8-channel high definition audio

Onboard is the Realtek¨ ALC861 7.1-channel audio CODEC. This CODEC is fully-compliant with Intel¨ High Definition Audio standard (192 KHz, 24-bit audio). With the CODEC, 8-channel audio ports, and S/PDIF interfaces, you can connect your computer to home theater decoders to produce crystal-clear digital audio. See page 1-24 for details.

S/PDIF digital sound ready

The motherboard supports the S/PDIF Out function through the S/PDIF interface at midboard. The S/PDIF technology turns your computer into a high-end entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful audio and speaker systems. See page 1-33 for details.

USB 2.0 technology

The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification, dramatically increasing the connection speed from the

12Mbps bandwidth on USB 1.1 to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1. See pages 1-24 and 1-29 for details.

1.3.2Innovative ASUS features

CrashFree BIOS 2

This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the support CD in case when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection eliminates the need to buy a replacement ROM chip. see page 2-7 for details.

ASUS Q-Fan technology

The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the fan speeds according to the system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation. See page 2-29 for details.

ASUS EZ Flash BIOS

With the ASUS EZ Flash, you can easily update the system BIOS even before loading the operating system. No need to use a DOS-based utility or boot from a floppy disk. See page 2-5 for details.

ASUS MyLogoª

This feature allows you to personalize and add style to your system with customizable boot logos. See page 2-32 for details.

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Chapter 1: Product introduction