"Grouper" first look

[situman]

so any ideas when the xfire edition will show up?

[LowRun]

I'm definitely getting one ASAP and if i'm not disapointed, i'll get Halibut when it's out

[philter]

Damn, I can't belive they have gone for the UN-Dolby Digital Live Chip!!! I hope they're gonna fix it or I'm just gonna wait for the SB600 version, I'm a bit pissed coz I've been putting off going to 64bit untill I got my mints on a Grouper/Pure Mobo - and unless I read wrong was SURE Greyskull said it had the DDL feature. I may even get a ULi M1695/M1595 so I can at least use my 256Mb 9800XT then use that to build my daughters PC and get a Pure with DDL, VGA and SB600 they may be available by Spring!!!

[rsGTS]

Yeah I completely agree on that last post, why would they use the non DDL chip in a motherboard with this feature set?
Quoting anandtech:
'As the first implementation of Azalia HD audio on A64, the HD Realtek ALC880 features:

High-performance DACs with 100dB S/N ratio
ADCs with S/N ratio greater than 85dB
Meets performance requirements for audio on PC2001 systems
8 DAC channels support 16/20/24-bit PCM format for 7.1 audio solution
3 stereo ADCs support 16/20-bit PCM format, two for microphone array, one for legacy mixer recording
Supports 44.1K/48K/96K/192kHz DAC sample rate
All ADCs support 44.1K/48K/96K sample rate
Applicable for 4-channel/192kHz and 6-channel/96kHz DVD-Audio solutions
Up to four channels of microphone input are supported for AEC/BF application
High-quality differential CD input
Supports Power Off CD function
Supports external PCBEEP input and built-in BEEP generator
PCBEEP Pass-Through when link is in RESET state
Software selectable 2.5V/3.75V VREFOUT
Six VREFOUTs are supported by default, with additional four VREFOUTs available by sharing unused analog I/O pins
Two GPI (General Purpose Input) jack detection pins (each designed to detect 4 jacks)
16/20/24-bit S/PDIF-OUT supports 44.1K/48K/96kHz sample rate
16/20/24-bit S/PDIF-IN supports 44.1K/48K/96kHz sample rate
Optional EAPD (External Amplifier Power Down) supported
Power support: Digital: 3.3V; Analog: 3.3V/5.0V
Power management and enhanced power saving features
Compatible with AC'97
48-pin LQFP package (lead-free package also available)
Reserve analog mixer architecture for backward compatibility with AC'97
-64dB ~ +30dB with 1dB resolution of mixer gain to achieve finer volume control
Impedance sensing capability for each re-tasking jack
All analog jacks are stereo input and output re-tasking for analog plug & play
Built-in headphone amplifier for each re-tasking jack
Supports external volume knob control
Supports 2 GPIOs (General Purpose Input/Output) for customized applications
Hardware de-scrambling for DVD-Audio Content protection
Meets Microsoft WHQL/WLP 2.0 audio requirements
EAX™ 1.0 & 2.0 compatible
Direct Sound 3D™ compatible
A3D™ compatible
I3DL2 compatible
HRTF 3D Positional Audio
Emulation of 26 sound environments to enhance gaming experience
10 Software Equalizer Bands
Voice Cancellation and Key Shifting in Karaoke mode
Realtek Media Player
Enhanced Configuration Panel and device sensing wizard to improve user experience
Microphone Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) and Beam Forming (BF) technology for voice application
Mono/Stereo Microphone noise suppression
ALC880D features Dolby® Digital Live output for consumer equipment
It is worth noting that since ATI has implemented Azalia HD on the SB450, it is easy for manufacturers like Sapphire to add Dolby Digital Live with “D” versions of this chipset. For more information on the HD Realtek ALC880, go to the Realtek web site.'
If it has everything but the DDL output, I may just buy the AN8 ultra then buy the new one once they release it with DDL output, I would pay an extra 50 dollars just for that one feature, because it would save me a 100 dollar sound card purchase. If there is any of the manufacturers that are planning their first release with DDL capability, could any of you that know who they are let me know? I like the look of the sapphire board, but I REALLY want the DDL, I am building this system a a HD capable HTPC, I want HD and DDL for my DVD's and for my games as well, this system will be a beast and it will be exactly how I want it to be as far as features, my next upgrade will most likely not be until after the new socket release from AMD, so to you MB makers, I have disposible income and I will pay a premium for features that are important to me, so step up!!!
Thanks for all the posts, and thanks Grayskull for letting me know it does have optical, that is great, all we need is someone implementing it correctly now.

[Grayskull]

Your feedback is important. We'll look into this and provide appropriate feedback to the motherboard vendor(s).

But as someone mentioned, the "D" version of the 880 is drop in compatible. Feel free to provide feedback to the motherboard vendors yourselves.

Yeah I completely agree on that last post, why would they use the non DDL chip in a motherboard with this feature set?
Quoting anandtech:
'As the first implementation of Azalia HD audio on A64, the HD Realtek ALC880 features:

High-performance DACs with 100dB S/N ratio
ADCs with S/N ratio greater than 85dB
Meets performance requirements for audio on PC2001 systems
8 DAC channels support 16/20/24-bit PCM format for 7.1 audio solution
3 stereo ADCs support 16/20-bit PCM format, two for microphone array, one for legacy mixer recording
Supports 44.1K/48K/96K/192kHz DAC sample rate
All ADCs support 44.1K/48K/96K sample rate
Applicable for 4-channel/192kHz and 6-channel/96kHz DVD-Audio solutions
Up to four channels of microphone input are supported for AEC/BF application
High-quality differential CD input
Supports Power Off CD function
Supports external PCBEEP input and built-in BEEP generator
PCBEEP Pass-Through when link is in RESET state
Software selectable 2.5V/3.75V VREFOUT
Six VREFOUTs are supported by default, with additional four VREFOUTs available by sharing unused analog I/O pins
Two GPI (General Purpose Input) jack detection pins (each designed to detect 4 jacks)
16/20/24-bit S/PDIF-OUT supports 44.1K/48K/96kHz sample rate
16/20/24-bit S/PDIF-IN supports 44.1K/48K/96kHz sample rate
Optional EAPD (External Amplifier Power Down) supported
Power support: Digital: 3.3V; Analog: 3.3V/5.0V
Power management and enhanced power saving features
Compatible with AC'97
48-pin LQFP package (lead-free package also available)
Reserve analog mixer architecture for backward compatibility with AC'97
-64dB ~ +30dB with 1dB resolution of mixer gain to achieve finer volume control
Impedance sensing capability for each re-tasking jack
All analog jacks are stereo input and output re-tasking for analog plug & play
Built-in headphone amplifier for each re-tasking jack
Supports external volume knob control
Supports 2 GPIOs (General Purpose Input/Output) for customized applications
Hardware de-scrambling for DVD-Audio Content protection
Meets Microsoft WHQL/WLP 2.0 audio requirements
EAX™ 1.0 & 2.0 compatible
Direct Sound 3D™ compatible
A3D™ compatible
I3DL2 compatible
HRTF 3D Positional Audio
Emulation of 26 sound environments to enhance gaming experience
10 Software Equalizer Bands
Voice Cancellation and Key Shifting in Karaoke mode
Realtek Media Player
Enhanced Configuration Panel and device sensing wizard to improve user experience
Microphone Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) and Beam Forming (BF) technology for voice application
Mono/Stereo Microphone noise suppression
ALC880D features Dolby® Digital Live output for consumer equipment
It is worth noting that since ATI has implemented Azalia HD on the SB450, it is easy for manufacturers like Sapphire to add Dolby Digital Live with “D” versions of this chipset. For more information on the HD Realtek ALC880, go to the Realtek web site.'
If it has everything but the DDL output, I may just buy the AN8 ultra then buy the new one once they release it with DDL output, I would pay an extra 50 dollars just for that one feature, because it would save me a 100 dollar sound card purchase. If there is any of the manufacturers that are planning their first release with DDL capability, could any of you that know who they are let me know? I like the look of the sapphire board, but I REALLY want the DDL, I am building this system a a HD capable HTPC, I want HD and DDL for my DVD's and for my games as well, this system will be a beast and it will be exactly how I want it to be as far as features, my next upgrade will most likely not be until after the new socket release from AMD, so to you MB makers, I have disposible income and I will pay a premium for features that are important to me, so step up!!!
Thanks for all the posts, and thanks Grayskull for letting me know it does have optical, that is great, all we need is someone implementing it correctly now.

[rsGTS]

Thanks again for your prompt response Grayskull, people like you are the reason I am strictly ATI with my video card purchases, and I plan to be strictly ATI with MB purchases now that this beast is out
(Just bought a X850XT PE to go with my soon to be purchased Xpress200 MB)
I posted a topic on Sapphire's forums asking for DDL confirmation, or info on if it will have it in a revision.

http://www.sapphiretech.com/forum/to...TOPIC_ID=11961

All of you guys that want this feature speak up!! I want it bad but I am pretty sure that a lone voice will not be enough. (if it is I will be a Sapphire buyer for life)

Lets make me over the complete feature set this MB has, set that thread on fire!!!!!

Later

[7he]-[0rr0r]

I have piped up but I reiterate Dolby digital live Puh-lease pci slots are a premium here so i don't want to have to get a sound card especially knowing it should be able to do the task. Just knowing that might cause the hair on me arse to spontaneously combust.
how do i pm?

[IRQ Conflict]

Left Click username to pm.

Seems that Saphire has nuetered this board abit (pun intended). No IGP, No Post readout, No DDL, No second BIOS and or what ever those other sockets were for on the board shown previously.

Am I missing anything else?

[Mr. Tinker]

no pci-e x1 slots. 2 less sata slots.

[JamesAvery22]

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Sapphire/Gruper/

Anyone else think of that old genesis game alterbeasts when you see that "Power Up!" logo?

[jinu117]

Anyone else think of that old genesis game alterbeasts when you see that "Power Up!" logo?

Now that is getting old :P

[Tony]

Left Click username to pm.

Seems that Saphire has nuetered this board abit (pun intended). No IGP, No Post readout, No DDL, No second BIOS and or what ever those other sockets were for on the board shown previously.

Am I missing anything else?

The board only had one bios chip, the others were for rom files for sata etc.These files are now in bios.

remember the board is a direct copy of a reference design, so things will go missing.

I have a feeling the post code reader will be back though

[LowRun]

Left Click username to pm.

Seems that Saphire has nuetered this board abit (pun intended). No IGP, No Post readout, No DDL, No second BIOS and or what ever those other sockets were for on the board shown previously.

Am I missing anything else?

According to Anandtech's review, an IGP version is clearly expected.

The Intel side of the Radeon Xpress 200 came later, but ATI has also introduced, with little fanfare, the recent Jaguar board for Intel. This design will culminate in Stingray (Crossfire Intel), which ATI expects to introduce at the same time as Crossfire AMD. At that point, AMD and Intel will be equivalent ATI chipset options. While this chipset performance review talks about four main chipset solutions - AMD single GPU/Dual GPU and Intel Single GPU/Dual GPU - keep in mind that there are potentially 8 new chipset board combinations with the new ATI chipsets. There may also be an integrated graphics solution with any of these four combinations. Why would anyone want integrated graphics with this combination? Because you can run additional monitors simultaneously with the add-on graphics. This opens many interesting possibilities for multi-monitor solutions.

Sapphire will release the first in their new PURE motherboard series around August 5th. The top enthusiast board, based on the Grouper Reference Board, will be the PI-A9RX480. This is based on the discrete video version of the Radeon Xpress 200 chipset for AMD Athlon 64 Socket 939. There will also be another version based on the RS480 integrated graphics version of the same chipset.

[jinu117]

When is time for this again? My DFI NF4 Ultra D suddenly decided to play crap once again and can't overclock pas 225mhz FSB reliably... what A JOKE. I am getting pretty fed up with this erratic board and in need of something that I can trust on.... I will play around stock speed with sub zero cooling if it need to last another 2 weeks. I just can't think of myself spending money on not sure what I am going to get product (I unfortunately had bad experience right off the bat already once) which probably will not even last couple of weeks if release date is near. Hmmm... at least this DFI board has some nice components I can salvage later... Any rumors on timing of product available to people? :P

[djdorazio]

Too bad this board with the SB450 southbridge dosent support NCQ hard drives...

[Grayskull]

The onboard SI3132 does however.

Too bad this board with the SB450 southbridge dosent support NCQ hard drives...

[IRQ Conflict]

Thanx for pointing that out guy's! IGP on this board makes this guy very very happy!!!

[Mr. Tinker]

Somebody already has one.

...and it shall be carried at Newegg, and the people shall see that it is good.

[rsGTS]

Any new news?

Bump on my thread asking for Dolby Digital Live from Sapphire

Reply here please:

http://www.sapphiretech.com/forum/to...TOPIC_ID=11961

[crodan85]

http://www.cpucityshop.co.uk/forums/...ST&f=3&t=2298&

The owner said that they should be in stock in 3 weeks £125 + but I wouldnt be suprised if they show up later than 3 weeks.

Still at least we know there working there way to retail and int the uk

[don_vercetti]

i want them sooner, it's going to form the basis of my new computer and 3 weeks is far too long to wait.

OcUK said a month though, which is even worse!

[djdorazio]

The onboard SI3132 does however.

GreySkul

Please Explain.

Thanks

Dan

[Millyons]

well it seems that the board has the silicon image controler that supports NCQ

[crodan85]

i want them sooner, it's going to form the basis of my new computer and 3 weeks is far too long to wait.

OcUK said a month though, which is even worse!

A month I thought OCuk where special parnters with sahpire maybe not I bet ocuk will have them in before cpu city but I guess we will have to wait and see.

[madpete]

A month I thought OCuk where special parnters with sahpire maybe not I bet ocuk will have them in before cpu city but I guess we will have to wait and see.

I will most likely still order from CPUCITY, even if they turn out to be a few days behind OCUK. At least CPUCITY look after their customers and don't BS them.