ASUS presents range of Windows 8-ready AMD motherboards

To provide the best user experience on the AMD platform, ASUS has refreshed a variety of motherboards, including mainstream channel models, dedicated products from ROG and the TUF Series, plus FM1 socket-compatible and power-efficient APU-based models. Each product offers a variety of new ASUS exclusive technologies such as digital power control, Remote GO!, and Network iControl, alongside innovative Fast Boot, ASUS Boot Setting, and DirectKey, all specifically leveraging upcoming Windows 8 capabilities. Both new and existing features have been tailored and tested to comply with the Windows 8 architecture for total stability and maximized utility, while all motherboards have gone through a full series of compatibility assurance tests in getting ready for the move to Windows 8.

M5A99/97 R2.0 and TUF Series: refreshed AM3+ with exclusive Windows 8 features Fully upgraded AM3+/990FX motherboards now include a variety of features that are designed to enhance the Windows 8 experience. Fast Boot ensures customers make the most of Windows 8 expedited boot up, creating a smoother and more responsive experience. By enabling Fast Boot, system power-up to Windows 8 login takes just two seconds, cutting out annoying waits. A direct result of Windows 8 optimization efforts, ASUS Boot Setting affords greater flexibility in customizing a PCs startup process. It allows for instant one-click access to the user-friendly BIOS upon reboot or the ability to choose between various expedited startup profiles. ASUS Boot Setting saves preferences permanently, and no further selections are needed. Exclusive DirectKey has been developed for customers who demand frequent and effortless BIOS access, even with the PC on standby power. One key press goes to the BIOS immediately, eliminating the tradition of repeatedly pressing the DEL key for greater convenience and accuracy.

The above features all tie in directly to Windows 8 capabilities, but ASUS has gone even further. New Dual Intelligent Processors 3 with SMART DIGI+ Key, a digital power delivery design that offers dedicated controllers for the CPU and DRAM, makes delicate power tuning of both available on the AMD platform for the first time. Overall system stability, power efficiency and overclocking potential all see an improvement as a result of the new design, which is available on the M5A99/97 R2.0 Series and the TUF SABERTOOTH 990FX R2.0. Also on board is the new and compact Remote GO!, catering to diverse home entertainment needs, based on ASUS Wi-Fi GO! technology. With the app installed on mobile devices, smartphones and tablets transform into a PC remote control, with three useful wireless functions: DLNA Media Hub, Remote Desktop, and File Transfer.

Crosshair V Formula-Z: Windows 8 on AMD with the Republic of Gamers
The all-new ROG AM3+ gaming motherboard arrives loaded with most of the above mentioned features, reinforcing them via added ROG exclusive technologies to provide hardcore gamers the most powerful and stable AMD platform Windows 8 choice. Gaming and overclocking-specific features include ROG Extreme Engine Digi+ II precision digital power control and delivery, again covering both CPU and DRAM for refined tuning and a wider overclocking margin. Upgraded SupremeFX III audio boosts onboard sound to pro-gaming standards, offering enhanced immersion and audio positioning in games. Its Red Line shielding technology maintains clear analog/digital signal separation for cleaner sound quality, while a metallic EMI cover blocks interference from adjacent components inside the case. For better online multiplayer and overall networking, exclusive GameFirst II now features the all-new EZ mode, an intuitive user interface that lets gamers quickly manage bandwidth prioritization and traffic shaping to reduce ping and lag.

F1A75/A55 Series: addressing a wider customer base
For the AMD FM1 socket with A75 and A55 chipsets, ASUS has also readied a refresh of models ahead of Windows 8 general availability. F1A75-M PRO R2.0 and F1A55 R2.0 Series motherboards feature hardware tuned for the new operating system alongside ASUS exclusives that make the most of FM1 socket-compatible CPUs and the energy-efficient AMD APU design. The F1A75-M PRO R2.0 is equipped with Dual Intelligent Processors 2, featuring TPU and EPU performance and energy optimization controllers alongside DIGI+ VRM digital power delivery, which offers precision voltage adjustments for customized power based on APU characteristics while creating more overclocking headroom. Additional features include Network iControl, LucidLogix Virtu MVP, UEFI BIOS and AI Suite II.