ASUSTeK Computer Inc (ASUS), the worldwide leader of motherboards, today launched the A8N-SLI Deluxe, the first AMD-based motherboard that provides support for SLI (Scalable Link Interface) to enable simultaneous operation of two PCI Express graphics cards.
The A8N-SLI Deluxe adopted several exclusive designs including a special layout tailored for thermal issues, the EZ Plug for dependable power supply to satisfy the high power demand of two PCI Express graphics cards, and the EZ Selector for easy activation of SLI (Scalable Link Interface) mode.
"With the help of ASUS, we have made SLI technology a reality, providing extreme graphics processing to those who demand the very best," said Drew Henry, General Manager of Nvidia`s platform business. "The A8N-SLI Deluxe, the first board to successfully incorporate our NVIDIA nForce4 SLI core-logic technology, is tailored for gamers running the latest 3D titles."
Graphics cards on SLI motherboard require more space to breathe
High-performance GPU (graphics processing unit) is one of the hottest components in a computer system. SLI motherboards, with two graphics cards, require the best heat dissipation designs to resolve the thermal issues.
Two PCI Express x16 slots placed too closely could block airflow, especially when the graphics cards are designed to take up a two-slot space in thickness. Bad air ventilation raises system temperature, which in turn affects system stability and shortens component lifecycle.
The A8N-SLI Deluxe included a special design in which two PCI Express x1 slots are placed between the two PCI-E x16 graphics slots, permitting more room for ventilation compared with conventional SLI designs. This thoughtful layout has proven to increase airflow and lower the temperature.
EZ Plug: Direct and reliable power supply
When the system is in SLI mode (dual PCI Express graphics operation), the supply of power for the graphics adaptors is crucial. The A8N-SLI Deluxe incorporated the patented EZ Plug, which provides dedicated support for the high power demands of graphics cards.
When the power source is positioned far away from the PCI Express slots, the long routing causes power degradation. This also creates unnecessary noise and interferes with the performance of other components along the way. The EZ Plug is located adjacent to the PCI Express slots to maintain voltage integrity during transmission, guaranteeing dependable supply of power, quiet operations and graphics card compatibility.
EZ Selector: Easy insertion prevents selector card damage
A SLI motherboard requires an onboard SLI Selector Card to switch the system between SLI mode and non-SLI mode. Due to the confined space between the two PCI Express x16 slots, inserting and removing the selector card is difficult and could cause damage to neighbouring components, the selector socket and the selector card itself. The A8N-SLI Deluxe is the world`s only motherboard to include the EZ Selector. This feature utilises a special socket to accommodate the SLI selector card, enabling easy insertion and removal. When repeated insertion and removal is not a concern, the life expectancy of the SLI selector increases greatly.
This powerful solution also features the popular ASUS AI Proactive features - AI NOS and AI NET2.
AI NOS: Boost performance when it`s most needed
AI NOS detects system loading and automatically boosts performance. Unlike other "dynamic overclocking" mechanism that overclocks according to temperature, AI NOS monitors power consumption, accelerating the CPU exactly when it`s most needed.
AI NET2: Diagnose LAN connection before entering OS
AI NET2 remotely detects cable connection the second you turn on the system, and reports back any faulty connections up to 100m at 1m accuracy.
"The ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe motherboard takes full advantage of the amazing performance offered by the AMD Athlon 64 FX processor," said Daryl Sartain, Director of AMD Microprocessor Business. "With its dual-memory and dual-graphics card designs coupled with the incredible AMD Athlon 64 FX processor, our customers can have an exceptionally powerful and reliable system."
"VoodooPC is known for using only the fastest and most reliable equipment on the market with our PCs. The ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe is exactly what we look for in our systems, and it echoes very well with our image. It`s stable, but most importantly it blows the doors off the competition in performance and features," said Rahul Sood, President and CTO of VoodooPC.
Specification summary:
* Socket 939 for AMD Athlon 64FX/Athlon 64 CPU
* Nvidia nForce4 SLI chipset
* FSB 2000/1600 MT/s
* Dual-channel DDR400/333/266
* 2*PCIex16/2*PCIex1/3*PCI slots
* 4*SATA 3Gbps and 2*ATA133 support RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1 and JBOD
* 4*SATA 1.5Gbps support RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1 and RAID 5
* 2*Gb LAN
* 2*1394 ports
For more information about the ASUS motherboard and other high-performance solutions, please visit the company homepage at www.asus.com.
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