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Asus M4 Motherboards Do AMD Phenom II X6

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Asus is loading M4 motherboards with 6-core processor compatibility thanks to some tasty firmware.

While we have yet to wrap our fingers around the upcoming hexacore AMD Phenom II X6 "Thuban" processors, Asus isn't wasting any time getting primed and ready for the big reveal. The company said on Friday that its M4 series motherboards will receive a BIOS update providing compatibility with the new processor.

Asus provided a list of motherboards, shown below (model – chipset – bios):

  • M4A89GTD PRO - AMD 890GX/SB850 - 1104
  • M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 - AMD 890GX/SB850 - 1104
  • Crosshair III Formula - AMD 790FX/SB750 - 1503
  • M4N72-E - NVIDIA nForce 750a SLI - 2005
  • M4N82 DELUXE - NVIDIA nForce 980a SLI with NVIDIA NVCC and ESA support - 1803
  • M4N75TD - NVIDIA nForce 750a SLI supports NVIDIA Clock Calibration (NVCC) function - 0903
  • M4N98TD EVO - NVIDIA nForce 980a SLI supports NVIDIA Clock Calibration(NVCC) function - 0603
  • M4A79 Deluxe - AMD 790FX/SB750 - 3204
  • M4A79T Deluxe - AMD 790FX/SB750 - 3004
  • M4A78T-E - AMD 790GX/SB750 - 3204
  • M4A78-E - AMD 790GX/SB750 - 2405
  • M4A78-E SE - AMD 790GX/SB750 – 1405

Outside its 6-core readiness, Asus also pointed out another fine feature in the series: the Core Unlocker. This feature should take advantage of the Phenom II X6's overclocking abilities.

"Core Unlocker was developed by ASUS to easily activate latent AMD CPU cores," the company said in this press release. "Without requiring any additional upgrades, ASUS motherboards with Core Unlocker deliver more performance by unlocking extra CPU cores—providing more value. To experience an instant processing boost, users simply turn on a switch on the new M4A89 Series or intuitively press the number "4" key during the power-on self test in existing M4 series motherboards."

Although AMD hasn't officially announced a release date, the Phenom II X6 chips are expected to feature a starting price of $199 for the 2.8 GHz Phenom II X6 1055T. The meatier 3.2 GHz Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition should cost around $295, however nothing is officially etched in stone.

AMD's Phenom II X6 chips are expected to hit the market sometime around April 26.

52 Comments Comment from the forums
  • icerock 27 March 2010 05:39
    yeah, with the core unlocker it's easy to unlock latent cores, but it depends on the cpu if the unlocked cores are stable or not ... so the performance boost is not guaranteed.
    Reply
  • ben850 27 March 2010 05:45
    2.8 ghz phenom II x6 for 199$????? F me sideways
    Reply
  • RazberyBandit 27 March 2010 05:47
    This is good news for ASUS owners. Let's hope other manufacturers follow suit.

    From that lineup, it would appear Thuban's are fully capable of being dropped into existing AM3, as well as AM2+ motherboards, provided they have the 790GX/FX and SB750 chipsets. Though, I see no mention specifically of the 790X Northbridge, as found in the M4A79XTD EVO.
    Reply
  • dco 27 March 2010 05:47
    wow if those price predictions are true that's insanely cheap, they're really putting up some hard competition for intel.
    Reply
  • scook9 27 March 2010 05:48
    dammmmmm

    beats the hell out of intels 6 core prices
    Reply
  • hunter315 27 March 2010 06:01
    Nice to know ASUS is keeping those of us who bought boards recently well updated. Glad to know my board will support Thuban, as i might end up grabbing one later in the year.
    Reply
  • yannifb 27 March 2010 06:01
    I am waiting for the 885g motherboard to build some HTPC's for people. Im hoping they'll have an ATI Radeon 5200 at least.
    Reply
  • yannifb 27 March 2010 06:01
    I am waiting for the 885g motherboard to build some HTPC's for people. Im hoping they'll have an ATI Radeon 5200 at least.
    Reply
  • 27 March 2010 06:23
    Oooh AMD every cycle I think im going to go back to using an Intel chip, bam theres another great deal. Ill have to see if Intel will have a similarly priced 6 core in the fall when I upgrade, but if not AMD prob will get another system out of me.

    I cant afford to spend more then $300 on a cpu; and I do a lot of rendering, so extra cores do provide a noticeable benefit. That 3.2 6 core to replace my old 4 core 2.6, sounds dreamy.

    I wonder if it can OC on air to 4ghz stable.
    Reply
  • mdillenbeck 27 March 2010 06:37
    Could you clarify if the prices you stated are expected MSRP or are they tray prices?

    I haven't purchased a quad core yet, and six 2.8 GHz cores might be worth while for video editing... but $$$ is a factor (just don't have $800 to build an i7 system right now).
    Reply