Asustek Computer recently announced its P5NT WS motherboard, which is built on the Nvidia nForce 680i LT SLI chipset and supports Intel LGA775 socket series CPUs. The motherboard can support two Nvidia SLI graphics cards with dual x16 speeds and is also Quadro certified, according to Asustek.The PCI-X structure of the P5NT WS motherboard is a newer, higher speed version of the conventional PCI standard. It is also fully hardware and software backward compatible to previous generations of PCI, stated Asustek.The P5NT WS also encompasses an 8-phase power design that reduces input ripple current and output ripple voltages – keeping the CPU and power modules from the risk of high power stress. It also provides reliability under heavy-loading and overclocking by stabilizing output current and voltages. All this effectively lets components attain longer lifespans and allows them to operate at 15 degrees Celsius, lower than conventional solutions.The motherboard also features AI Clock Skew technology to automatically skew the memory clock signal timing to improve memory overclocking capabilities by 10-15%, claims Asustek. The clock signal can be adjusted to reserve enough setup time/hold time in order to maintain the system's stability. Asustek P5NT WS motherboard specification Item Detail CPU Intel LGA775 socket series CPUs Chipset Nvidia nForce 680i LT SLI chipset FSB 1333/800/533MHz Memory DDR2 800/667/533 Expansion slots 3 PCIe x16 (supports Nvidia SLI technology) 1 PCI-X 2 PCIe x1 1 PCI 2.2 LAN Gigabit LAN Audio RealTek ALC888 8-CH HD Audio Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, September 2007Asustek P5NT WS motherboardPhoto: Company

Asustek Computer has launched the KFSN4-DRE series server board and RS161-E5 server system with advanced design guidelines and equipped with the latest Dual Dynamic Power Management and Dual Link technology for native quad-core performance, targeting at the high-performance computing (HPC) market and enterprise-class applications.The KFSN4-DRE series are the first Dual Dynamic Power Management ready platform with front parallel-balance CPU and memory placement designed to increase thermal efficiency by up to 20-30%, claimed Asustek. Along with the KFSN4-DRE server board, the upcoming RS161-E5 is Asustek's next-generation dual Opteron processor-based 1U server system. Featured with Asustek's Smart Fan 2 Technology to automatically adjust cooling conditions based on the system workload and ambient temperature. Asustek KFSN4-DRE server motherboard specification Item Detail Processor Support Two quad-core AMD Opteron 2x00 series processors Core Logic Nvidia nForce Professional 2200 Memory 16 DDR2 533/667 up to 64GB Storage Built-in 4-port SATA RAID Support Four SATA Ports, RAID 0, 1, 10, 5 (Windows) NIC Two Broadcom BCM 5721 PCI-E GbE LAN Onboard Gfx XGI Z9s VGA Controller / 32MB DDR2 VRAM Expansion One PCI Express x16 (x16 link) or two PCI Express x16 (x8 link) with riser card Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, September 2007Asustek KFSN4-DRE server motherboardPhoto: CompanyAsustek RS161-E5 server systemPhoto: Company

Leadtek Research has announced new members of the Quadro family - entry level FX 370 and FX 570, mid-range FX 1700 and the NVS 290 and Tesla C870. The latest Nvidia Quadro architecture takes application performance to new levels by featuring the industry's first unified architecture, said Leadtek. Designed to dynamically allocate geometry, shading, pixel, and compute processing power, the latest Nvidia Quadro graphics boards deliver optimized graphics processing unit (GPU) performance. The GPU pipeline efficiency is further enhanced by fast 3D and large texture transfers, while Nvidia's crossbar memory architecture, enables occlusion culling, loss less depth Z-buffer, and color compression. The latest Nvidia Quadro FX graphics solutions are the reference standard for Shader Model 4.0 and next-generation operating systems enabling breakthrough ultra-realistic, real-time visualization applications. Styling and production rendering are integral functions of the design workflow. Leadtek Nvidia Quadro series graphics cards specification FX 370 FX 570 FX 1700 NVS 290 Frame Buffer Memory 256MB DDR2 256MB DDR2 512 MB DDR2 256MB DDR2 Memory Interface 64-bit 128-bit 128-bit 64-bit Memory Bandwidth 6.4GB/sec 12.8GB/sec 12.8 GB/sec 6.4MB/sec Max Power Consumption 38W 38W 42W 20W Graphics Bus PCI Express x16 PCI Express x16 PCI Express x16 PCI Express x16 & x1 Display Connectors Dual DVI-I Two DVI-I Dual DVI-I, HDTV DMS-59 Single Link DVI Yes (1) No No Yes (2) Dual Link DVI Yes (1) Yes (2) Yes (2) No Auxiliary Power Connectors No No No No Number of Slots 1 1 1 1 Thermal Solution Active Fansink Active Fansink Active Fansink Passive Heatsink Nvidia SLI Technology No No No No Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, September 2007 Leadtek Nvidia Quadro FX 370 graphics cardPhoto: Company

Leadtek Research recently announced the launch of its latest webcams, the WinFast iCAM200 MA and iCAM100 M. The new webcams can capture full motion 30fps digital video streams through USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 connections and have a built-in high sensitive microphone. The iCAM series works with Skype, Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo Messenger, stated Leadtek.The WinFast iCAM 200MA provides 1.3-megapixel high-definition resolution and features low-noise CMOS imaging technology. The webcam has a built-in snap shot button allowing a user to take a photo instantly.The WinFast iCAM 100M provides a maximum software enhanced resolution of 2560×2048. The webcam has six built-in LEDs for dim light situations, according to Leadtek. Leadtek webcam products specification Product name WinFast iCAM 100 M WinFast iCAM 200 MA Interface USB 2.0 USB 2.0 Sensor 1/5-inch CMOS sensor 1/4-inch CMOS sensor Effective pixels 0.3 megapixels (software enhanced to 2 megapixels) 1.3 megapixels Max. resolution 2560×2048 1280×1024 Max. frame rate 30ftps (640×480: 30fps, 1280×1024: 15fps) 30ftps (640×480: 30fps, 1280×1024: 15fps) Snap shot button NA Yes Focus range 1 cm to infinity 1 cm to infinity White balance Automatic Automatic Auto exposure Automatic Automatic Weight 90g (USB cable included) 77g (USB cable included) Dimension (H×W×D) 89×40×15mm (USB cable and rack excluded) 75×30×58mm (USB cable excluded) Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, September 2007Leadtek WinFast iCAM 100 M webcamPhoto: CompanyLeadtek WinFast iCAM 200 MA webcamPhoto: Company

Transcend Information recently introduced its new 2GB DDR2-800 error correcting code (ECC) unbuffered DIMM (UB-DIMM) for high-end computer applications, which include workstations and servers. The error checking and correcting capability of the JEDEC-compliant DIMM helps reduce the risk of operation errors and increase system reliability. Chips used on the DIMM are from Micron Technology. The DIMM is available in 2GB density in a 128Mx8 configuration and has a suggested retail price of NT$14,000 (US$422).Transcend 2GB DDR2-800 error correcting code (ECC) unbuffered DIMM (UB-DIMM)Photo: Company

Acer America recently introduced the new P series LCD monitors which are ideal for home and educational environments, along with multimedia, gaming and video applications, according to the company.The new P Series includes four widescreen sizes – 19-, 20-, 22- and 24-inch –each outfitted with either HDMI or DVI for high-definition (HD) capabilities and multimedia use.The Acer P series displays are available now. Pricing starts at US$229.99 for the P191Wd, US$269.99 for the P201Wd, US$329.99 for the P221Wd, and US$499.99 for the P241Wd. Acer's new widescreen LCD monitor series key specifications Item Details Model name P191Wd P201Wd P221Wd P241Wd Screen size (inch) 19 20 22 24 Resolution 1440×900 1680×1050 1680×1050 1920×1200 Brightness (nits) 300 300 300 400 Contrast ratio 2,000:1 2,500:1 2,500:1 3,000:1 Response time (ms) 5 5 5 2 Viewing angle (H/V) 160/160 160/160 170/160 160/160 Quotes (US$) 229.99 269.99 329.99 499.99 Inputs VGA and DVI (with HDCP) VGA and DVI (with HDCP) VGA and DVI (with HDCP) VGA and HDMI inputs Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, September 2007 Acer's new widescreen monitor series Photo: Business Wire

Leadtek Research has announced a new entry-level graphics card, the WinFast PX8400 GS TDH Extreme with low profile form factor and Rifle bearing fan design to keep the card life longer, while lowering noise. Its exclusive airflow system drastically cools both GPU and components to render another 30% higher performance in visual experience, claims the company.Based on new 80nm technology and powered by the Nvidia GeForce 8400 GS GPU, the WinFast PX8400 GS TDH Silent comes with 256MB DDR2 of video memory and a GPU/Shader clock of 500/1200MHz.In addition, the WinFast PX8400 GS TDH Extreme with H.264 hardware acceleration decoding delivers high-definition image quality on any display with minimal CPU usage, added the company. The new card integrated HDTV encoder and dual-link DVI-I connectivity provides TV-out functionality up to 1080p resolutions and support for 30-inch LCD displays up to 2560×1600 resolutions at 32-bit. Leadtek WinFast PX8400 GS TDH Extreme graphics card specification Item Detail Model PX8400 GS TDH Extreme Graphic Bus PCI Express GPU Nvidia GeForce 8400 GS GPU Clock 500MHz Memory Data Rate 1000MHz Shader Clock 1200MHz Memory Size 256MB GDDR2 Memory Interface 64-bit Stream Processors 16 Output Dual-Link DVI-I, D-Sub, HDTV Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, September 2007Leadtek WinFast PX8400 GS TDH Extreme graphics cardPhoto: Company

Kontron has released its latest 3.5-inch embedded computing platform, the KEEX-4000. This compact SBC (single board computer) supports low-voltage Intel Pentium M and ultra-low-voltage Intel Celeron M processors with the Intel 852GM/ICH4 chipset. The low-power design allows the KEEX-4000 to run fanless, reducing noise and increasing system reliability. The KEEX-4000 is ideal for a broad range of embedded applications requiring high performance and low power consumption such as POS/Kiosk, industrial automation and other small panel PC industries, said Kontron.The KEEX-4000's performance is enhanced by DDR 266/333 SO-DIMM system memory up to 1GB. It features a Fast Ethernet port, four serial ports and five USB ports. The integrated graphics (IGP) controller supports 24-bit dual-channel LVDS and dual display. A PCI-104 interface completes expansion capabilities and PS/2 and parallel legacy ports are also provided.The KEEX-4000 will be available in fourth quarter 2007. Kontron KEEX-4000 motherboard specification Item Detail CPU Intel Pentium or Celeron M processor Chipsets Intel 852GM GMCH + ICH4, Memory DDR 266/333 SO-DIMM up to 1GB Communication Gigabit/Fast Ethernet, USB 2.0, COM ports, PCI-104 Form factor 3.5-inch Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, September 2007Kontron KEEX-4000 motherboardPhoto: Company

Silicon Integrated System (SiS) announced that the SiS761CX/SiS966 embedded chipsets have been implemented in the IEI Kino-761AM2, an industrial PC (IPC) motherboard designed for the AMD platform.The motherboard adopts a Mini-ITX form factor and is RoHS-compliant. It supports AMD Athlon 64, Athlon 64 X2, and Sempron processors and DDR2 800 memory up to 4GB. The motherboard also features VGA, LVDS, and HDTV outputs.The motherboard has an integrated Mirage 1 graphics engine with the SiS307LV video bridge chipset to support dual display and wide screen output. The SiS307LV video bridge chipset integrates a NTSC/PAL video encoder for TV display and a dual link LVDS transmitter with bi-linear scaling capability for TFT LCD panel display, according to SiS.The SiS761CX chipset integrates SiS's HyperStreaming technology to efficiently manage the data transmission process so that the system performance can be optimized, according to the company. IEI Kino-761AM2 motherboard specifications Item Detail CPU AMD Athlon 64, AMD Athlon 64 X2, AMD Sempron Socket AM2 processor with 2000MHz HyperTransport technology support System chipset SIS 761CX + SIS966 System memory Dual channel DDR2 400/533/667/800 MHz up to 4GB Expansion 1 x PCI Display Interface Integrated Mirage 1 graphics engine Composite output for NTSC/PAL TV out function Component output for up to 1080i HDTV out function and 24-bit dual channel LVDS by SiS 307LV (Kino-761AM2-LVDS only) Audio AC'97 codec with Realtek ALC655 Source: IEI Technology and SiS, compiled by Digitimes, September 2007IEI Kino-761AM2 motherboardPhoto: Company

Seiko Epson on September 6 debuted three EcoPoint (environmentally friendly) inkjet printers, the Stylus C110, Stylus CX7300 and CX8300, for immediate launch in the Taiwan market. This is the first time EcoPoint products have become available in Taiwan, according to Epson Taiwan Technology & Trading.EcoPoint-brand products offer lower power consumption, as low as 12W, and high recyclablility, with over 86% of components able to be recycled, according to Epson Taiwan. EcoPoint printers specifications Item Stylus C/110, business printer model Stylus CX7300, (print, photocopy, scan) MFP (multi-function peripheral) model Stylus CX8300, (print, photocopy, scan) MFP model Lower weight than predeceasing model 7.1% < Stylus C88 10.8% < Stylus CX4900 11.9% < Stylus CX5900 Lower power consumption than predeceasing model 60.8% < Stylus C88 7% < Stylus CX4900 9% < Stylus CX5900 Proportion of components that can be recycled 88.3% 86.9% 86.2% Recommended retail price in NT$ 3,990 (US$121), 4,990 for Wi-Fi connectivity option 3,990 5,490 Source: Epson Taiwan, compiled by Digitimes, September 2007Epson EcoPoint printer: Stylus CX8300 MFPPhoto: Company