Choosing A Motherboard

[essenbe]

I did find this list:

ASRock > Products > 890FX Deluxe4 > CPU Support List

But I find the number somewhat confusing, because they don't conform to the manner in which the processor was listed retail (HDT90ZFBGRBOX). Amazon's ad suggests this processor as an additional purchase with the motherboard, but then Amazon only cares about selling stuff.

That is the # of the 1090T CPU. It is seperate from the MB.

 

[seekermeister]

It does list AM3and AM3+ for the delux5 and only AM3 for the deluxe4.

I understand that. I'm probably being too picky, but I want something that specifically says that this particular AM3 processor will work.

 

[seekermeister]

I did find this list:

ASRock > Products > 890FX Deluxe4 > CPU Support List

But I find the number somewhat confusing, because they don't conform to the manner in which the processor was listed retail (HDT90ZFBGRBOX). Amazon's ad suggests this processor as an additional purchase with the motherboard, but then Amazon only cares about selling stuff.

That is the # of the 1090T CPU. It is seperate from the MB.

The number was given for reference. I understand that it is not part of the MB. I was trying to match it with the chart that I linked.

 

[seekermeister]

I went ahead and ordered it from Amazon, because they were much cheaper than anyone else, and just during the time that we have been discussing it on this thread, their shipping time increased from 2-4 weeks, to 2-5 weeks. Got the feeling that I have been generating sales for them. If I learn that there is a compatibility problem with my components, I will simply cancel the order...there's plenty of time for that.

 

[LiquidSnak]

LiquidSnak,

Good to know, but sisters don't always get along, and they don't necessarily travel in the same circles.

I've had minor problems with both, which were resolved immediately. I recommend both of them

 

[Britton30]

Seeker, are you going for the new Bulldozer 8-core CPU? It is supposed to be out soon. Q2 2011 was the projected release time, and that is nearly passed.

 

[seekermeister]

I sent a question to ASRock support, regarding whether my Nvidia GTX460 SC video card would work with this motherboard, and here is the response:

If you did not see any NVidia card is because this model is recommended to work a 100 better with ATI video cards .
Please check our website about Video card support list.

The only list that I found specifically for the 890FX Deluxe 4 only specified Crossfire, which is for multiple ATI cards. Does that mean that it wouldn't work with a single video card...even ATI? Here is a link:

ASRock > Products > 890FX Deluxe4 > CrossFire Support List

There is a more general list, which includes some Nvidia cards (not mine), but it does not include any AM3 motherboards, which I understand that this is:

http://www.asrock.com/support/vga.asp

Even this list doesn't have a column for a single card, does this mean that I need to also buy a new video card(s)?

 

[seekermeister]

Seeker, are you going for the new Bulldozer 8-core CPU? It is supposed to be out soon. Q2 2011 was the projected release time, and that is nearly passed.

No, I thought about getting the Deluxe 5, just for future proofing, but I already have a brand new 1090T, so the Deluxe 4 would be adequate.

 

[seekermeister]

I'm having a difficult time trying to decide whether to cancel my order on this motherboard. I could really use some opinions and insights.

 

[cmd187]

I'd recommend Asus not its offbrand:

Newegg.com - ASUS Crosshair IV Formula AM3 AMD 890FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

This is practically at the top of the AMD motherboard pile, but no Bulldozer support.

 

[seekermeister]

You may be right, but it would be difficult to justify paying ~ $75 additional for 2 less SATA connections, and about half of the USB connections (and no front USB 3 panel). I haven't checked but if the ASRock wouldn't play nice with my video card, I doubt that one would either, because outside of what I just mentioned, they look a lot the same.

 

[Britton30]

Descisions, descisions Support for CrossFire or SLI means only that the mobo can handle multiple Graphics cards and will certainly work for one.
If you slot matches the card's, it will work,

 

[cmd187]

Then go with the AsRock. Any GPU will work in any board if the slots match up and its PCI-E 2.0.

 

[Britton30]

another note is that AMD+ATI=1. They will promote ATI over nVIDIA but have to make them work, otherwise half the tech community will be alienated.

 

[seekermeister]

Descisions, descisions Support for CrossFire or SLI means only that the mobo can handle multiple Graphics cards and will certainly work for one.
If you slot matches the card's, it will work,

Yes, if they had SLI listed on this motherboard, I would feel much better, but they don't...only Crossfire with ATI video card.

The phraseology of the tech support's response that I posted above, is somewhat lacking, because 100 could mean 100% or 100 times better with ATI. Either way, it makes Nvidia look doubtful.

At the moment, I'm inclined to wait until the motherboard arrives and try it out, simply because I haven't found an alternative that I like better, but if it really does have a problem with my video card, I'm going to be a very unhappy camper after waiting so long.

 

[Britton30]

I understand Seeker, I had the same cryptic replies from Gigabyte support, choppy Chinese to English.

 

[seekermeister]

I may be way off on this, but after reading this article in News:

http://www.sevenforums.com/news/168...-until-nvidia-driver-updated.html#post1439790

It may the the reason for ASRock's lack of Nvidia support on the 8 series chips also. If that is so, then the problem should be limited to SLI configurations, and my single card should function normally...I hope.

 

[LiquidSnak]

The card should function normally. I have a pretty similar board, and an NVIDIA GPU. The trick is to remove thoroughly, or not install the drivers for the onboard ATI graphics.

 

[seekermeister]

That shouldn't be a problem, because if I understand correctly, this motherboard doesn't have any onboard graphics. However, the specs does list a Crossfire GPU, so I'm unclear as to what it does have.

 

[Britton30]

I may be way off on this, but after reading this article in News:

http://www.sevenforums.com/news/168...-until-nvidia-driver-updated.html#post1439790

Yeah I suspect it will support a single card, but they won't mention SLI until a completed driver is avaiable. The article doesn't mention the WHQL 275.33, it is referred to as BETA. I have one card so I can't test it.