AMD RS780G - integrated graphics redefined!

[HEXUS]

AMD latest motherboard chipset - the RS780G - looks to completely redefine the market for integrated graphics. Unlike its rivals, it has power enough to run modern games and can pair with a low-cost discrete graphics card to boost performance even further.

Read more.

[Main]

Impressive stuff for an IGP motherboard!

I didn't think SB700 was ready just yet...

A bit of a pity the review wasn't a full motherboard review, since others have shown this particular one to be a decent overclocker too - in my experience another great benefit to these kinds of boards, as most IGP boards I've seen usually have the CPU options limited or non existent. Nice to see the option to get maximum value from your kit!

[Will101]

Tarinder, can you elaborate or possibly explain why HDMI output was "smooth if somewhat fuzzy"?

I'd be looking to upgrade to a 780G based HTPC with a very similar spec to your AMD test system but would want some reassuring that it would be fit for purpose! (i.e. play HD content via HDMI and achieve acceptable picture clarity and quality)

[GhostlVlan]

There's a video on youtube about the AMD 780 Chipset.

1-youtube.com/watch?v=rcbGV6Pfb6Q

[chrestomanci]

How is linux support for the chipset and the integrated graphics? I read the whole article and there was not a single mention.

My last Linux computer was AMD, my current one is Intel. When I built my current Linux box a couple of months ago, I would have loved to use AMD, and I would have sacrificed a little performance in order to do so, but at the time the only diecent chipsets with integrated graphics support where AMD/ATI based, and they have historicaly had very poor Linux support. I would like to know if this is the case with this latest effort.

The reason I would like to go for and AMD based system is because of their much better CPU scaling support. My old system, which I built in 2004 had good CPU scaling and could quickly switch between 3 clock speeds, the lowest of which was slow enough that the thermal output from the CPU was very low, so that my system ran cool and Quiet. More recent AMD CPU improve on that by allowing different cores to run at different speeds in order to better match the clock speed to the workload.

In contrast my Current Intel Core2Duo based system (see the 'My System' Link), only has two CPU frequencies, the slowest of which is 1600MHz, which is to fast and hot for background idling, and if any thread on the system maxes the CPU core it is on, the whole CPU has to switch to 2400MHz, wasting even more power.

[dangel]

Try this (very good) review: AMD's 780G chipset - The Tech Report - Page 1

I've got a media center to build soon for a friend and this thing looks amazingly perfect for the job

[directhex]

Originally Posted by chrestomanci

How is linux support for the chipset and the integrated graphics? I read the whole article and there was not a single mention.

My last Linux computer was AMD, my current one is Intel. When I built my current Linux box a couple of months ago, I would have loved to use AMD, and I would have sacrificed a little performance in order to do so, but at the time the only diecent chipsets with integrated graphics support where AMD/ATI based, and they have historicaly had very poor Linux support. I would like to know if this is the case with this latest effort.

you have to ask? hint: ati still don't support x3xxx cards in linux

The reason I would like to go for and AMD based system is because of their much better CPU scaling support. My old system, which I built in 2004 had good CPU scaling and could quickly switch between 3 clock speeds, the lowest of which was slow enough that the thermal output from the CPU was very low, so that my system ran cool and Quiet. More recent AMD CPU improve on that by allowing different cores to run at different speeds in order to better match the clock speed to the workload.

In contrast my Current Intel Core2Duo based system (see the 'My System' Link), only has two CPU frequencies, the slowest of which is 1600MHz, which is to fast and hot for background idling, and if any thread on the system maxes the CPU core it is on, the whole CPU has to switch to 2400MHz, wasting even more power.

i have 7 frequencies here (core2duo t7400) from 2.17ghz down to 1ghz

[chrestomanci]

Originally Posted by directhex

Originally Posted by chrestomanci

How is linux support for the chipset and the integrated graphics? I read the whole article and there was not a single mention.

you have to ask? hint: ati still don't support x3xxx cards in linux

Well not realy, but ATI claim that they have turned over a new leaf for graphics cards (They are actively supporting an open drivers project), so I wondered what their chipset support was like these days.

In any case, I would hope that in any hardware review of a new chipset or graphics card, the state of Linux support for it would be at least mentioned, and commented on. This chipset is clearly aimed at HPC and low cost applications, which are two areas where Linux is more likey to be used than on more high end systems. If I decide to build up a media Centre box, it won't be running windows my specialist Linux solutions like MythTV are available.

Originally Posted by directhex

Originally Posted by chrestomanci

The reason I would like to go for and AMD based system is because of their much better CPU scaling support.

i have 7 frequencies here (core2duo t7400) from 2.17ghz down to 1ghz

Is that a mobile CPU?

In any case, I think 1GHz is still to high, IMHO, the mimimum for any modern clock modifiable CPU, is changing the multipler from 1 up to the maximum the hardware supports, so for example on my Q6600, that should be from 400MHz (the FSB speed) up to the maximum of 2400MHz. A computer that is idling with no one using it does not have much work to do, so it should clock down to a low minimum to save power and heat.

Also, you may not be aware, but the CPU scaling drivers on windows laptops often report more clock frequences than the hardware supports. The extra frequencies come from the CPU spending some of it's time in a kind of sleep states, but these states don't save as much power as a true lower frequency clock, because the CPU voltage is not lowered to match.

[Koolpc]

http://download.amd.com/Desktop%20Launches/chipset1.swf

[Bob Crabtree]

Good link, thanks!

But it always strikes me as perverse to see online demos of HD footage being used to sell that feature to people who, presumably, don't have especially wonderful PCs to view it on.

Bob

[Methanoid]

When will X2 4850e actually be in the shops to buy with this great mobo?

[mrcunnin]

Ok so it looks like a great chipset. I especially like the idea of the hybrid graphics, powering the discrete graphics down while the extra performance isn't required.

However, does anyone know whether the crossfire and hybrid systems will work if one, say put a Radeon HD4850 in? All the info I can find, including the AMD website neglects to mention any HD4000 series compatability and only goes on about the HD3000 series.

Clearly the performace upgrade, if any of using crossfire with a 4850 is neglegible but the hybrid system sounds nice.

If anybody has any idea, please let me know

[staffsMike]

I think it is resticted to the HD3450/3470's.

That said as you point out, it's not really going to improve anything with an HD4850 anyway.

You could look at the nivdia chipset 8200/8300 which when used with an 9800GTX, turns the 9800 off when on the desktop doing 2D stuff to save power. Only problem is, it doesn't seem to work all that well. It stops the fan spinning and uses a little less power but apparently it's still being powered and gets a little hot.

[BUFF]

Originally Posted by mrcunnin

However, does anyone know whether the crossfire and hybrid systems will work if one, say put a Radeon HD4850 in? All the info I can find, including the AMD website neglects to mention any HD4000 series compatability and only goes on about the HD3000 series.

Clearly the performace upgrade, if any of using crossfire with a 4850 is neglegible but the hybrid system sounds nice.

It should work but downclock to thespeed of the lowest component (which will be the IGP) so you would be better off just running the 4850 & disabling the onboard than running CF with it & the IGP.

[mrcunnin]

Originally Posted by BUFF

It should work but downclock to thespeed of the lowest component (which will be the IGP) so you would be better off just running the 4850 & disabling the onboard than running CF with it & the IGP.

Shame! I'll have to investigate the 3000 series then - I presume these are better suited to crossfire with the 3200 IGP?

Thanks for the reply btw