AM3 790X/FX/GX confused ??

SBD · 17 Sep 2009 at 14:37

Hi guys I am a bit confused with AMDs AM3 platform :confused:

What are the differences between the 790X, 790FX, 790GX?

Basically I am upgrading from a C2D to AM3. I want to know which is the best motherboard to go for but I can not make an informed decision until I find out what the differences are and if I need any of the added benefits.

Cheers I hope it's a quick and easy answer hehe

5abr3 · 17 Sep 2009 at 14:41

FX appears to be the best from the specification list, GX and X appear to be very similar (GX carries onboard graphics whereas X does not).

Hope that shed at least some light on the subject.

Trunks9486 · 17 Sep 2009 at 14:43

790FX is the best chipset according to AMD.

790GX has an integrated graphics core while the 790X is reduced version of the FX. Not sure of the exact differences.

785G is considered by many to be better than the 790GX these days. They are cheaper and have a slightly updated graphics core.

Anyway, exact differences are minor, its more to the motheroard manufacturer and the quality of the specific board. What is your budget?

vanandjuanunited · 17 Sep 2009 at 14:44

slightly different features on each ie pci lanes etc. Depends if you want 2x 16 pcie lanes or not etc

Google should help to explain the differences.

SBD · 17 Sep 2009 at 14:47

Oh ok thanks I take it they can all unlock the extra core from a AMD Phenom II X3 Tri Core 720? I know that not all unlocks are successful hence why I am going for a tri core and not a dual core just to be safe

My budget is around £100-120 for the motherboard. But if i can save some cash then that can go towards something else.

Are there any problem running an Nvidia card? I will be upgrading to a 5850/70 when they come out so it isn't a major problem if it does

nathanc · 17 Sep 2009 at 16:24

The thing to look out for when it comes to core unlocking is the SB750 south bridge.
Some boards come with a lower spec north bridge but its the south bridge responsible for AOC or whatever it's called.

Fahim · 18 Sep 2009 at 16:00

Buy the MSI 790FX-GD70 Winki. It is the best motherboard for AM3 I think.

blaineoliver · 18 Sep 2009 at 22:51

No, go for the Gigabyte 790XT UD4P, i have the board, its a good known unlocker, clocks well, and its been rock solid for me

the1gooner · 18 Sep 2009 at 23:06

blaineoliver said:
No, go for the Gigabyte 790XT UD4P, i have the board, its a good known unlocker, clocks well, and its been rock solid for me

Hey can I ask what 3dmark06 score you get with your 4850?

I recently bought an X2 550 and Gigabyte 785G board and i was scoring worse in 3dmark06 than my Intel E5200 and G31 chipset board. My sm3.0 score was about 5k when it was 5.5k with the E5200.

I sold the 785G board as that is all I could put it down too. Everything that used the gpu heavily was 10-15% worse performance.