ASUS Unveils Windows 8-Ready AMD Platform Motherboards

ASUS has refreshed a variety of motherboards, including mainstream channel models, dedicated products from ROG and the TUF Series, plusFM1 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 maximised utility, while all motherboards have gone through a full series of compatibility assurance tests in getting ready for the move to Windows 8.

“With Windows 8 all set to enter in the market, ASUS has updated and revised a variety of motherboards’ features to comply with the Windows 8 architecture for total stability and maximised utility as Windows 8 readiness adds quite a few little hardware requirements. Apart from Windows 8-specific feature updates, ASUS has also updated the feature sets of several of its motherboards such as Smart Digi+ Key, which are found on P8Z77-V series, are ported over and the ASUS-exclusive feature-set 802.11 b/g/n network interfaces with Remote Wi-Fi Go!, a feature based on Wi-Fi Go!, that provides media streaming and remote desktop capabilities to smartphones and tablets,” said Vinay Shetty, Country Head – Component, ASUS (India).

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 optimisation efforts, ASUS Boot Setting affords greater flexibility in customising 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.

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 optimisation controllers alongside DIGI+ VRM digital power delivery, which offers precision voltage adjustments for customised power based on APU characteristics while creating more over clocking headroom. Additional features include Network iControl, LucidLogixVirtu MVP, UEFI BIOS and AI Suite II.