Preview - MSI K9N SLI Platinum (NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI)
Can't get enough of AMD Socket AM2 information? Well we have more for you right here. We've gotten our hands on some choice hardware and we'd like to invite you to a sneak preview of MSI's K9N SLI Platinum featuring NVIDIA's nForce 570 SLI MCP. And yes, it's a Socket AM2 motherboard.
AMD Socket AM2 - More Memory and Pin Shuffling
AMD's move towards their next generation platform change has so far trudged along secretly, which is uncharacteristic of the bold and often outspoken microprocessor giant. Of course, one cannot still consider it a secret since AMD's plans for a new socket design has been leaked months before. Just like when AMD moved from the single channel DDR Socket 754 to the dual channel DDR Socket 939, Socket AM2 will be AMD's next generation platform to finally embrace DDR2 memory technology. Ever since information about Socket AM2 has been released onto the masses, there has been much speculation on its performance due to DDR2 latency timings in conjunction with the Athlon 64's integrated memory design as well as AMD's silicon problems. While these performance issues cannot really be commented upon until NDAs have been lifted after the launch of the Socket AM2 processors, we can confirm at this stage that AMD will officially be supporting memory speeds up to DDR2-800.
By the time Socket AM2 processors are launched in June, it is expected that DDR2-800 memory will not only be in good supply, but will come in at an attractive price, working well for AMD. Remember, Intel is also set to launch official support for DDR2-800 around the same time, so by the second half of this year, you can expect a high demand for DDR2. Other enhancements that are supposed to make its way into the AM2 CPUs include AMD's Pacifica virtualization technology, lower TDP versions and a brand new cooler retention mechanism.
If you still have a little question nagging at the back of your head in regards to compatibility, we'll answer it for you. No. The Socket AM2 is a new 940-pin socket design that is incompatible with all current AMD CPUs including the 940-pin Opterons. Because of memory controller differences, this is more or less to ensure users do not install the wrong CPUs into a Socket AM2 motherboard.
MSI K9N SLI Platinum Teaser
MSI is one of the first manufacturers to have released information about their upcoming AM2 motherboards and only very recently unveiled their K9N family. We at www.hardwarezone.com® have gotten our hands on a sample of the high-end MSI K9N SLI Platinum and although we are unable to provide performance benchmark results due to this little thing called an NDA, we can show you what to expect from the next generation Socket AM2 motherboard.
MSI's upcoming Socket AM2 SLI performer, the K9N SLI Platinum.
The K9N SLI Platinum is currently the highest end Socket AM2 motherboard that has been announced from MSI . It is based on the brand new nForce 570 SLI chipset, with dual PCIe x8 SLI support and boasts expanded MCP features. This includes a full array of six SATA 3.0Gbps connectors and dual Gigbit LAN. NVIDIA has also finally done away with AC'97 audio and while its still no 'SoundStorm 2', the nForce 570 SLI will support Azalia HD Audio. The K9N series is also supposed to come with the new version of MSI's CoreCell technology as well, dubbed Dual CoreCell, but less talk and more of the board.
The technical specifications below are currently based on the publicly available information from MSI and NVIDIA, but bear in mind that specifications may still change before the official launch dates.
Socket AM2, Memory and the nForce 570 SLI
The new Socket AM2 looks similar to Socket 940 from afar and uses the same locking mechanism, but the locations of the notches are different so one cannot mistakenly insert a Socket 940 CPU into the Socket AM2.
Notice something different? No, not the socket, we've already covered that. AMD has taken the time to redesign the reference retention unit as well. Unfortunately, this means that almost all current AMD based coolers cannot be mounted, unless they have a modular retention system.
Sturdier locking mechanism will be used for the AM2 retention unit.
Finally, not only does the AMD crowd get DDR2 support, the K9N SLI Platinum will support up to 8GB of installable memory. With Windows Vista and increasingly hungry applications, you'll be glad for increased memory capacity.
"My what a big heatsink you have". Our guess is that the nForce 570 SLI MCP runs hot and instead of going with a taller heatsink, MSI kept it low profile, but elongated.
Removing the heatsink shows the single chip nForce 570 SLI MCP.
The NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI up close. As it is still an engineering sample. It goes by the codename MCP55P.
Storage, Audio and Other Juicy Bits
Design-wise, MSI has done a good job with component placement. Notice however, that the K9N SLI Platinum only features one IDE port. Has the NVIDIA followed suit of Intel and done away with more IDE connections?
One less IDE port, but the six SATA connectors you see here are all controlled by the chipset, full SATA 3.0Gbps, NCQ, MediaShield and now with RAID 5 even.
Dual Gigabit LAN isn't such a big feat these days, that is until you realize that both these chips are PHYs, which mean that the board features two Gigabit MACs in the nForce 570 SLI MCP itself.
It started with the nForce 400 series that paired with the GeForce 6000 series IGP chipsets, but the new nForce 500 series MCPs will all support HD Audio. Good-bye AC'97. The ALC883 HD-Audio CODEC from Realtek seen here is the very latest version that is Windows Vista ready.
Full range of USB, FireWire, RJ45, audio and legacy connections are available on the rear I/O.
Rather standard expansion slot layout for an SLI or dual graphics enabled motherboard. Two full PCIe x16 slots, two PCIe x1 and three PCI, with the last orange one being MSI's souped up Communications Slot.
There is no revival of MSI's Active MOS cooling, just a rather large heatsink block screwed to the PCB.
Well that's it for now, we'll definitely have a full review up once the products are officially launched. However, keep your eyes peeled at this space as we have another surprise coming soon.
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