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Taipei, Taiwan; November 11, 2004 - ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (ASUS), the worldwide leader of motherboards, today introduced two unique features - EZ Plug and EZ Switch - on its up coming A8N-SLI Deluxe motherboard for dependable power supply to two PCI Express graphics cards and easy activation of SLI (Scalable Link Interface) mode.

The EZ Plug is a direct power supply tailored to satisfy the high power demand of dual PCI Express graphics card operation, and the EZ Switch offers easy access, insertion and removal of the SLI selector card with an exclusive socket design.

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, maintains overall system stability, and improves graphics card compatibility.

When the power source is positioned far away from the PCI Express slots (see above diagram), 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 (see diagram on the right) to prevent power loss and maintain voltage integrity during transmission, guaranteeing dependable power supply and quiet system performance.


By minimizing power loss and maintaining consistent voltage throughout power transmission, the EZ Plug significantly improves motherboard compatibility with power voltage-sensitive graphics cards. No more picky graphics cards threatening to shut down the system due to incorrect voltage levels. Furthermore, it also enables optimum power distribution to other components since the main power supply no longer have to support the graphics cards.

Unlike the SLI solutions by other manufacturers, the EZ Plug supports the 20-pin standard, which is still currently the mainstream. Users who want to upgrade to the latest SLI platform, can save the extra cost on a 24-pin power plug. In addition, a LED light issues friendly reminders when the EZ Plug is needed to ensure the graphics cards can run at full power without compromising system reliability.


EZ Switch - Easy Insertion Prevent Selector Card Damage

A SLI motherboard requires an onboard SLI Selector Card to switch the system between SLI mode (dual graphics cards) and normal non-SLI mode (single graphics). 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 neighboring components and the selector card itself.

The A8N-SLI Deluxe is the world's only motherboard to include the patented EZ Switch. This innovative feature utilizes a special socket design to accommodate the SLI selector card, enabling easy insertion and removal. Activating SLI mode on the A8N-SLI Deluxe is a simple three-step process that users cannot experience in any competing motherboards. When repeated insertion and removal is not a concern, the life expectancy of the SLI selector card increases greatly.

The A8N-SLI Deluxe motherboard will be available soon. For more information about ASUS motherboards and other high-quality solutions, please visit the company homepage at www.asus.com.

About ASUS

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (TSE:2357) is a leading provider of 3C total solutions. Its product portfolio includes notebooks, motherboards, graphics cards, optical drives, information appliances, desktop PCs, servers, wireless solutions, mobile phones and networking devices. With world-class engineering and offices and subsidiaries located in all corners of the world, ASUSTeK provides innovative solutions to consumers, businesses and OEM/ODM customers. The company is the perennial leader of the motherboard and graphics card industries and a top 10 player globally for notebooks, optical drives, broadband modems and a wide range of other products.

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