AMD's 890GX is ultimately a comfortable step up from 785G and provides a bevy of useful upgrades for the end user. There isn't anything particularly revolutionary here, and there arguably won't be until AMD delivers its 32nm Fusion in 2011, but there's plenty to like in the interim.
Integrated support for SATA 6Gbps is an obvious-but-essential step in the right direction, and AMD's SB850 southbridge - connected north via a quick A-Link Express III interface - ensures there's ample bandwidth for board manufacturers to implement USB 3.0, as seen on the reviewed ASUS board.
The IGP, Radeon HD 4290, has also been given a modest upgrade. It retains the media-friendly features of Radeon HD 4200 - including hardware acceleration courtesy of UVD 2.0 - and provides a healthy bump in clock speeds. The die-hard HTPC user may be disgruntled at the lack of support for eight-channel LPCM audio, but it's a feature unlikely to be missed by most users.
In keeping with recent AMD chipsets, 890GX is once again an ideal base for an affordable high-end build. Users throwing infinite cash at their next system should continue to look at Intel's Core i7 architecture, but those on a budget can be assured that 890GX - starting at around £100 - will deliver plenty of value at under the £200 mark when combined with a dual-core Phenom II processor.
ASUS's implementation - retailing at £130 with USB 3.0 - is particularly attractive, with a number of tweaking tools featured as standard. Core Unlocker, specifically, will appeal to the value-seekers out there, although results will be hit-or-miss.
If a decent IGP, SATA 6Gbps and USB 3.0 are features on your shopping list, 890GX and ASUS's M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 motherboard fits the bill.
But its still a good option for people looking out for new Am3 based system 
