The
quad-core/dual Core AMD platform is about to come of age, and MSI have release
their flagship to carry this product through to the users hearts. It uses the
AMD 790FX chipset, which has native support for AMD’s new generation Socket
AM2+ with dual channel DDR2 800/1066. It is also able to support features such as the new Quad Core Phenom processors which
come with HyperTransport 3.0.
MSI
includes some of their proprietary technology such as Dual CoreCell with
software control, Dual CoreCenter, Quad
VGA CrossFire (Yes that’s four GPU’s working in tandem), HD 7.1 channel Sound
and the strange heatsink called the Circu-Pipe solution.
Trying to
forecast new technology before it begins is a tricky business, but the so
called “Quad VGA Crossfire” on this motherboard is really not a huge leap of
faith. Graphics cards in tandem is stepping up to three cards (called Tri-Fire)
in the coming season, and with the added advantage of being able to support
four cards (at some future date) this K9A2 Platinum edition gives you a little
security in terms of future proofing your options when you consider investing
in a flagship product.
The interesting,
yet strange heatpipe called Circu-Pipe, as seen on other models from MSI will hopefully
keep the 5 phase PWM cool enough. There is no mention of TDP and heat curves,
so it’s a little tricky to know at this early stage.
The short spec
list is below and for further info check out the MSI website.
- AMD 790FX chipset based
- Supports AMD Socket AM2+/AM2 Phenom, Athlon and Sempron processors
- 2 PCI-E x16 slots for full x16 speed CrossFire support
- 2 extra PCI-E x16 slot design for Quad VGA with x8 x8 x8 x8 speed.
- 4 dual channel DIMMs DDRII 533/667/800/1066 up to 8GB
- 10/100/1000 LAN port
- 7.1 channel surround Audio
- Supports 6 SATAII, SATA 1~6 supports RAID 0/1/0+1,5
- Extra SATA hardware RAID with SAS ready port
- 2 PCI-E x16, 2PCI-E x8, 1 PCI-E x1, 2 PCI slots
- 10x USB 2.0, 2x IEEE1394
- Dual CoreCell technology with D.O.T. Express
- Copper Pipeline Heatsink design