Results- SiSoft 2010 and HD Tach Hard Drive
SiSoft Sandra
I did a few CPU tests to ensure that the boards are running the CPU at near the same clockspeeds. If there is any significant difference in memory performance, then it could also show up in these results.
In terms of CPU performance, the slightly older 890GX board comes out behind. This is not a huge difference, but it could be a small issue due to the BIOS being used. In terms of memory performance the 890GX comes out slightly on top, though the same memory timings were used. This is something that is important, but is not exactly a make or break situation. Current AMD processors, even the latest 6 core products, do not seem too concerned with memory performance as long as it is over 12 GB/sec. Increasing the CPU’s integrated memory controller speed and going to DDR-3 1600 memory does show a performance gain, but with the IMC at stock clocks there is little actual difference between DDR-3 1333 and DDR-3 1600 memory speeds.
The HD controller results are essentially identical, with the 890GX coming just slightly ahead on a few tests. In these particular tests, the latest AMD southbridge is performing right where it is expected. SSD drives likely will further enhance the performance, but none were available to me for testing at this time.
HD Tach Hard Drive
The WD Caviar Black drive is a native SATA 6G unit. A second drive was attached to the AMD controller, so this and the previous test did not occur on the boot/OS drive.
In this test the 890FX comes up and beats the other board in burst and minimum transfer rates, but otherwise the results are very similar.