725V, etc. The default CPU voltage is around 1.3V, depending on each CPU core.
• DRAM: 2.1V means that the maximum DRAM voltage available in BIOS is 2.1V, etc. The default voltage by the JEDEC DDR2 DRAM specification is 1.8V.
• Max CG: 300MHz (VR-Zone) means that the maximum stable clock generator frequency reported in VR-Zone is 300MHz, etc.
• CG: ? means that CG is not changeable, etc.
• CG: ? means that it is unconfirmed whether CG is changeable or not, etc.

Spreadsheet

You can also view a list of motherboards in the Excel worksheet format:

• AM2_MB (2007-11-18).zip

This includes complete description of storage, LAN, audio and IEEE 1394 controller names, and more detailed BIOS options. To download the worksheet, first you will need to register with AVS Forum.

 

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1. Overview of Recent Chipsets for the AMD Platform
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AMD-ATI
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ATI entered the PC chipset market in 2002 with the integrated graphics chipset family called Radeon IGP & IXP for value to mainstream desktop and notebook PCs both for AMD and Intel, where

• IGP = Integrated Graphics Processor (northbridge)
• IXP = Integrated Communications Processor (southbridge)

They were geared toward the OEM market. A shift occurred in late 2004 with the release of ATI Radeon Xpress 200 Series for AMD K8 processors. The current AMD Chipsets are:

Northbridge

1. ATI 480 Series with or without integrated Radeon X300 graphics core
   
   First released on November 8, 2004. The first ATI chipset for the AMD K8 processors with the official model name ATI Radeon Xpress 200 Series for AMD Processors. The series includes ATI's first chipset with dual PCI Express x8 supporting CrossFire.
   
2. ATI 580 Series
   
   Released on March 1, 2006. Actually there is only one model that features dual PCI Express x16 supporting CrossFire.
   
3. AMD 690 Series with integrated Radeon X700 graphics core
   
   Released on February 28, 2007. AMD's first integrated graphics chipset. Supports HDMI and partial HD hardware acceleration.
   
4. AMD 7 Series with or without integrated graphics
   
   To be released in Q3?Q4 2007. Supports HyperTransport 3.0 and PCI Express 2.0. The high-end model supports dual PCI Express x16. The integrated graphics supports universal video decoder (UVD).

Southbridge

Each northbridge can be coupled with southbridge

1. ATI SB400 (IXP 400)
2. ATI SB450 (IXP 450)
3. ATI SB460 (IXP 460)
4. ATI SB600 (IXP 600)
5. ATI SB700 (IXP 700) (Q4 2007)

via A-Link Xpress (PCI Express x2) or A-Link Xpress II (PCI Express x4). As A-Link Xpress (II) is backward compatible with PCI Express links, they can also be coupled with any third-party southbridge that relies on PCI Express links to connect to northbridge such as

1. ULi M1573
2. ULi M1575

References

• AnandTech ? ATI Gives Chipsets a Try ? Introducing the Radeon IGP (March 13, 2002)

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NVIDIA
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NVIDIA entered the chipset business with the nForce chipset for the AMD platform in June 2001. nForce and nForce2 chipsets were designed for use with Athlon XP. NVIDIA adopted single-chipset solutions for the Athlon 64 processor (except for those for SLI x16 and C51/MCP51) because the memory controller is integrated in the processor. The chipsets are:

Chipsets with Discrete Graphics

1. nForce3
   
   First released on April 22, 2003 along with the first Opteron processor. Supports AGP but does not support PCI Express. Introduced a native Gb LAN for the first time.
   
2. nForce4 (codenamed Crush K8-04 or CK8-04)
   
   First released on October 2004. Features the support for PCI Express and the SLI (Scalable Link Interface) technology.
   
3. nForce 500 Series (codenamed MCP55 and MCP65)
   
   First released on May 24, 2006 along with the Socket AM2 processors. New features include LinkBoost technology, support for 6 SATA drives, HD Audio interface, FirstPacket technology and DualNet technology. A cut-down version was released in H1 2007 that substitues the original nForce 500 Series and is placed below the upcoming nForce 700a Series.
   
4. nForce 600a Series
   
   Released on November 30, 2006. Quad FX Platform only (nForce 680a SLI).
   
5. nForce 700a Series (codenamed MCP72)
   
   To be released in Fall 2007. Fully supports new AMD Phenom processors. All versions of the MCP72 will support HyperTransport 3.0 processor bus as well as PCI Express 2.0 interconnection.

Chipsets with Integrated Graphics

1. GeForce 6-Series GPU and nForce4 MCP (codenamed C51/MCP51 and MCP61)
   
   First released on September 20, 2005. A two-chip IGP solution from NVIDIA since the nForce 2 IGP. Unlike nForce2 that was targeted at the enthusiasts market, it was aimed for corporate desktop, value desktop and media center machine. A low-end single chipset solution, MCP61, that substitutes the C51/MCP51, was released in August 2006.
   
2. GeForce 7-Series GPU and nForce 6-Series MCP (codenamed MCP68)
   
   Released on May 7, 2007. This is basically an updated version of MCP61 featuring GeForce 7 Series GPU and HDMI support.
   
3. GeForce 8-Series GPU and nForce 7-Series MCP (codenamed MCP78)
   
   Expected in Q4 2007. A single-chipset solution. It will feature HyperTransport 3.0 and PCI Express 2.0. The graphics core will feature DirectX 10 and third-generation PureVideo HD engine that accelerates H.264 and VC-1.

Notice that

• Discrete Graphics: MCP55 ?? MCP65 ?? MCP72 ?? MCP82?
• Integrated Graphics: MCP51 ?? MCP61 ?? MCP68 ?? MCP78

In either case the number increases first by 10, then by 7 and then by 10.

References

• AnandTech ? NVIDIA nForce Computex 2001 Preview
• AnandTech ? NVIDIA's nForce 420/220: It's finally here (September 24th, 2001)
• AnandTech ? Socket 940 Roundup: Motherboards for the Athlon64 FX (December 18, 2003)
• Hardware Zone ? nForce 500 Family

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SiS
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Silicon Integrated Systems Corp. (SiS) has been producing chipsets for AMD since 1999 (?). The current AMD Athlon 64 chipsets include ones for AGP and for PCI Express, and with or without integrated graphics.

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ULi
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ULi Electronics is a fabless IC design company (acquired by NVIDIA in December 2005) and has been producing PC chipsets for both AMD and Intel. Right now only one chipset M1697 (a single chip solution) supports AM2.

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VIA
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VIA has been producing chipsets for AMD and Intel for a long time. VIA was a leading chipset supplier in the K6 and K7 era but right now supplies only value segment chipsets. The current chipset series for the AMD platform is

• K8 Series northbridges with VIA southbridges

They support AGP or PCI Express with or without integrated graphics. VIA is rumored to switch its focus from third party chipsets (i.e. for Intel and AMD) to chipsets for its own C7 processor platform.

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References
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• The Tech Report ? Socket AM2 chipsets collide (CrossFire Xpress 3200, nForce4 SLI X16, nForce 590 SLI) (May 23, 2006)

 

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2. AMD 480 Series Chipset Motherboards
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Chipset
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Models

• ATI Radeon Xpress 200 for AMD Processors (codenamed RS480), released on November 8, 2004
• ATI Radeon Xpress 200P for AMD Processors (codenamed RX480), released on November 8, 2004
  
• ATI Radeon Xpress 200 for AMD Processors (codenamed RS482), released in June 2005.
  
• ATI Radeon Xpress 1100 for AMD Desktop (codenamed RS482), released on May 23, 2006
• ATI Radeon Xpress 1150 for AMD Desktop (codenamed RS485), released on May 23, 2006
  
• ATI Radeon Xpress 200 CrossFire Edition (codenamed RD480), released on September 27, 2005. This chipset was renamed twice:
  
  1. ATI Radeon Xpress 200 CrossFire Edition in September 2005
  2. ATI CrossFire Xpress 1600 in April 2006
  3. AMD 480X CrossFire after the acquisition of ATI by AMD
• ATI SB450 (IXP 450), released in June 2005
• ATI SB460 (IXP 460), released on March 1, 2006 along with RD580
• ATI SB600 (IXP 600), released on May 23, 2006 along with Radeon Xpress 1100 and Socket AM2

Northbridge

• RS480
  • HT 1000/800MHz
  • 22 PCI Express lanes with links 16,1,1,4 (2/4 for A-Link Xpress II)
  • Radeon X300 (RV370)-based Integrated graphics with 300MHz core clock
• RX480
  • Discrete graphics version of RS480
• RS482
  • Die-shrink of RS480 from 130 nm to 110 nm
• RS485
  • The same as RS482 apart from 400MHz graphics core clock and component video out.
• RD480
  • HT 1000/800MHz
  • 22 PCI Express lanes with links 16,1,1,4 or 8,8,1,1,4 (2/4 for A-Link Xpress II) supporting CrossFire

Southbridge

• SB450
  • 2 PATA, 4 x SATA at 1.5Gbps
  • RAID 0/1
  • 4 PCI Express lanes (2/4 for A-Link Express II)
  • HD Audio, 8 x USB 2.0
• SB460
  • A die-shrink of SB450, pin-compatible with SB600
• SB600
  • 1 PATA, 4 x SATA at 3.0Gbps
  • RAID 0/1/10, AHCI (NCQ, Hot-Plug)
  • 4 PCI Express lanes (2/4 for A-Link Xpress II)
  • HD Audio, 10 x USB 2.0

References

RS480

• AMDZone ? ATI Radeon Xpress 200 Series Chipset Review (November 8, 2004)
• AnandTech ? ATI Radeon Xpress 200: Performance, PCI Express & DX9 for Athlon 64 (November 8, 2004)
• BeHardware ? ATI Radeon Xpress 200 & 200P - Preview (November 8, 2004)
• Digital-Daily ? ATI RS480: system and integrated graphics performance (December 16, 2004)
• Digit-Life ? ATi Radeon Xpress 200: Integrated Video and PCI-Express for AMD64 (December 21, 2004)
• DriverHeaven.net ? ATI Radeon Xpress 200 Series Preview (August 11, 2004)
• ExtremeTech ? ATI Packs a Punch with Its Radeon Xpress 200 (November 10, 2004)
• Hard|OCP ? ATI Radeon Xpress 200 (November 12, 2004)
• Hardware Zone ? ATI RADEON XPRESS 200 Series (November 25, 2004)
• HEXUS.net ? ATI XPRESS 200 (November 17, 2004)
• Hot Hardware ? ATi RADEON XPRESS 200 Series: AMD Platform Chipsets (November 8, 2004)
• Legit Reviews ? ATI Radeon Xpress 200 Chipset Preview (November 8, 2004)
• PC Perspective ? ATI Radeon XPRESS 200 Chipset Preview (November 8, 2004)
• t-break ? ATI Radeon Xpress 200P : Introduction / Testbed (November 11, 2004)
• The Tech Report ? ATI's Radeon Xpress 200 chipset (November 8, 2004)
• Tom's Hardware ? The Athlon64 Radeon Xpress: ATi's Latest Stab as a Chipset Maker (November 8, 2004)

RX480

• Digital-Daily ? ATI Xpress 200P (RX480) Chipset (January 13, 2005)

RS482

• AnandTech ? PERFORMANCE UPDATE: NVIDIA GeForce 6100 vs. ATI RS482 (October 6, 2005)

RD480

• AnandTech ? ATI?s Crossfire: Best Overclocker on the Market? (RD480; September 27, 2005)
• Digit-Life ? ATI Radeon Xpress 200 CrossFire Edition Chipset ? a Base for the New Technology (September 28, 2005)
• The Tech Report ? Socket AM2 chipsets collide: Introducing the ATI SB600 and NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI (May 23, 2006)
• X-bit labs ? Swords Crossed: ATI CrossFire Platform Review (September 26, 2005)

SB600

• AnandTech ? SB600 and the Transitional SB460 (August 21, 2006)

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MicroATX Motherboard ? RS482
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ECS

1. ECS RS482M-M (V1.0A)
   
   • Specs: RS482 + SB450. Passive/Passive. 2 DIMMs. 1 x VGA, no DVI, TV out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video outs). PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/2*. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1, no NCQ, Hot-Plug, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

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MicroATX Motherboard ? RS485
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ECS

1. ECS RS485M-M (V1.0)
   
   • Specs: RS485 + SB460. Passive/Passive. 2 DIMMs. 1 x VGA, no DVI, TV out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video outs). PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1, no NCQ, Hot-Plug, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 500MHz, CPU: 1.45V, DRAM: ?, Max CG: 218MHz (Hardware Secrets)
   • Reviews: Digit-Life, Hardware Secrets, HEXUX.net, IT Reviews, MADBOXPC.COM, PC Pro
   • Availability: Yes. PriceGrabber.com ($58.95)

EQS

1. EQS A94SL-RS485MKM
   
   • Specs: RS485 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, no DVI, TV out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video outs). PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1*/2. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

MSI

1. MSI K9AGM-FID
   
   • Specs: RS485 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, 1 x DVI, TV out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video outs). PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, no RAID, PCI Gb LAN, 5.1 Ch. HD Audio (need an optional bracket for 7.1 Ch.), no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com ($68.99)

PC Partner

1. PC Partner RS485MKM-A94S
   
   • Specs: RS485 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, no DVI, TV out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video outs). PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1*/2. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

Sapphire

1. Sapphire PURE Element 1150 PE-AM2RS485M
   
   • Specs: RS485 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, no DVI, TV out (need an optional bracket for composite video and S-video outs)?. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1*/2. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, 10/100Mbps LAN, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket)?, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Reviews: Digit-Life

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ATX Motherboard ? RD480
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ASRock

1. ASRock ALiveXFire-eSATA2
   
   • Specs: RD480 + SB600. Passive/Passive. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(-,16),(8,8)/1/3* supporting CrossFire. PATA/SATA/eSATA: 1/4/2, eSATA sharing controller with SATA, RAID 0/1/10, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 400MHz, CPU: 1.55V, DRAM: Ultra High, Max CG: ?
   • Reviews: OCWorkBench

ASUS

1. ASUS M2A-MVP
   
   • Specs: RD480 + SB600. Passive/Passive. Support for ECC memory. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(-,16),(8,8)/2*/2 supporting CrossFire. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, PCI Gb LAN, 5.1 Ch. HD Audio, coaxial S/PDIF out, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 400MHz, CPU: ?, DRAM: 2.1V, Max CG: ?
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com ($83.99)

ECS

1. ECS AMD480XM-A (V1.0)
   
   • Specs: RD480 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 2 DIMMs. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(-,16),(8,8)/2*/2 supporting CrossFire. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, VT1708A 5.1 Ch. HD Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

Jetway

1. Jetway M2A480VP
   
   • Specs: RD480 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 2GB max memory, 2 DIMMs. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/3*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 500MHz, CPU: 1.575V, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Reviews: OCWorkBench
2. Jetway Jetway M2A481-OG
   
   • Specs: RD480 + SB600. Passive/Passive. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(-,16),(8,8)/1*/2. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 500MHz, CPU: 1.575V, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Reviews: OCWorkBench

 

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3. AMD 580 Series Chipset Motherboards
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Chipset
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Models

• ATI CrossFire Xpress 3200 (codenamed RD580) for enthusiast users, released on March 1, 2006 (the AM2 version was released on May 23, 2006). The chipset was renamed to:
• AMD 580X CrossFire after the acquisition of ATI by AMD
• AMD 570X CrossFire (codenamed RD570)
  
• ATI SB600 (IXP 600), released on May 23, 2006

Northbridge

• RD580
  • HT 1000/800MHz
  • 40 PCI Express lanes with links 16,16,1,1,1,1,4 (2/4 for A-Link Xpress II) supporting CrossFire
• RD570
  • HT 1000/800MHz
  • 32 PCI Express lanes with links 16,8,1,1,1,1,4 (2/4 for A-Link Xpress II) supporting CrossFire

Southbridge

• SB600
  • 1 PATA, 4 x SATA at 3.0Gbps
  • RAID 0/1/10, AHCI (NCQ, Hot-Plug)
  • 4 PCI Express lanes (2/4 for A-Link Xpress II)
  • HD Audio, 10 x USB 2.0

The main difference of the dual PCI Express x16 graphics between AMD and NVIDIA is:

• AMD: The two PCI Express x16 links are connected via Xpress Route inside northbridge so that data from one PCI Express x16 slot traveled to the other graphical slot with minimal latencies and at a highest possible rate.
  
• NVIDIA: One PCI Express x16 link is connected to northbridge and the other to southbridge. northbridge and southbridge is connected via HyperTransport 2.0 with the same bandwidth as PCI Express x16 (8.0GB/s bidirectional) so that this architecture should not be a bottleneck.

References

• AnandTech ? ATI RD580: Dual x16 Crossfire Preview (November 16, 2005)
• AnandTech ? CrossFire Xpress 3200: RD580 for AM2 (June 1, 2006)
• Digit-Life ? ATI CrossFire Xpress 3200 (RD580) ? Chipset for AMD Platform (Socket 939) (March 1, 2006)
• ExtremeTech ? AM2 Chipsets: nForce 500 and CrossFire Xpress 3200 (May 24, 2006)
• PC Perspective ? Asus A8R32-MVP Deluxe Review - ATI Radeon XPress 3200 Chipset (March 1, 2006)
• PC Perspective ? nForce 590 SLI and XPress 3200 Chipsets - AM2 Battle (May 24, 2006)
• The Tech Report ? Socket AM2 chipsets collide: Introducing the ATI SB600 and NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI (May 23, 2006)
• Tom's Hardware ? ATI's Crossfire Xpress 3200 Chipset Takes Off (March1, 2006)
• X-bit labs ? Love at First Touch: ATI CrossFire Xpress 3200 Review (March 27, 2006)
• X-bit labs ? Chipsets for Socket AM2 Platform: ATI CrossFire Xpress 3200 and Nvidia nForce 590 SLI (June 13, 2006)
• XTreview.com ? NVIDIA nForce 500 vs. ATI CrossFire 3200 Chipset Review (June 16, 2006)

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ATX Motherboard ? RD580
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ASUS

1. ASUS M2R32-MVP
   
   • Specs: RD580 + SB600. Passive/Passive. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,16)/2*/2 supporting CrossFire. PATA/SATA/eSATA: 1/4/1, RAID 0/1/10, AD1988A 7.1 Ch. HD Audio, coaxial S/PDIF out, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 400MHz, CPU: 1.5625V, DRAM: 2.45V, Max CG: 325MHz (HEXUS.net)
   • Reviews: CPU3D, Digit-Life, HEXUS.net, Hot Hardware, LostCircuits, Motherboards.org, PCSTATS, The Tech Report
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com ($118.99)

DFI

1. DFI INFINITY CFX3200-M2/G
   
   • Specs: RD580 + SB600. Active/Passive. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,16)/1/3 supporting CrossFire. PATA/SATA/eSATA: 1/4/1, RAID 0/1/10, PCI Gb LAN, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com ($129.99)

ECS

1. ECS KA3 MVP (V1.0A)
   
   • Specs: RD580 + SB600. Passive/Passive. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,16)/1*/2 supporting CrossFire. PATA/SATA: 2/6, RAID 0/1/10, dual Gb/Fast LAN, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 500MHz, CPU: 1.4V, DRAM: 2.15V, Max CG: 235MHz (Virtual-Hideout)
   • Reviews: bit-tech.net, Bjorn3d.com, Digital-Daily, Futurelooks, Hard|OCP, Hardware Secrets, Hardware Zone, HardwareLogic, Hot Hardware, Legit Reviews, MADBOXPC.COM, Motherboards.org, Noticias 3D, PC Perspective, PCSTATS, SysOpt.com, The Tech Report ? CrossFire Xpress 3200 AM2 boards from ECS and MSI, The Tech Zone, TheThirdMedia, Virtual-Hideout
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com ($109.99)

MSI

1. MSI K9A Platinum
   
   • Specs: RD580 + SB600. Passive/Passive. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,16)/2*/2 supporting CrossFire. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, dual PCIe/PCI Gb LAN, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 400MHz, CPU: 1.4V, DRAM: 2.3V, Max CG: 335MHz (AnandTech)
   • Reviews: AnandTech ? AM2 Motherboards-Part 4: ATI Crossfire Xpress 3200, bit-tech.net, Hard|OCP, HEXUS.net, Hot Hardware, Legit Reviews, MADBOXPC.COM, MADSHRIMPS (Overclocking), Motherboards.org, OCWorkBench, PC Perspective, The Tech Report ? CrossFire Xpress 3200 AM2 boards from ECS and MSI, Tom's Hardware
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com ($128.99)

PC Partner

1. PC Partner RD580AKM-AA1D
   
   • Specs: RD580 + SB600. Passive/Passive. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,16)/2/2 supporting CrossFire. PATA/SATA: 1/6, RAID 0/1/10, dual Gb/Fast LAN, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
2. PC Partner RD580AKM-A95D
   
   • Specs: RD580 + SB600. Passive/Passive. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,16)/2/1 supporting CrossFire. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, dual Gb/Fast LAN, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

Sapphire

1. Sapphire PURE CrossFire 3200 PC-AM2RD580
   
   • Specs: RD580 + SB600. Passive/Passive. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,16)/1/1 supporting CrossFire. PATA/SATA: 1/8, RAID 0/1/10, coaxial S/PDIF in & out, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 440MHz, CPU: 1.979V, DRAM: 2.804V, Max CG: 255MHz (bit-tech.net)
   • Reviews: bit-tech.net, HEXUS.net ? AMD AM2 motherboard duel - Foxconn vs Sapphire, IT Reviews, LostCircuits, Neoseeker
2. Sapphire PURE CrossFire 3200 PC-AM2RD580Adv
   
   • Specs: RD580 + SB600. Passive/Passive. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,16)/2/2 supporting CrossFire. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, dual Gb/Fast LAN, coaxial S/PDIF in & out, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Reviews: Boot Daily ? AM2 Motherboard Round-up

_____________________
ATX Motherboard ? RD570
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Jetway

1. Jetway M2A581 (Global site)
   
   • Specs: RD570 + SB600. Passive/Passive. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,8)/2*/2 supporting CrossFire. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, no S/PDIF, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
2. Jetway M2A581-SG (Global site)
   
   • Specs: RD570 + SB600. Passive/Passive. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,8)/2*/2 supporting CrossFire. PATA/SATA/eSATA: 1/4/1, RAID 0/1/10, no S/PDIF, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
3. Jetway M2A581-SGE (Global site)
   
   • Specs: RD570 + SB600. Passive/Passive. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,8)/2*/2 supporting CrossFire. PATA/SATA/eSATA: 1/4/1, RAID 0/1/10, no S/PDIF, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: The difference between M2A581, M2A581-SG and M2A581-SGE is that M2A581-SG and M2A581-SGE come with an eSATA port and M2A581-SGE comes with IEEE 1394.
4. Jetway HA02-GT (Global site)
   
   • Specs: RD570 + SB600. Passive/Passive. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,8)/1/3 supporting CrossFire. PATA/SATA/eSATA: 1/4/1, RAID 0/1/10, PCI Gb LAN, coaxial S/PDIF in & out, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
5. Jetway HA02-GTE (Global site)
   
   • Specs: RD570 + SB600. Passive/Passive. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,8)/1/3 supporting CrossFire. PATA/SATA/eSATA: 1/4/1, RAID 0/1/10, PCI Gb LAN, coaxial S/PDIF in & out, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: The difference between HA02-GT and HA02-GTE is that HA02-GTE comes with IEEE 1394.

 

[renethx]

__________________________________
4. AMD 690 Series Chipset Motherboards
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______
Chipset
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Models

AMD's first integrated graphics chipset AMD 690 Series consists of

• AMD 690G (codenamed RS690; mainstream class IGP), released on February 28, 2007
• AMD 690V (codenamed RS690C; value class IGP), released on February 28, 2007
  
• ATI SB600 (IXP 600), released on May 23, 2006

There is no discrete graphics version like RD690 or RX690 as seen in previous chipset roadmaps.

Northbridge

• RS690
  • HT 1000MHz
  • 24 PCI Express lanes with links 16,1,1,1,1,4 (2/4 for A-Link Express)
  • ATI Radeon X1250 Graphics derived from Radeon X700 graphics core
• RS690C
  • The same as RS690 except for ATI Radeon X1200 Graphics

Southbridge

• SB600
  • 1 PATA, 4 x SATA at 3.0Gbps
  • RAID 0/1/10, AHCI (NCQ, Hot-Plug)
  • 4 PCI Express lanes (2/4 for A-Link Express II)
  • HD Audio, 10 x USB 2.0

Integrated Graphics

• ATI Radeon X1250 Graphics
  • 400MHz core clock, 1GB video memory
  • Vertex Shader/Pixel Shader/Texture Mapping/Render Output Units: 0/4/4/2, DirectX 9.0 Pixel/Vertex Shader Model 2.0/2.0
  • VGA: 2048 x 1536, DVI: 2560 x 1600, HDMI: 1080p, TV: 1080i
  • MPEG-2/VC-1/H.264: hw/sw/sw. Support for Avivo
  • Integrated HDMI audio controller (stereo PCM and 5.1 Dolby Digital/DTS)
  • SurroundView support for up to three monitors with an ATI discrete graphics card
• ATI Radeon X1200 Graphics
  • The same as Radeon X1250 except for the lack of DVI/HDMI support

References

• AnandTech ? AMD 690G: Technology Overview (February 28, 2007)
• AnandTech ? AMD 690G: Performance Review (March 6, 2007)
• Beyond3D ? AMD 690G Launch and Spec (February 27, 2007)
• bit-tech.net ? First Look: AMD's 690 series chipset (March 2, 2007)
• ChileHardware ? AMD 690: Un chipset de AMD para AMD (February 28, 2007)
• Clubic ? Premier IGP d'AMD : Le RS690G avec Radeon X1250 (February 28, 2007)
• Digit-Life ? AMD 690G/690V: Integrated Chipsets With HDMI Support For AMD64 ( April 4, 2007)
• Elite Bastards ? AMD's 690 chipset (April 10, 2007)
• ExtremeTech ? AMD's Mainstream Platform Play (March 1, 2007)
• FiringSquad ? AMD 690 Chipset Performance Preview (February 28, 2007)
• Hardware Zone ? AMD 690G IGP First Looks and Performance (February 28, 2007)
• Hardware.Info ? AMD 690G chipset: HDMI op je moederbord! (February 28, 2007)
• HEXUS.net ? AMD 690G chipset and EQS's retail board (February 28, 2007)
• Hot Hardware ? AMD's 690G/V Series Chipset Preview And Performance Testing (February 27, 2007)
• IT-review.net ? AMD's 690G vs Intel's 965G head-to-head (February 28, 2007)
• Legit Reviews ? AMD's 690G/V Series Chipset Preview and Benchmarks (February 28, 2007)
• MADBOXPC.COM ? AMD RS690, El Primer Chipset de la Nueva AMD (February 28, 2007)
• Motherboards.org ? ASUS M2A-VM Motherboard - AMD 690 Chipset Review :: Introduction (February 28, 2007)
• PC Perspective ? AMD 690 Chipset Preview - AMD Jumps Back on the Horse (February 28, 2007)
• techPowerUp! ? AMD 690 Chipset Series Preview (February 28, 2007)
• TechSpot ? First look at AMD's 690G chipset (February 28, 2007)
• The Tech Report ? AMD's 690G chipset (February 28, 2007)
• TheTechLounge ? AMD 690G Chipset (March 1, 2007)
• X-bit labs ? First Look at AMD 690G Chipset: ECS AMD690GM-M2 Mainboard Preview (March 2, 2007)
• XTreview.com ? AMD RS690 Chipset Review X1250 Performance vs. NVIDIA GeForce 6150 (March 7, 2007)

______________
ATX Motherboard
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GIGABYTE

1. GIGABYTE GA-MA69G-S3H (rev. 1.0)
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, 1 x DVI with the bundled HDMI to DVI adapter, 1 x HDMI, no TV-out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video outs). PCIe x16/PCIe x4/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/3*/2 supporting CrossFire. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, PCI Gb LAN, optical S/PDIF out, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 500MHz, CPU: 1.55V, DRAM: 2.4V, Max CG: 286MHz (OCWorkBench)
   • Reviews: OCWorkBench
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $88.99

MSI

1. MSI K9AG Neo-F
   
   • Specs: RS690C + SB600. Passive/Passive. 2 DIMMs. 1 x VGA, no DVI, no HDMI, no TV-out. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2*/3. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
2. MSI K9AG Neo2-F
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, 1 x DVI, no HDMI, no TV-out. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2*/3. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
3. MSI K9AG Neo2-Digital
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, 1 x DVI, 1 x HDMI, no TV-out. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2*/3. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

__________________
MicroATX Motherboard
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ASUS

1. ASUS M2A-VM
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, 1 x DVI, no HDMI, no TV-out. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, 5.1 Ch. HD Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 400MHz, CPU: 1.550V, DRAM: 2.10V, Max CG: 225MHz (techPowerUp!)
   • Notes: Memory timings options are completely absent from the BIOS. PCI-E and PCI bus frequencies are not locked to 100 MHz / 33.3 MHz.
   • Reviews: Elite Bastards, Motherboards.org, PC Perspective, PC Pro, techPowerUp!
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $64.99
2. ASUS M2A-VM HDMI
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, 1 x DVI, 1 x HDMI, 1 x composite/S-/component video. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, 5.1 Ch. HD Audio, coaxial S/PDIF out, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 400MHz, CPU: 1.550V, DRAM: 2.10V, Max CG: 225MHz (OCWorkBench)
   • Notes: Memory timings options are completely absent from the BIOS. PCI-E and PCI bus frequencies are not locked to 100 MHz / 33.3 MHz.
   • Reviews: OCWorkBench
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $89.99

BIOSTAR

1. BIOSTAR A690G-M2
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, 1 x DVI, no HDMI, no TV-out. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 600MHz, CPU: 1.55V, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
2. BIOSTAR TA690G AM2
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, 1 x DVI, 1 x HDMI, 1 x S-video. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1*/2. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 600MHz, CPU: ?, DRAM: 2.95V, Max CG: 290MHz (a user)
   • Reviews: VR-Zone
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $89.99

ECS

1. ECS AMD690GM-M2 (V1.0A)
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 2 DIMMs. 1 x VGA, 1 x DVI, no HDMI, no TV-out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video). PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, PCI Gb LAN, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Reviews: Digit-Life, Hardware Zone, Motherboards.org, OCWorkBench, TweakTown, X-bit labs
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $54.99

EQS

1. EQS AB1S-RS690MKM
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, no DVI, 1 x HDMI, 1 x composite video, 1 x S-video. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1*/2. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, PCI Gb LAN, no S/PDIF, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: Identical with PC Partner RS690MKM-AB1S and Sapphire PURE Innovation PI-AM2RS690MHD.
   • Reviews: HEXUS.net

Foxconn

1. Foxconn A690GM2MA-8EKRS2H
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, 1 x DVI, no HDMI, no TV-out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video). PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, PCI Gb LAN, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
2. Foxconn A690GM2MA-8KRS2H
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, 1 x DVI, no HDMI, no TV-out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video). PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, PCI Gb LAN, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
3. Foxconn A690GM2MA-RS2H
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, 1 x DVI, no HDMI, no TV-out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video). PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. HD Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

GIGABYTE

1. GA-MA69GM-S2H (rev. 1.0)
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, 1 x DVI, 1 x HDMI, 1 x component video, 1 x composite video, 1 x S-video. PCIe x16/PCIe x4/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/0/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, PCI Gb LAN, optical S/PDIF out supporting DTS Connect, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 500MHz, CPU: 1.55V, DRAM: 2.4V, Max CG: 400MHz (Hard|OCP)
   • Reviews: FiringSquad, Hard|OCP, PC Perspective, TweakTown
   • Forums: A/VS Forum (Unofficial Gigabyte GA-MA69GM-S2H Mboard HTPC Thread)
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $79.99
2. GA-MA69VM-S2 (rev. 1.0)
   
   • Specs: RS690C + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, no DVI, no HDMI, no TV-out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video). PCIe x16/PCIe x4/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/0/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, PCI Gb LAN, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $58.99

Jetway

1. Jetway M2A692-GDG
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, 1 x DVI, no HDMI, no TV-out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video). PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/0/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, no S/PDIF, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Reviews: OCWorkBench
2. Jetway M2A692-GHG
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, no DVI, 1 x HDMI, no TV-out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video). PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/0/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, no S/PDIF, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: Identical with Sapphire PE-AM2RS690MH.
3. Jetway M2A692-VP
   
   • Specs: RS690C + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, no DVI, no HDMI, no TV-out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video). PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/0/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, no S/PDIF, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

? Value Audio Codec

1. Jetway M2A692-VDP
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, 1 x DVI, no HDMI, no TV-out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video). PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/0/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. HD Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
2. Jetway M2A692-GDP
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, 1 x DVI, no HDMI, no TV-out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video). PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/0/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. HD Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
3. Jetway M2A692-GHP
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, no DVI, 1 x HDMI, no TV-out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video). PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/0/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. HD Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
4. Jetway M2A692-VDG
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, 1 x DVI, no HDMI, no TV-out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video). PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/0/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, 5.1 Ch. HD Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

MSI

1. MSI K9AGM2-FIH
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 2 DIMMs. 1 x VGA, no DVI, 1 x HDMI, no TV-out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video). PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Reviews: Digit-Life, IT-review.net (CeBIT Head to head: MSI 690G vs. Sapphire Pure 690G), PC Pro, TrustedReviews
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $69.99
2. MSI K9AGM2-L
   
   • Specs: RS690C + SB600. Passive/Passive. 2 DIMMs. 1 x VGA, no DVI, no HDMI, no TV-out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video). PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, 10/100Mbps LAN, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Reviews: Digit-Life
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $58.99

PC Partner

1. PC Partner RS690MKM-AB1S
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, no DVI, 1 x HDMI, no TV-out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-video)?. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1*/2. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, PCI Gb LAN, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket)?, no IEEE 1394?
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: Identical with EQS AB1S-RS690MKM and Sapphire PURE Innovation PI-AM2RS690MHD.
2. PC Partner RS690CMKM-A94CL
   
   • Specs: RS690C + SB600. Passive/Passive. 2 DIMMs. 1 x VGA, no DVI, no HDMI, no TV-out header. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/0/2. PATA/SATA: 1/2, RAID 0/1, 10/100Mbps LAN, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket)?, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: A cut-down version of RS690MKM-AB1S with no CD-IN, no SYSFAN1, only 8 USB ports.

Sapphire

1. Sapphire PURE Element PE-AM2RS690MH
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, no DVI, 1 x HDMI, no TV-out (need an optional bracket for composite/S-/component video). PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/0/2*. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, no S/PDIF, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: Identical with Jetway M2A692-GHG.
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $67.99
2. Sapphire PURE Innovation PI-AM2RS690MHD
   
   • Specs: RS690 + SB600. Passive/Passive. 1 x VGA, 1 x DVI, 1 x HDMI, 1 x composite/S-video. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1*/2. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/10, PCI Gb LAN, coaxial S/PDIF in & out, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 440MHz, CPU: 1.4V, DRAM: 2.1V, Max CG: 300MHz (techPowerUp!)
   • Notes: Identical with EQS AB1S-RS690MKM and PC Partner RS690MKM-AB1S.
   • Reviews: IT-review.net (CeBIT Head to head: MSI 690G vs. Sapphire Pure 690G), techPowerUp!

 

[renethx]

_________________________________
5. AMD 7 Series Chipset Motherboards
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______
Chipset
¯¯¯¯¯¯

Models

The next-generation AMD chipset AMD 7 Series consists of three subseries

• AMD 790 Series
  • AMD 790FX (codenamed RD790), released on November 20, 2007
• AMD 780 Series
  • AMD 790X (codenamed RD780), released on November 20, 2007
  • AMD 770 (codenamed RX780), released on November 20, 2007
  • AMD 780G (codenamed RS780), to be released in Q1 2008
  • AMD 780V? (codenamed RS780C), to be released in Q1 2008
• AMD 740 Series
  • AMD 740 (codenamed RX740), to be released in Q3 2007
  • AMD 740G (codenamed RS740), to be released in Q3 2007
• ATI SB600 (IXP 600), released on May 23, 2006
• ATI SB700, to be released in Q4 2007
• ATI SB750, to be released in Q4 2007?

Northbridge

790 Series

• RD790
  • HyperTransport 3.0
  • DSDC (Dual Socket Direct Connect) Architecture for FASN8 (First AMD Silicon Next-gen 8-core Platform)
  • 41 PCI Express 2.0 lanes with links 16,16,4,1,4, 16,8,8,4,1,4 or 8,8,8,8,4,1,4 (4 for physics card, 2/4 for A-Link Xpress II) supporting CrossFire 2.0 (Tripod / Quad CrossFire) and CrossFire Physics
  • TDP 9W (TSMC 65 nm manufacturing process)

780 Series

• RD780
  • HyperTransport 3.0
  • 24 PCI Express 2.0 lanes with links 16,1,1,1,1,4 or 8,8,1,1,1,1,4 (2/4 for A-Link Xpress II) supporting CrossFire
• RX780
  • HyperTransport 3.0
  • 24 PCI Express 2.0 lanes with links 16,1,1,1,1,4 (2/4 for A-Link Xpress II)
• RS780
  • HyperTransport 3.0
  • 24 PCI Express 2.0 lanes with links 16,1,1,1,1,4 (2/4 for A-Link Xpress II)
  • Integrated Graphics
    • DirectX 10, Hybrid CrossFire
    • DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort
    • UVD
• RS780C
  • HyperTransport 3.0
  • 24 PCI Express 2.0 lanes with links 16,1,1,1,1,4 (2/4 for A-Link Xpress II)
  • Integrated Graphics
    • DirectX 10
    • DVI, HDMI

740 Series

• RX740
  • HyperTransport 2.0, support for AM2+
  • 24 PCI Express 1.1 lanes with links 16,1,1,1,1,4 (2/4 for A-Link Xpress II)
• RS740
  • HyperTransport 2.0, support for AM2+
  • 24 PCI Express 1.1 lanes with links 16,1,1,1,1,4 (2/4 for A-Link Xpress II)
  • Integrated Graphics
    • DirectX 9
    • DVI, HDMI

Southbridge

• SB600
  • 1 PATA, 4 x SATA at 3.0Gbps
  • RAID 0/1/10, AHCI (NCQ, Hot-Plug)
  • 4 PCI Express lanes (2/4 for A-Link Xpress II)
  • HD Audio, 10 x USB 2.0
• SB700
  • 1 PATA, 6 x SATA at 3.0Gbps
  • RAID 0/1/10, AHCI (NCQ, Hot-Plug)
  • 4 PCI Express lanes (2/4 for A-Link Xpress II)
  • HD Audio, 14 x USB 2.0
• SB750
  • Identical with SB700 except that it also supports RAID 5.

References

• DailyTech ? More Details on AMD "Stars" Chipsets (May 3, 2007)
• X-bit labs ? AMD 790 Chipset with HT3 and PCIe 2.0 Support Gets Validated by PCI Express Regulators (April 4, 2007)
• X-bit labs ? Advanced Micro Devices Readies New Chipsets with Integrated Graphics (May 29, 2007)
• XTreview.com ? AMD Prepare Chipset for K10 Processor (May 3, 2007)

_____________________
ATX Motherboard ? 790FX
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

ASUS

1. ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe/WiFi-AP
   
   • Specs: RD790 + SB600. Passive-heatpipe/Passive-heatpipe. PCIe 2.0 x16/PCIe 2.0 x1/PCI: 4@(16,16,0,0),(16,8,8),(8,8,8,8)/0/2. PATA/SATA/eSATA: 1/6/1, RAID 0/1/10, wireless LAN, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
2. ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe
   
   • Specs: The same as ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe/WiFi-AP sans wireless LAN.
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

MSI

1. MSI K9A2 Platinum
   
   • Specs: RD790 + SB600. Passive-heatpipe/Passive-heatpipe. PCIe 2.0 x16/PCIe 2.0 x1/PCI: 4@(16,16,0,0),(16,8,8),(8,8,8,8)/1/2. PATA/SATA/eSATA: 1/6/2, RAID 0/1/10, optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

____________________
ATX Motherboard ? 790X
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

MSI

1. MSI K9A2 CF
   
   • Specs: RD780 + SB600. Passive/Passive. PCIe 2.0 x16/PCIe 2.0 x1/PCI: 2@(16,0),(8,8)/1/2. PATA/SATA/eSATA: 1/4/1, RAID 0/1/10, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

___________________
ATX Motherboard ? 770
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

BIOSTAR

1. BIOSTAR TA770 A2+
   
   • Specs: RX780 + SB600. Passive/Passive. PCIe 2.0 x16/PCIe 2.0 x1/PCI: 1/2*/3. PATA/SATA/eSATA: 1/4/2, RAID 0/1/10, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

 

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6. AMD 8 Series Chipset Motherboards
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__________________________________
7. NVIDIA nForce3 Chipset Motherboards
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
______
Chipset
¯¯¯¯¯¯

NVIDIA's first chipset for the K8 processor nForce3 (codenamed Crush K8 or CK8) was released on April 23, 2003, along with the release of Opteron processor. As memory controller is integrated into the CPU, NVIDIA chose a single-chip solution. There are basically two versions: nForce3 150 (the original version) and nForce 250 (the improved version) .

Models

• nForce3 Pro150 for the 1P/2P workstation and professional segments, released on April 23, 2003 along with the Opteron processor
• nForce3 150 for the desktop PC market, released on September 23, 2003 along with the Athlon 64 processor
• nForce3 Go150 for the mobile notebook market, released on September 23, 2003
  
• nForce3 250Gb, released on March 23, 2004
• nForce3 250, released on March 23, 2004
• nForce3 Ultra, released on June 1, 2004 along with Socket 939 processors
• nForce3 Pro250

Chipset

nForce3 150

• nForce3 Pro150
  • HT 1.0 600MHz, Socket 940, 1P and 2P
  • AGP 8X
  • 3 PATA, no SATA
  • RAID 0/1, no NCQ, Hot Plug
  • Integrated 10/100Mbps LAN controller, 6 Ch. AC'97 Audio, 6 x USB 2.0
• nForce3 150
  • Desktop version of nForce3 Pro150, Socket 754
• nForce3 Go150
  • Mobile version of nForce3 Pro150, Socket 754

nForce3 250

• nForce3 250Gb
  • HT 1.0 800MHz, Socket 754
  • AGP 8X
  • 2 PATA, 4 x SATA at 1.5Gbps (2 SATA via external PHY)
  • RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, no NCQ, Hot Plug
  • Native Gb LAN, Firewall, AC'97 Audio, 8 x USB 2.0
• nForce3 250
  • Stripped-down version of 250Gb without Gb LAN
• nForce3 Ultra
  • HT 2.0 1000MHz, Socket 939
  • Otherwise the same as nForce3 250Gb
• nForce3 Pro250
  • Server version of nForce3 Ultra, Socket 940, 1P to 16P

References

nForce3 150

• PC Perspective ? AMD Opteron Processor Launch and NVIDIA nForce3 Pro (April 24, 2003)
• PC Perspective ? NVIDIA nForce3 Pro and Opteron 144 Reviewed (September 2, 2003)
• AnandTech ? Athlon64 Preview: nForce3 at 2.0GHz (September 4, 2003)

nForce3 250

• AnandTech ? nForce3-250 ? Part 1: Taking Athlon 64 to the Next Level (March 23, 2004)
• AnandTech ? nForce3-250 ? Part 2: Taking Athlon 64 to the Next Level (March 20, 2004)
• Digit-Life ? NVIDIA nForce3 250/Gb Chipset (July 29, 2004)
• FiringSquad ? NVIDIA nForce3 250Gb Performance Preview (March 11, 2004)
• HEXUS.net ? nForce3 250 Chipset (March 10, 2004)
• Icrontic.com ? NVIDIA nForce3 250Gb Preview (March 21, 2004)
• PC Perspective ? New NVIDIA Platform Technology for Athlon 64 / XP (May 10, 2004)
• Tom's Hardware ? New and Improved: NVIDIA nForce3 250 Gb Chipset (April 20, 2004)
• The Tech Report ? NVIDIA's nForce3 250Gb chipset (April 8, 2004)

______________
ATX Motherboard
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Every nForce3 motherboard supporting AM2 happens to be an nForce3 250 board.

ASRock

1. ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA
   
   • Specs: nForce3 250. Passive. HT 800MHz. AGP/PCI: 1/5*, no PCI Express. PATA/SATA: 2/2, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/JBOD, no NCQ, Hot-Plug, 10/100Mbps LAN, CM6501 UAA USB audio, no S/PDIF, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

BIOSTAR

1. BIOSTAR NF3 250 AM2 (1.0)
   
   • Specs: nForce3 250. Passive. HT 800MHz. 2GB max memory, 2 DIMMs. AGP/PCI: 1/5, no PCI Express. PATA/SATA: 2/2, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/JBOD, no NCQ, Hot-Plug, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

GIGABYTE

1. GIGABYTE GA-MF3
   
   • Specs: nForce3 250. Passive. HT 800MHz. 2 DIMMs. AGP/PCI: 1/5*, no PCI Express. PATA/SATA: 2/2, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/JBOD, no NCQ, Hot-Plug, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

PCCHIPS

1. PCCHIPS A16 (V1.0A)
   
   • Specs: nForce3 250. Passive. HT 800MHz. 2 DIMMs. AGP/PCI: 1/5, no PCI Express. PATA/SATA: 2/2, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/JBOD, no NCQ, Hot-Plug, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

 

[renethx]

__________________________________________
8. NVIDIA nForce4 for AMD Chipset Motherboards
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
______
Chipset
¯¯¯¯¯¯

The nForce4 chipset family (codenamed Crush K8-04, CK8-04 or MCP04) was built upon the nForce3 250 family with the support for

• PCI Express
• SLI multi-GPU technology

The initial model supports only SLI x8. Note that the integrated audio controller is still AC'97 (Intel released 915 Express chipset supporting HD Audio in June 2004).

Models

• nForce4 (and nForce4-4X) for value users, released on October 19, 2004
• nForce4 Ultra for performance users, released on October 19, 2004
• nForce4 SLI for performance gamers, released on October 19, 2004
  
• nForce4 SLI X16 for enthusiasts, released on August 8, 2005

The first three models were renamed when adapted for Socket AM2 and now called

• nForce 500, released on May 23, 2006
• nForce 500 Ultra, released on May 23, 2006
• nForce 500 SLI, released on May 23, 2006

They are part of the nForce 500 Series for AMD, but I included them here because they are nForce4 in essence.

Chipset

• nForce4/nForce4-4X (CK804; NF4-(N-)A3/NF4-4X-N-A3)
  • HT 1000MHz for nForce4, 800MHz for nForce4-4X
  • 20 PCI Express lanes with 4 fixed links 16,1,1,1 (1 lane unused)
  • 2 x PATA, 4 x SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, NCQ, Hot Plug
  • Native Gb LAN, Firewall, AC'97 Audio, 10 x USB 2.0
• nForce4 Ultra (CK804; NF4-ULTRA-(N-)A3)
  • HT 1000MHz
  • 20 PCI Express lanes with 4 fixed links 16,1,1,1 (1 lane unused)
  • 2 x PATA, 4 x SATA at 3.0Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, NCQ, Hot Plug
  • Native Gb LAN, Firewall, AC'97 Audio, 10 x USB 2.0
  • TCP/IP Acceleration
• nForce4 SLI (CK804; CK8-04(-PRO) or NF4-SLI-(N-)A3/A4)
  • HT 1000MHz
  • 20 PCI Express lanes with 5 flexible links 16,1,1,1,1 or 8,8,1,1,1
  • 2 x PATA, 4 x SATA at 3.0Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, NCQ, Hot Plug
  • Native Gb LAN, Firewall, AC'97 Audio, 10 x USB 2.0
  • TCP/IP Acceleration
• nForce4 SLI X16 (C51D + CK804; C51-D-A2, NF-6100-N-A2 or NF-SPP-100-N-A2 + NF4-SLI-A4)
  • HT 1000MHz
  • 38 PCI Express lanes with 7 flexible links such as 16,16,2,1,1,1,1
  • 2 x PATA, 4 x SATA at 3.0Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, NCQ, Hot Plug
  • Native Gb LAN, Firewall, AC'97 Audio, 10 x USB 2.0
  • TCP/IP Acceleration

The Ultra is the vanilla plus the support for SATA 3.0Gbps and TCP/IP Acceleration. The SLI is the Ultra plus the support for SLI and RAID 5.

SPP

• C51D
  • The discrete graphics version of the C51 SPP (GeForce 6-Series SPP).
  • 18 PCI Express lanes with 3 links 16,1,1

MCP

• CK804
  • HT 1000MHz
  • 20 PCI Express lanes with flexible links
  • 2 x PATA, 4 x SATA at 3.0Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, NCQ, Hot Plug
  • Native Gb LAN, AC'97 Audio, 10 x USB 2.0
  • TCP/IP Acceleration

References

nForce4

• AMDZone ? Nvidia nForce 4 Ultra: Review With Performance Analysis (October 19, 2004)
• AnandTech ? nForce4: PCI Express and SLI for Athlon 64 (October 19, 2004)
• Digit-Life ? NVIDIA nForce4 Chipset Series for AMD64 (February 11, 2005)
• FiringSquad ? NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra Performance Preview (October 19, 2004)
• HEXUS.net ? NVIDIA's nForce4 (October 19, 2004)
• PC Perspective ? NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra and SLI Preview (October 19, 2004)
• The Tech Report ? NVIDIA's nForce4 Ultra chipset (November 22, 2004)
• Tom's Hardware ? NVIDIA Rushes Into PCI Express With (October 20, 2004)

nForce4 SLI X16

• AnandTech ? nForce 4 SLI X16: Full Speed PCI Express (August 8, 2005)
• PC Perspective ? Investigating Bandwidth on the SLI X16 Chipset (March 7, 2006)

nForce Pro 2200 (the server version of nForce4)

• PC Perspective ? NVIDIA nForce Professional 2200 MCP (January 27, 2005)
• The Tech Report ? PCI Express comes to the Opteron (May 11, 2005)

_______________________
ATX Motherboard ? Non-SLI
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

abit

1. abit KN9
   
   • Specs: nForce4 Ultra. Passive-heatpipe. Support for ECC memory. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2/3*. PATA/SATA: 2/4, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com ($74.99)

Albatron

1. Albatron K8NF4-AM2
   
   • Specs: nForce4. Passive. 2 DIMMs. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/4*. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

BIOSTAR

All the BIOSTAR boards are basically identical except for chipset, LAN PHY and audio codec.

? RTL8201CL 10/100Mbps LAN + ALC655 5.1 Ch. AC'97

1. BIOSTAR NF4 AM2
   
   • Specs: nForce4. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2*/4. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
2. BIOSTAR TForce4 AM2
   
   • Specs: nForce4. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2*/4. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
3. BIOSTAR TForce4 U AM2
   
   • Specs: nForce4 Ultra. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2*/4. PATA/SATA: 2/4, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 450MHz, CPU: 2.31V, DRAM: 2.3V, Max CG: ?

? 88E3016 10/100Mbps LAN + ALC655 5.1 Ch. AC'97

1. BIOSTAR NF4 AM2L
   
   • Specs: nForce4. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2*/4. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
2. BIOSTAR NF500 AM2 (1.x)
   
   • Specs: nForce 500. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2*/4. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

? 88E3016 10/100Mbps LAN + CM6501 7.1 Ch. UAA USB

1. BIOSTAR NF500 AM2L (5.x)
   
   • Specs: nForce 500. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2*/4. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 10/100Mbps LAN, CM6501 7.1 Ch. UAA USB Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

? 88E1116 Gb LAN + ALC655 5.1 Ch. AC'97

1. BIOSTAR NF4 AM2G (1.0)
   
   • Specs: nForce4. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2*/4. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
2. BIOSTAR NF4U AM2G
   
   • Specs: nForce4 Ultra. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2*/4. PATA/SATA: 2/4, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com ($65.99)
3. BIOSTAR NF500-A2G (1.x)
   
   • Specs: nForce 500. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2*/4. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

? 88E1116 Gb LAN + CM6501 7.1 Ch. UAA USB

1. BIOSTAR NF500 AM2G (5.x)
   
   • Specs: nForce 500. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2*/4. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, CM6501 7.1 Ch. UAA USB Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
2. BIOSTAR NF500U AM2G (5.x)
   
   • Specs: nForce 500 Ultra. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2*/4. PATA/SATA: 2/4, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, CM6501 7.1 Ch. UAA USB Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

DFI

1. DFI INFINITY NF-M2
   
   • Specs: nForce4. Active. DDR2-667/533 up to 4GB, 4 DIMMs. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2/3*. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
2. DFI INFINITY NFII-M2
   
   • Specs: nForce4. Active. DDR2-667/533 up to 4GB, 4 DIMMs. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,2)/2/3. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: NFII-M2, NF ULTRAII-M2, NF SLI-M2, and NF SLI-M2/G are all identical except for chipset (and hence functionality).
3. DFI INFINITY NF ULTRAII-M2
   
   • Specs: nForce4 Ultra. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,2)/1/3. PATA/SATA: 2/4, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, AC'97 Audio, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 450MHz, CPU: 1.850V, DRAM: 2.50V, Max CG: 400MHz (PC Modding Malaysia)
   • Reviews: PC Modding Malaysia
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com ($69.99)

ECS

1. ECS NFORCE4M-A (V1.1)
   
   • Specs: nForce4-4X. Active. HT 1000MHz. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2/3*. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $59.99
2. ECS NFORCE4M-A (V3.0)
   
   • Specs: nForce4-4X. Active. HT 1000MHz. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2/3*. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: I don't see any difference between V1.1 and V3.0.
   • Reviews: SysOpt.com
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com ($55.99)
3. ECS NFORCE5M-A (V5.0)
   
   • Specs: nForce 500. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2/3*. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: The difference between NFORCE4M-A and NFORCE5M-A is chipset and power inductors (semi-open vs. enclosed).

Foxconn

? N5VM2AA & N5M2AA

1. Foxconn N5VM2AA-EKRS2H
   
   • Specs: nForce4-4X. Active. HT 800MHz. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2/4*. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
2. Foxconn N5VM2AA-KRS2H
   
   • Specs: nForce4-4X. Active. HT 800MHz. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2/4*. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
3. Foxconn N5M2AA-EKRS2H
   
   • Specs: nForce4. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2/4*. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: N5VM2AA and N5M2AA are identical apart form chipset.

Inno3D

1. Inno3D SM2NF4A
   
   • Specs: nForce4. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,-),(8,8)/1*/3. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, coaxial S/PDIF in & out, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

Jetway

1. Jetway M2GTA-4VP
   
   • Specs: nForce4-4X. Passive. HT 1000MHz. 2 DIMMs. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/4*. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
2. Jetway M2GTA-SVP
   
   • Specs: nForce4. Passive. 2 DIMMs. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/4*. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: M2GTA-4VP and M2GTA-SVP are identical apart from chipset.
3. Jetway M2GTS-SVP
   
   • Specs: nForce4. Passive. 2 DIMMs. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/4*. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: M2GTA-SVP and M2GTS-SVP are identical except that M2GTS-SVP has 2 serial ports in the rear panel.

MSI

1. MSI K9N4 Ultra-F
   
   • Specs: nForce 500 Ultra. Passive. 2 DIMMs. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/3*. PATA/SATA: 2/4, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com ($56.99)

_____________________
ATX Motherboard ? SLI x8
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Albatron

1. Albatron K8SLI-AM2
   
   • Specs: nForce4 SLI. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 3@(-,16,-),(8,-,8)/1/3. PATA/SATA: 2/4, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, AC'97 Audio, coaxial S/PDIF in & out, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

ASUS

1. ASUS M2N4-SLI
   
   • Specs: nForce 500 SLI. Passive. Support for ECC memory. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,-),(8,8)/2*/2. PATA/SATA: 2/4, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, coaxial S/PDIF out, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 400MHz, CPU: ?, DRAM: 1.95V, Max CG: ?
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com ($99.99)
2. ASUS M2N-E SLI
   
   • Specs: nForce 500 SLI. Passive. Support for ECC memory. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,-),(8,8)/2*/2. PATA/SATA: 2/4, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, CM6501 7.1 Ch. UAA USB Audio, coaxial S/PDIF out, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 400MHz, CPU: ?, DRAM: 1.95V, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: M2N4-SLI and M2N-E SLI are identical apart from audio codec and the support for IEEE 1394 (and PCB color).
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $89.99
3. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition
   
   • Specs: nForce 500 SLI. Passive. Support for ECC memory. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,-),(8,8)/2*/2. PATA/SATA: 2/4, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, CM6501 7.1 Ch. UAA USB Audio, coaxial S/PDIF out, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 400MHz, CPU: ?, DRAM: 1.95V, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: This is basically identical with M2N-E SLI with all solid capacitors and ASUS AI Lifestyle Vista Edition Features (AI Remote, AP Trigger, ASUS Accelerated Propeller, TPM support).
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $114.99

DFI

1. DFI INFINITY NF SLI-M2
   
   • Specs: nForce4 SLI. Active. Support for ECC memory. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,2),(8,8)/1/3. PATA/SATA: 2/4, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, AC'97 Audio, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $79.99
2. DFI INFINITY NF SLI-M2/G
   
   • Specs: nForce4 SLI. Active. Support for ECC memory. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,2),(8,8)/1/3. PATA/SATA: 2/4, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, AC'97 Audio, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: Identical with INFINITY NF SLI-M2 apart from RoHS-compliance (suffix G indicates it).

GIGABYTE

1. GA-M55SLI-S4 (rev. 1.0)
   
   • Specs: nForce4 SLI. Passive. Support for ECC memory. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,-),(8,8)/3*/2. PATA/SATA: 2/4, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, AC'97 Audio, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 456MHz, CPU: 1.75V, DRAM: 2.1V, Max CG: ?
   • Availability: Yes. PriceGrabber.com: $90.95
2. GA-M55SLI-S4 (rev. 2.0)
   
   • Specs: nForce4 SLI. Active. Support for ECC memory. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,-),(8,8)/3*/2. PATA/SATA: 2/4, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, AC'97 Audio, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 456MHz, CPU: 1.75V, DRAM: 2.1V, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: Rev. 2.0 comes with enclosed power inductors and active cooling.

Jetway

1. Jetway M2GT4-SVG
   
   • Specs: nForce4. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 3@(-,16,-),(8,-,8)/1/3. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, AC'97 Audio, coaxial S/PDIF in & out, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: SLI-ready. What you need is an SLI bridge.
2. Jetway M2GT4-SOG
   
   • Specs: nForce4. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 3@(-,16,-),(8,-,8)/1/3. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, AC'97 Audio, coaxial S/PDIF in & out, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: SLI-ready. What you need is an SLI bridge. The difference between SVG and SOG is that SOG features embedded capacitors.
3. Jetway M2GT4-LDG
   
   • Specs: nForce4 SLI. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 3@(-,16,-),(8,-,8)/1/3. PATA/SATA: 2/4, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, AC'97 Audio, coaxial S/PDIF in & out, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: Identical with M2GT4-SOG except for chipset.
4. Jetway M2GT4NB
   
   • Specs: nForce4. Active. 2 DIMMs. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 3@(-,16,-),(8,-,8)/1/2. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, coaxial S/PDIF in & out, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: SLI-ready. What you need is an SLI bridge.

MSI

1. MSI K9N4 SLI
   
   • Specs: nForce 500 SLI. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,-),(8,8)/2*/2. PATA/SATA: 2/4, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com ($82.99)

___________________
Micro ATX Motherboard
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Jetway

1. Jetway M2GTM-4VP
   
   • Specs: nForce4-4X. Passive. HT 1000MHz. 2 DIMMs. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/1*. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
2. Jetway M2GTM-SVP
   
   • Specs: nForce4. Passive. 2 DIMMs. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/1*. PATA/SATA: 2/4, SATA at 1.5Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, 10/100Mbps LAN, 5.1 Ch. AC'97 Audio, no S/PDIF, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: M2GTM-4VP and M2GTM-SVP are identical apart from chipset.

 

[renethx]

_________________________________________________
9. NVIDIA nForce 500 Series for AMD Chipset Motherboards
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______
Chipset
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NVIDIA released nForce 500 Series featuring a new MCP, dubbed MCP55, along with AMD AM2 processors. The Socket AM2 version of nForce4 is also included in this series (I listed them in the chapter "NVIDIA nForce4 for AMD Chipset Motherboards"). Distinctive features of nForce 500 Series are

• 8 more PCI Express lanes
• Dual native Gb LAN
• HD Audio

Later NVIDIA released another subseries to replace the original series featuring a stripped-down version of MCP55 (the first two of the above were dropped), dubbed MCP65.

Models

• nForce 550 for mainstream users, released on May 23, 2006
• nForce 570 Ultra for performance users, released on May 23, 2006
• nForce 570 SLI for performance gamers, released on May 23, 2006
• nForce 590 SLI for enthusiasts, released on May 23, 2006
  
• nForce 520 LE for value users, released in April 2007?
• nForce 520 for mainstream users, released in January 2007?
• nForce 560 for mainstream users, released in May 2007?
• nForce 570 LT SLI for performance gamers, released in July 2007?

Chipset

MCP55

• nForce 550 (MCP55S; NF550-N-A2)
  • HT 1000MHz
  • 20 PCI Express lanes with 5 fixed links 16,1,1,1,1
  • 1 x PATA, 4 x SATA at 3.0Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, NCQ, Hot-Plug
  • Native Gb LAN, HD Audio, 10 x USB 2.0
• nForce 570 Ultra (MCP55 Ultra; NF570-N-A2)
  • HT 1000MHz
  • 20 PCI Express lanes with 5 fixed links 16,1,1,1,1
  • 1 x PATA, 6 x SATA at 3.0Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, NCQ, Hot-Plug
  • Dual native Gb LAN, HD Audio, 10 x USB 2.0
  • FirstPacket Technology, DualNet with Teaming, TCP/IP Acceleration
• nForce 570 SLI (MCP55P; MCP55-P-N-A1 or NF570-SLI-N-A2)
  • HT 1000MHz
  • 28 PCI Express lanes with 6 flexible links such as 16,8,1,1,1,1 or 8,8,1,1,1,1 (SLI mode)
  • 1 x PATA, 6 x SATA at 3.0Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, NCQ, Hot-Plug
  • Dual native Gb LAN, HD Audio, 10 x USB 2.0
  • FirstPacket Technology, DualNet with Teaming, TCP/IP Acceleration
• nForce 590 SLI (C51XE + MCP55P/PXE; C51XE-N-A2 or NF-SPP-190-N-A2 + NF570-SLI-N-A2/NF590-SLI-N-A2)
  • HT 1000MHz
  • 46 PCI Express lanes with 9 flexible links 16,16,8,1,1,1,1,1,1
  • 1 x PATA, 6 x SATA at 3.0Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, NCQ, Hot-Plug
  • Dual native Gb LAN, HD Audio, 10 x USB 2.0
  • FirstPacket Technology, DualNet with Teaming, TCP/IP Acceleration
  • LinkBoost Technology (MCP55PXE only). This feature was removed in Q2 2007 (perhaps because of instability problems and no performance gain) and hence the MCP was replaced by MCP55P.

MCP65

• nForce 520 LE (MCP65V; NF520LE-A2)
  • HT 1000MHz
  • 19 PCI Express lanes with 3 fixed links 16,1,1
  • 1 x PATA, 2 x SATA at 3.0Gbps, RAID 0/1/JBOD, NCQ, Hot-Plug
  • Native 10/100Mbps LAN, HD Audio, 8 x USB 2.0
• nForce 520 (MCP65S; NF520-A2)
  • HT 1000MHz
  • 19 PCI Express lanes with 4 fixed links 16,1,1,1
  • 1 x PATA, 4 x SATA at 3.0Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, NCQ, Hot-Plug
  • Native 10/100Mbps LAN, HD Audio, 10 x USB 2.0
• nForce 560 (MCP65GT; NF560-A3)
  • HT 1000MHz
  • 19 PCI Express lanes with 4 fixed links 16,1,1,1
  • 1 x PATA, 4 x SATA at 3.0Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, NCQ, Hot-Plug
  • Native Gb LAN, HD Audio, 10 x USB 2.0
  • FirstPacket Technology
• nForce 570 LT SLI (MCP65P; NF570LT-SLI-A2)
  • HT 1000MHz
  • 19 PCI Express lanes with 4 flexible links 16,1,1,1 or 8,8,1,1
  • 1 x PATA, 6 x SATA at 3.0Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, NCQ, Hot-Plug
  • Native Gb LAN, HD Audio, 10 x USB 2.0
  • FirstPacket Technology

SPP

• C51XE
  • The discrete graphics version of the C51 SPP (GeForce 6-Series SPP).
  • 18 PCI Express lanes with 3 links 16,1,1

MCP

• MCP55S/Ultra/P/PXE
  • There are 4 vesions of MCP55 all of which look the same. However not all features in the below are available in each version.
  • HT 1000MHz
  • 28 PCI Express lanes with 6 flexible links such as 16,8,1,1,1,1
  • 1 x PATA, 6 x SATA at 3.0Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, NCQ, Hot-Plug
  • Dual native Gb LAN, HD Audio, 10 x USB 2.0
  • FirstPacket Technology, DualNet with Teaming, TCP/IP Acceleration
  • LinkBoost Technology
• MCP65V/S/GT/P
  • There are 4 vesions of MCP65 all of which look the same. However not all features in the below are available in each version.
  • HT 1000MHz
  • 19 PCI Express lanes with 4 flexible links 16,1,1,1 or 8,8,1,1
  • 1 x PATA, 6 x SATA at 3.0Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, NCQ, Hot-Plug
  • Native Gb LAN, HD Audio, 10 x USB 2.0
  • FirstPacket Technology

References

MCP55

• AMDZone ? Socket AM2: Athlon 64 FX62 , X2 5000+ and nForce 500 Review (June 22, 2006)
• AnandTech ? nForce 500: nForce4 on Steroids? (May 24, 2006)
• bit-tech.net ? NVIDIA's nForce 500-series chipset (May 23, 2006)
• PC Perspective ? nForce 590 SLI and XPress 3200 Chipsets - AM2 Battle (May 24, 2006)
• Digit-Life ? NVIDIA nForce 500 Chipsets for AMD Processors (May 27, 2006)
• Elite Bastards ? NVIDIA nForce 500 series technology preview (May 23, 2006)
• ExtremeTech ? AM2 Chipsets: nForce 500 and CrossFire Xpress 3200 (May 24, 2006)
• Guru of 3D ? NVIDIA nForce 590 + AMD FX-62 (May 21, 2006)
• Hardware Zone ? NVIDIA nForce 500 Chipset Family (Socket AM2) (May 23, 2006)
• Reg Hardware ? Nvidia nForce 500 Socket AM2 chipset series (May 23, 2006)
• Sudhian ? NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI Review (May 23, 2006)
• techPowerUp! ? NVIDIA nForce 500 Preview (May 23, 2006)
• TweakTown ? nVidia nForce 500 Series for Socket AM2 - What's new nVidia? (September 18, 2006)
• Viper Lair ? NVIDIA nForce 500 Series Technology (May 23, 2006)
• XTreview.com ? NVIDIA nForce 500 vs. ATI CrossFire 3200 Chipset Review (June 16, 2006)

MCP65

• XTreview.com ? MCP72 and MCP65: New NVIDIA Chipset (May 24, 2007)

_______________________
ATX Motherboard ? Non-SLI
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abit

KN9S, KN9 Ultra and KN9 SLI are using the same PCB.

1. abit KN9S
   
   • Specs: nForce 550. Passive-heatpipe. Support for ECC memory. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/3*/2. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, no S/PDIF, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 400MHz, CPU: 2.1V, DRAM: 2.3V, Max CG: ?
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $79.99
2. abit KN9 Ultra
   
   • Specs: nForce 570 Ultra. Passive-heatpipe. Support for ECC memory. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/3*/2. PATA/SATA: 1/6, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, dual Gb LAN, optical S/PDIF out, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 400MHz, CPU: 2.1V, DRAM: 2.3V, Max CG: 250MHz (Phoronix)
   • Reviews: Phoronix
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $109.99

ASUS

1. ASUS M2N-E
   
   • Specs: nForce 570 Ultra. Passive-heatpipe. Support for ECC memory. PCIe x16/PCIe x4/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/1/2*/3. PATA/SATA: 1/6, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, AD1988 HD Audio, coaxial S/PDIF out, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 400MHz, CPU: +0.05V, DRAM: 1.95V, Max CG: 220MHz (X-bit labs)
   • Reviews: X-bit labs, iXBT.com
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $99.99

BIOSTAR

1. BIOSTAR NF550 AM2
   
   • Specs: nForce 550. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2*/4. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
2. BIOSTAR TForce 550 (1.0/1.1/1.2/1.3)
   
   • Specs: nForce 550. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2*/4. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 450MHz, CPU: 2.31V, DRAM: 2.1V, Max CG: 340MHz (PenStar Systems)
   • Notes: Ver 1.0 uses ALC861-VD audio codec, while the rest ALC883. The difference between 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 is unclear. Super I/O chipset may be different.
   • Reviews: Digit Life, Hard|OCP, Motherboards.org, PenStar Systems
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $79.99
3. BIOSTAR TForce 550 SE (5.x)
   
   • Specs: nForce 550. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2*/4. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 450MHz, CPU: 2.31V, DRAM: 2.1V, Max CG: >300MHz
   • Notes: The difference between the vanilla and the SE is audio codec (ALC883 vs. ALC888).
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $72.99
4. BIOSTAR TForce 570 U (5.x)
   
   • Specs: nForce 570 Ultra. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/3*/3. PATA/SATA: 1/6, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 450MHz, CPU: 1.725V, DRAM: 2.1V, Max CG: ?
5. BIOSTAR TForce 570 U Deluxe
   
   • Specs: nForce 570 Ultra. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/3*/3. PATA/SATA: 1/6, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, dual Gb LAN, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 450MHz, CPU: 1.725V, DRAM: 2.1V, Max CG: 290MHz (Overclockers Online)
   • Notes: The difference between the vanilla and the Deluxe is single vs. dual Gb LAN and ALC888 vs. ALC883 (ALC888 is better than ALC883!).
   • Reviews: Overclockers Online

DFI

1. DFI INFINITY NF550-M2/G
   
   • Specs: nForce 550. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,1)/1/3. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: 310MHz (a user)
2. DFI INFINITY NF570-M2/G
   
   • Specs: nForce 570 Ultra. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,1)/1/3. PATA/SATA: 1/6, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: The difference between NF550 and NF570 is NF570 comes with 2 more SATA ports and supports for RAID 5.
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $99.99

ECS

1. ECS MCP55M-A (V1.0)
   
   • Specs: nForce 550. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2*/2. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

GIGABYTE

1. GIGABYTE GA-M55S-S3 (rev. 1.0)
   
   • Specs: nForce 550. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/4*/2. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 500MHz, CPU: 1.55V, DRAM: 2.5V, Max CG: ?
2. GIGABYTE GA-M55S-S3 (rev. 1.1)
   
   • Specs: nForce 550. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/4*/2. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 500MHz, CPU: 1.55V, DRAM: 2.5V, Max CG: ?
3. GIGABYTE GA-M55S-S3 (rev. 2.0)
   
   • Specs: nForce 550. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/4*/2. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 500MHz, CPU: 1.55V, DRAM: 2.5V, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: Apart from minor changes of cooling, power inductors and header positions, the difference between rev. 1.0, rev. 1.1 and rev. 2.0 is that rev. 2.0 supports ECC memory and RAID 5.

MSI

1. MSI K9N Neo-F
   
   • Specs: nForce 550. Passive. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/2*/3. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, no S/PDIF, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: 2.1V, Max CG: 238MHz (Rbmods.com)
   • Reviews: Rbmods.com
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $72.99
2. MSI K9N Ultra-2F
   
   • Specs: nForce 570 Ultra. Passive. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 1/3*/3. PATA/SATA: 1/6, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, dual Gb LAN, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 425MHz, CPU: 1.4V, DRAM: 2.45V, Max CG: 240MHz (Digital-Daily)
   • Reviews: Digital-Daily
3. MSI K9N Platinum
   
   • Specs: nForce 570 Ultra. Passive. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,1)/2*/3. PATA/SATA: 1/6, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, dual Gb LAN, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 425MHz, CPU: 1.4V, DRAM: 2.45V, Max CG: 275MHz (Hardware Zone)
   • Notes: The board uses the same PCB as K9N Ultra-2F (apart from color), with a heatsink on MOSFET, a PCI Express x16 slot @1 and IEEE 1394.
   • Reviews: BCCHardware, Digit-Life, Hardware Zone, Legion Hardware, Noticias 3D

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ATX Motherboard ? SLI x8
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abit

1. abit KN9 SLI
   
   • Specs: nForce 570 SLI. Passive-heatpipe. Support for ECC memory. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,8),(8,8)/2*/2. PATA/SATA: 1/6, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, dual Gb LAN, optical S/PDIF out, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 400MHz, CPU: 2.1V, DRAM: 2.3V, Max CG: 300MHz (VR-Zone)
   • Reviews: bit-tech.net, CPU3D, Hard|OCP, HardwareLogic, HEXUS.net, Motherboards.org, Noticias 3D, PC Pro, VR-Zone
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $99.99

ASUS

1. ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe
   
   • Specs: nForce 570 SLI. Passive-heatpipe. Support for ECC memory. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,8),(8,8)/2*/3. PATA/SATA/eSATA: 1/7/1, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, dual Gb LAN, AD1988B HD Audio, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 400MHz, CPU: 1.5625V, DRAM: 2.5V, Max CG: 220MHz (X-bit labs), 315MHz (a user)
   • Reviews: X-bit labs
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $134.99

BIOSTAR

1. BIOSTAR TF570 SLI (5.x)
   
   • Specs: nForce 570 SLI. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,8),(8,8)/2*/3. PATA/SATA: 1/6, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, dual Gb LAN, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 400MHz, CPU: 1.5625V, DRAM: 2.5V, Max CG: 220MHz (X-bit labs), 315MHz (a user)
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $84.99

DFI

1. DFI INFINITY NF570 SLI-M2/G
   
   • Specs: nForce 570 SLI. Active. Support for ECC memory. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,8),(8,8)/1/3. PATA/SATA: 1/6, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $129.99

Foxconn

? N5M2AB & N5UM2AB

This series supports SLI x8. The "U" version supports 6 SATA ports and RAID 5

1. Foxconn N5M2AB-8EKRS2H
   
   • Specs: nForce 550. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,-),(8,8)/1*/3. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
2. Foxconn N5M2AB-8KRS2H
   
   • Specs: nForce 550. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,-),(8,8)/1*/3. PATA/SATA: 1/4, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
3. Foxconn N5UM2AB-8EKRS2H
   
   • Specs: nForce 570 Ultra. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,-),(8,8)/1*/3. PATA/SATA: 1/6, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?
4. Foxconn N5UM2AB-8KRS2H
   
   • Specs: nForce 570 Ultra. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,-),(8,8)/1*/3. PATA/SATA: 1/6, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, no S/PDIF (need an optional bracket), IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: ?, CPU: ?, DRAM: ?, Max CG: ?

? N570SM2AA

A genuine nForce 570 SLI chipset motherboard.

1. Foxconn N570SM2AA-8EKRS2H
   
   • Specs: nForce 570 SLI. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,-),(8,8)/2*/2. PATA/SATA/eSATA: 2/7/1, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, dual Gb LAN, support for Dolby Home Theater, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 450MHz, CPU: +0.2V, DRAM: 2.4V, Max CG: 274MHz (Digital-Daily)
   • Reviews: Digital-Daily, HEXUS.net, Ninjalane
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com: $123.99

Inno3D

1. Inno3D SM2550A
   
   • Specs: nForce 550. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,-),(8,8)/2*/2. PATA/SATA: 1/6, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, coaxial S/PDIF in & out, no IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 600MHz, CPU: +0.175V, DRAM: 1.95V, Max CG: ?
   • Notes: Despite the chipset, the board supports SLI x8 and 6 SATA drives.

Jetway

1. Jetway M25GT4-SOG
   
   • Specs: nForce 550. Active. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 2@(16,-),(8,8)/2*/3. PATA/SATA: 1/6, RAID 0/1/01/JBOD, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 500MHz, CPU: 1.55V, DRAM: 2.5V, Max CG: ?

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ATX Motherboard ? SLI x16
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Reserved 124

 

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10. NVIDIA nForce 600a Series Chipset Motherboards
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Chipset
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NVIDIA released nForce 680a SLI chipset for the AMD Quad FX platform. Currently this is the only chipset for this platform. Basically nForce 680a SLI is composed of two nForce 570 SLI chipsets, each providing a PCI Express x16 link and a PCI Express x8 link, thus initially called 4x4 (4 CPU cores and 4 GPU cores).

Models

• nForce 680a SLI for multimedia enthusiasts, released on November 30, 2006

Chipset

• nForce 680a SLI (MCP55PXE + MCP55PXE)
  • HT 1000MHz, Athlon 64 FX Socket F (1207 FX) (Socket L1) only
  • 56 PCI Express lanes with 12 links 16,16,8,8,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1
  • 2 x PATA, 12 x SATA at 3.0Gbps, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, NCQ, Hot-Plug
  • 4 x native Gb LAN, HD Audio, 20 x USB 2.0
  • FirstPacket Technology, DualNet with Teaming, TCP/IP Acceleration
  • LinkBoost Technology. This feature was removed in Q2 2007 (perhaps because of instability problems and no performance gain).

References

• AnandTech ? AMD's Quad FX: Technically Quad Core (November 30, 2006)
• Hard|OCP ? AMD Athlon 64 FX-74 & Quad FX Platform Review (November 30, 2006)
• HEXUS.net ? AMD Quadfather ? first part of an epic trilogy? (November 24, 2006)
• HEXUS.net ? AMD's '4x4' Quad-FX platform unveiled and benchmarked (November 30, 2006)
• HEXUS.net ? AMD QuadFX pushed to the limit... and beyond (January 18, 2007)
• Legit Reviews ? AMD Quad FX System Review with FX-74 Processors (November 29, 2006)
• The Tech Report ? AMD's Quad FX platform (November 30, 2006)
• Tom's Hardware Guide ? AMD's 4x4 Platform & Athlon 64 FX-70: Brute Force Quad Cores (November 30, 2006)
• X-bit labs ? Quad-Core from AMD: Quad FX Platform Review (November 29, 2006)

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ATX Motherboard
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1. ASUS L1N64-SLI WS
   
   • Specs: nForce 680a SLI. Passive-heatpipe/Passive-heatpipe. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI: 4@(16,16,8,8)/1*/1 supporting SLI. PATA/SATA/eSATA: 1/12/1, RAID 0/1/01/5/JBOD, dual native Gb LAN, AD1988B 7.1 Ch. HD Audio, coaxial & optical S/PDIF outs, IEEE 1394
   • BIOS: CG: 400MHz, CPU: 1.425V, DRAM: 2.500V, Max CG: 250MHz (X-bit labs)
   • Availability: Yes. Newegg.com ($304.99)