Final thoughts and rating
AMD's 890GX is ultimately a comfortable step up from 785G and provides a bevy of useful upgrades for the end user. There isn't anything particularly revolutionary here, and there arguably won't be until AMD delivers its 32nm Fusion in 2011, but there's plenty to like in the interim.
Integrated support for SATA 6Gbps is an obvious-but-essential step in the right direction, and AMD's SB850 southbridge - connected north via a quick A-Link Express III interface - ensures there's ample bandwidth for board manufacturers to implement USB 3.0, as seen on the reviewed ASUS board.
The IGP, Radeon HD 4290, has also been given a modest upgrade. It retains the media-friendly features of Radeon HD 4200 - including hardware acceleration courtesy of UVD 2.0 - and provides a healthy bump in clock speeds. The die-hard HTPC user may be disgruntled at the lack of support for eight-channel LPCM audio, but it's a feature unlikely to be missed by most users.
In keeping with recent AMD chipsets, 890GX is once again an ideal base for an affordable high-end build. Users throwing infinite cash at their next system should continue to look at Intel's Core i7 architecture, but those on a budget can be assured that 890GX - starting at around £100 - will deliver plenty of value at under the £200 mark when combined with a dual-core Phenom II processor.
ASUS's implementation - retailing at under £130 with USB 3.0 - is particularly attractive, with a number of tweaking tools featured as standard. Core Unlocker, specifically, will appeal to the value-seekers out there, although results will be hit-or-miss.
If a decent IGP, SATA 6Gbps and USB 3.0 are features on your shopping list, 890GX and ASUS's M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 motherboard fits the bill.
The Good
Brings SATA 6Gbps and USB 3.0 to AMD platforms
Industry-leading IGP
Will support upcoming hexa-core Phenom II X6 processors
The Bad
A little too power hungry for our liking
Still no support for eight-channel LPCM audio
HEXUS Rating
We consider any product score above '50%' as a safe buy. The higher the score, the higher the recommendation from HEXUS to buy. Simple, straightforward buying advice.
The rating is given in relation to the category the component competes in, therefore the ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 motherboard is evaluated with respect to our 'mid-range' criteria.
ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3
HEXUS Awards
ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3
HEXUS Where2Buy
The ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 motherboard can be ordered from the following retailers:
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As always, UK-based HEXUS.community discussion forum members will benefit from the SCAN2HEXUS Free Shipping initiative, which will save you a further few pounds plus also top-notch, priority customer service and technical support backed up by the SCANcare@HEXUS forum. |
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HEXUS Right2Reply
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