PCI-X®i nterface

The motherboard supports PCI-X, the new and improved version of the previous PCI standard. PCI-X offers faster data transfers and enhanced system reliability with ECC automatic single-bit error recovery and double- bit error detection. PCI-X, which is backward-compatible with PCI-based hardware and software, enables users to keep pace with upcoming advances in high‑bandwidth, business-critical applications such as Fiber Channel, RAID, InfiniBrand™ Architecture, and iSCSI. See page 2-23 for details.

PCI Express™ i nterface

The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect technology that speeds up the PCI bus. PCI Express features point‑to­point serial interconnections between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data in packets. This high speed interface is software compatible with existing PCI specifications. See page 2-23 for details.

S/PDIF di gi tal sound ready

The motherboard supports the S/PDIF technology through the S/PDIF interfaces on the rear panel. The S/PDIF technology turns your computer into a high-end entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful audio and speaker systems. See page 2-33 for details.

8-channel hi gh defi ni ti on audi o

Onboard is the ADI AD1988B High Definition Audio 8-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.

IEEE 1394a support

The motherboard supports the IEEE 1394a interface that provides high‑speed and flexible PC connectivity to a wide range of peripherals and devices compliant to IEEE 1394a standards. The IEEE 1394a interface allows up to 400 Mbps transfer rates through simple , low- cost, high‑bandwidth asynchronous (real-time) data interfacing between computers, peripherals, and consumer electronic devices such as camcorders, VCRs, printers, TVs, and digital cameras. See pages 2-33 and 2-38 for details.

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Chapter 1: Product introduction