ASUS launches HTPC motherboard

Nowadays, it's not uncommon for users to replace their conventional DVD-players with a Home Theater PC. As a result, manufacturers start to create components specially designed for HTPC needs. ASUS has introduced the M4A78-HTPC motherboard. This micro-ATX motherboard uses AMD's 780G chipset in combination with the SB700 chip and an integrated Radeon HD3200 GPU. Socket AM2(+) and AM3 processors are supported and there are four DDR2-1066/800/667 memory slots, as well as a single PCI-Express x16 slot.

The M4A78-HTPC is Hybrid CrossFireX-compatible and features eSATA, five SATA 3.0 Gbps-connectors, Gigabit Ethernet, 7.1-channel audio and the Absolute Pitch Hi-Fi technology. This technology provides and alternate power design for the audiochip to improve the sound quality. With the ASUS Home Theater Gate, users are able to immediately access ASUS' Media Center. Through a menu, applications can be started for the desired media files.

The motherboard sports a D-Sub, DVI and an HDMI-connector. Optionally, ASUS bundles a remote control with the board, adding the suffix RC to its name. THe M4A78-HTPC/RC and the remote control are claimed to work without problems up to a distance of 3 meters.

Tags: crossfire ddr2 esata hdmi htpc radeon sata socket-am2 socket-am3

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