GPU innovation with 28nm fabrication

Anticipated for more than a year, the latest graphics processor design from AMD uses an all-new 28nm fabrication process, resulting in components that are more efficient, cooler, and more powerful than previous generations. The ASUS HD 7970 graphics card ships with 3GB of GDDR5 video memory, expanding gaming and visual experiences with higher resolutions, more detailed textures, and faster frame rates. The memory interface has been expanded to a 384-bit bus to expedite data transfer between the card and the motherboard.

Tweaking and tuning via the intuitive GPU Tweak utility

To fully harness the power of new GPU technology, ASUS is including the exclusive and updated GPU Tweak utility with all cards shipped. The suite allows users to modify clock speeds, voltages, and fan performance, working on up to four cards ? perfect for CrossFireX™ setups. Standard and advanced modes available to catering different user experience segments. ASUS GPU Tweak features effortless modifying and overclocking with GPU clock and voltage syncing, plus 2D/3D switching and mode locking to ensure higher 3D mode benchmarks, resulting in more accurate system testing and higher scores for competitive overclocking scenarios. The utility offers auto driver/BIOS version updates to keep cards in optimal working condition, and a handy monitoring widget that provides highly detailed multi-parameter information on demand. ASUS has also worked closely with Techpowerup to integrate their renowned GPU-Z program into GPU Tweak, offering even more reliable graphics card data and tracking.

Faster PCI Express 3.0 and improved AMD Eyefinity™

Also eagerly awaited by gamers and PC enthusiasts, PCI Express 3.0* arrives as the standard interface for the ASUS HD 7970 graphics card, doubling the data bandwidth of PCI Express 2.0. This development lays the foundations for radically improved performance, as graphics cards can communicate with the overall system at much higher data rates than previously available. The power of the ASUS HD 7970 graphics card also makes AMD Eyefinity™ multi-screen technology much more effective, enabling up to six-screen viewing at once for a vastly expanded display. Users from gamers to professional graphics designers are sure to appreciate the smoother and more consistent AMD Eyefinity™ performance offered by the ASUS HD 7970 graphics card.

Full BDXL support

The SBW-06C2X-U is anexternal Blu-ray writer that supports the new BDXLformat. This format expands on Blu-ray discs’ previous maximum capacity of 50GB up to 100GB on one BD-R(TL) disc, or 128GB on a single BD-R(QL) disc. The latter gives the equivalent capacity of 27 DVDs (at 4.7GB each), giving users massive data storage capabilities. For added perspective, a single 128GB Blu-ray disc can hold up to 1000 minutes of HD video. Such a huge amount of storage on a single disc helps consumers conserve storage space and time, while encouraging easy backups for additional data protection and longevity.

Faster and better burning quality

Fitted with ASUS Turbo Engine technology, the SBW-06C2X-U works at 6X Blu-ray writing. At those speeds, 25GB of data takes a mere 23 minutes to burn. Intelligent auto tuning technology ensures the best burning strategy for each task, resulting in near perfect success rates, shorter waiting times and lower energy consumption. The SBW-06C2X-U therefore offers the best data writing experience currently available for any BDXL disc.

Magic Cinema turns the home into a 3D theater

Bundled with the SBW-06C2X-U, Magic Cinema technology enables effortless conversion of filesinto 3D movies, photos and audio (in Dolby® Digital and DTS-HD 5.1-channel). It also automatically converts existing 2D and DVD content to 3D if required by users. This complete 3D suite far exceeds offerings by competing models, helping create genuinely memorable multimedia experiences, with the addition of 3D photos further strengthening the ASUS commitment to 3Dentertainment.

“Worry free” multiple OS platform supported

Users can rest assured that the ASUS SBW-06C2X-U supports multiple OS platforms includingboth Windows and Mac OS X, negating the need of purchasingadditional external writers for each OS. Along with the current trend of new Ultrabooks™ which lack an ODD, the external SBW-06C2X-U provides users with convenient access to disc-based content and backing up of personal data. With it, users can now simply back up data or enjoy media content on multiple devicesand OS platforms.

Winner of a 2011 iF Design Award

ASUS designers have taken inspiration from miniaturized architectural forms, to produce a design that uses elegant squared lines and a unique metal stand. The versatile stand supports horizontal and vertical placement for added convenience as well assaving the user precious desktop space. The innovative design of the SBW-06C2X-U has garnered a 2011 iF Design Award for its attractive and intelligent presentation.

Immersive crystal-clear audio through innovative technology

Optimized by audio experts, built-in SonicMaster technology features a finely-tuned digital signal processor that produces every note in pristine clarity with zero distortion. Also onboard is DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC™ audio technology, which delivers the most realistic three dimensional sensation of being completely surrounded by sound. Bundled with select models of the ET2700 Series is an external subwoofer for a new dimension of audio not found in other AiO PCs. Its 580cc resonance chamber is tuned to low-range frequency audio signals to guarantee rich bass response.

27″ wide viewing angle display for unprecedented visuals

The ET2700 features a 27” screen that is ideal for both personal and shared multimedia entertainment. Its high contrast 1920 x 1080 LED backlit display delivers incredible lifelike HD images while the MVA panel eliminates color shift and delivers wide viewing angles of up to 178° both vertically and horizontally, ensuring stunning visuals from any angle. The optional Blu-ray combo drive as well as a built-in TV tuner card turns the ET2700 into a TV for additional entertainment options.

Usability and convenience that meet every need

The ET2700 comes with a slew of convenient features that make it easier to surf the web, browse through movies and music libraries, or edit photos. The world’s first 27” capacitive 10-point touch screen gives ET2700 users an interface with precise fingertip control, offering the ability to manipulate and navigate through intuitive gestures like pinch-zoom, swipe, scroll, or rotate. An onscreen keyboard further adds to the convenience, giving users the ability to fully utilize the ET2700 without a physical keyboard or mouse.

The ET2700’s side panels are home to two superfast USB 3.0 ports, a combo eSATA/USB 2.0 port and an SD card reader; while an HDMI input at the rear instantly turns it into a 27″ display for use with a gaming console. The added bonus of being able to VESA-mount the ET2700 onto a wall makes it not only a computer, but a truly versatile home entertainment device.

Versatile viewing angles

ASUS bundles exclusive SmartView Technology functionality with VS247H that allows adjustment in color parameters to deliver the same image quality and colors with straight viewing while watching movies upward lying down.

Splendid™ Video Intelligence Technology

The exclusive Splendid Video Intelligence Technology in VS247H monitor optimizes video performance and image fidelity by enhancing color, brightness, contrast, and sharpness. Also, 6 preset video modes (Scenery, Theater, Game, Night View, sRGB and Standard) can be selected via a hotkey.

User-friendly design

The Mercury-free LED-backlit panel VS247H comes with corrugated cardboard packaging with at least 80% recycled content. It has convenient key controls for functional set-up in the multi-language OSD. The VS247H monitor body can also be removed from the stand for reconfiguration on a VESA-compliant mounting device.

Supreme audio

Audio onboard the Rampage IV Formula is powered by the new SupremeFX III™ audio engine, featuring 8-channel HD surround sound equipped with a carefully selected 1500uF capacitor setup to provide clean, ripple-free audio power that is perfect for producing enveloping gaming environments. A metallic EMI cover, special layout design on the PCB and advanced SupremeFX Shielding™ technology isolates analog audio signals from any potential interference for exceptional clarity and high fidelity, while gold-plated 3.5mm jacks ensure rich notes reach gamers ears with minimal distortion. As a result, a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 110dB was achieved during testing, yielding almost lossless audio. Audio industry standards such as EAX® Advanced HD 5.0, Creative® ALchemy and THX® TruStudio™ PRO are also supported, so the same great audio experiences found in live performances, films and recording studios are reproduced faithfully right on the PC. When bundled with the Sound Blaster® X-Fi MB2 suite, the SupremeFX III™ is the perfect choice to provide an exceptional gaming experience with realistic sound effects.

4-way NVIDIA® SLI™, AMD CrossFireX™ and Intel® Gigabit LAN

To go along with an excellent audio solution, the Rampage IV Formula also gives gamers the best choice when it comes to support for multiple graphics cards. With enough space to support up to 4-way NVIDIA® SLI™ and AMD CrossFireX™ configurations, gamers have the ultimate choice in what GPU vendor powers their high-end graphics setup for the next generation of games.

For the smoothest online gameplay, the Rampage IV Formula is equipped with Intel® Gigabit Ethernet optimized with ROG GameFirst technology for lightning fast connectivity. GameFirst technology intelligently optimizes network traffic to ensure that gaming data is prioritized, even when downloading or streaming other content on the same computer.

Features that save

The Rampage IV Formula features the new Extreme Engine DIGI+ II with 10K Black Metallic Capacitors that enables gamers to push systems to their maximum, yet remains reliably stable to ensure they don’t miss any action when gaming. Another innovative feature is the X-Socket™, which enables users to swap out the CPU bracket around a LGA2011 board with one that is designed for an LGA1366 cooler. For gamers who are upgrading from a previous generation X58 motherboard, this can save them quite a bit of money, as higher end heatsink and cooling solutions can be an expensive repurchase.

Battlefield 3 Bundle

Bundled with specially marked versions of the Rampage IV Formula is a full version of EA™ Game’s newest first person shooter, Battlefield 3™. Users can engage in all-out vehicle warfare with Battlefield 3’s award-winning multiplayer on vast maps, or team up with a friend in a unique co-op campaign. Add to this an intense single player campaign and you have the most expansive shooter yet in the series. With over 60 industry awards, Battlefield 3™ is the most anticipated first person shooter of the year.

Best performance for 4-Way SLI™ and quad CrossFireX™

Based on extensive benchmarking, the 4-Way SLI™ offered by the P9X79 WS works up to 30% faster than standard 3-Way SLI™ and up to 100% faster compared to 2-Way SLI™, giving professional and power users more graphics performance on demand. Using PCI Express 3.0 x16 links, the four GPUs can reach their full potential, perfect for both intense gaming and commercial uses such as mechanical and architectural design, interior design, aeronautics, plus audio and video production. As there are six total PCIe slots, that leaves two additional slots should any extra peripheral cards be needed.

Dual Intel® hardware-accelerated LAN

The inclusion of two Intel® hardware LAN ports reduces system load while working online, which helps ensure the fastest possible connections as well as CPU utilization up to 71% lower than standard Gigabit LAN. Dual hardware Intel® LAN reduces packet loss and connection latency, while offering improved operating system support and compatibility.

Compatible with multiple CPU and memory types

To guarantee effective integration into as many usage scenarios as possible, the P9X79 WS works with both 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i7 processors and the workstation-specific Intel® Xeon® family of CPUs. Additionally, it is compatible with both mainstream non-ECC memory, and highly reliable ECC (error-correcting) RAM, which is more suitable to professional workstation applications.

Three times faster performance with one-click ASUS SSD Caching

Working up to three times faster than a standard mechanical hard drive, SSD Caching boosts overall system performance via the use of an installed SSD as a cache for frequently accessed data. SSD Caching can be turned on and off in one click, with no system restart.

Setting a new standard of complete multi-faceted compatibility

Aiming the P9X79 WS at diverse users, ASUS has engineered the product to cover as many operating systems as possible, ensuring smooth compatibility. It also works with every major graphics card vendor on the market, as well as a full range of RAID cards, capture cards and LAN cards. This means a broad spectrum of users, from system integrators and gamers to professionals, can rely on the P9X79 WS for their flexible expandability and upgrading needs, all hassle-free.

USB BIOS Flashback, extreme expandability, and new ARS

Exclusive to ASUS boards, BIOS Flashback can flash the BIOS with just one click, with no further boot-up needed. Also, the P9X79 WS ships with eight DIMM slots for up to 64GB quad-channel DDR3 RAM to provide more capacity. An onboard three-colored LED indicates the board’s overclocking status. Red means overclocked, blue indicates normal settings, and green denotes power saving mode. New ASUS Advanced Replacement Service* (ARS) reduces RMA lead times and offers more convenient returns and product replacement in the event of any defects.

In addition to having superior multimedia performance, the Transformer Prime also boasts an 8.3mm ultra slim metallic spun finish with enhanced features including audio powered by ASUS SonicMaster technology, an 8MP rear auto-focus camera with LED flash and battery life rated for up to 18 hours when combined with the mobile dock. Pricing will range from $499 to $599**, with the mobile dock an optional accessory priced at $149. An official launch event with live demonstration is scheduled for early December when ASUS will unveil what happens when the Eee Pad Transformer Prime meets Ice Cream Sandwich.

Incredibly slim

Featuring an incredibly slim form factor, the Transformer Prime is a svelte 8.3mm thin and the only metallic tablet that weighs in at a mere 586g. It brandishes a metallic spun finish design made of aluminum for a secure yet extremely comfortable grip that comes in two gorgeous colors: Amethyst Gray and Champagne Gold.

Ultra performance

The Transformer Prime is the world’s first tablet to feature NVIDIA’s next-generation quad-core Tegra® 3 processor, creating a new breed of high powered tablet devices. With the quad-core CPU, 12-core GeForce® GPU and vSMP technology, the Transformer Prime delivers the best and fastest experience for tablet based multitasking, web browsing, full HD video playback and of course, games.

Unrivaled visual acuity

The Eee Pad Transformer already boasts a wide 178° viewing angle IPS display, protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass, but the Transformer Prime goes further, upgraded with a brighter Super IPS+ screen that enhances the brightness of the screen for a better outdoor reading experience. A 1.2MP front camera allows for video conferencing while an 8MP rear camera with auto-focus and LED flash takes brilliant photos thanks to a large F2.4 aperture, back illuminated CMOS sensor, touch-to-focus depth of field and low light noise reduction to provide the clearest and sharpest photos. A first for any tablet, the 8MP camera on the Transformer Prime also has the ability to take full 1080p HD video.

Supreme sound

The Transformer Prime houses impressive audio, powered by ASUS exclusive SonicMaster technology, renowned for crisp and acoustically accurate audio. It produces crystal clear sound with a wide sound range, increased sound fidelity, and distinct vocal enhancements not found on any other tablet in the market.

Unlimited productivity

The Transformer Prime is offered in both a 32GB and 64B model along with a micro SD card slot, 3.5mm combo audio jack and micro HDMI port so sharing both what’s inside and on screen is quick and easy. However, the function that gives the Transformer Prime its namesake is the mobile dock, which gives new meaning to the term versatility. The innovative and convenient design seamlessly provides the user with a keyboard and touchpad, along with limitless expandability options via the USB port and SD card slot. Alone, the Transformer Prime has a battery life of up to 12 hours*, but when combined with the mobile dock, it lasts up to an incredible 18 hours*, the longest battery life of any tablet. Preinstalled application SuperNote is fantastic for its ability to take, draw or record notes, while Polaris® Office is great for staying productive with the ability to read and edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint (MS Office 97-2007 version compatible) files.

P9X79 Series: Ideal choice for unmatched power tuning and user-friendly innovation

ASUS engineers and designers have sought to ensure absolutely precise control be made available to users through meticulous power, system, and BIOS tuning for the best-optimized computing experience. With New DIGI+ Power Control, new memory voltage modulation options allow users to make the most of DDR3 speed, with performance boosting through VCCSA load line calibration. DRAM current capability increases by about 30%, so overclocking the memory further than ever becomes easy.

An 8-DIMM design supports up to 64GB of quad-channel memory to make full use of 64-bit applications. Extra memory helps with intensive data, image, and video processing. Users can also set up large RAM disks to accelerate read speeds and system performance. ASUS SSD Caching is much more user-friendly compared to similar technologies, with one-click speedup functionality. This exclusive feature combines solid state drive speeds with mechanical hard drive capacities, leading to up to three times faster storage performance.

UEFI BIOS has won media acclaim for its intuitive and easy GUI interaction. The latest version has been upgraded with the F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey, the F3 system info shortcut, and DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect), which diagnoses memory issues and offer advanced POST troubleshooting. USB BIOS Flashback enables true plug and play BIOS flashing with any USB storage device. It works even without powering up the PC, using only standby power, and with no CPU or memory installed. BT GO 3.0! consists of an onboard Bluetooth v3.0 +HS module that offers wireless 802.11n support, adding instant access point detection and setup for Wi-Fi everywhere. The included antenna has an elegant design, plus easy mounting with a magnet attachment. The suite includes several special functions, allowing users to sync and transfer files between PC and mobile devices, and even use smartphones to overclock their PC. Also, USB 3.0 Boost adds new UASP support to accelerate USB 3.0 performance by up to 170%, in addition to automatic detection of USB 3.0 device protocol.

ROG Rampage IV Extreme: setting new overclocking world records

The Rampage IV Extreme supports 4-way NVIDIA® SLI™ and AMD CrossFireX™ in new PCI Express 3.0, designed to empower overclockers. It comes loaded with overclocking features well-suited to competitive benchmarking. Exclusive ROG X-Socket™ unlocks easy transition to LGA 2011 from LGA 1366, as CPU coolers and LN2 containers can be used as-is with the new board. OC Key™ is an ROG-designed device that connects to the DVI port of any graphics card to display performance and overclocking info on the screen independent of system resources. Users can make changes with no additional software, and without slowing their PC down. For enhanced and modified cooling, ROG has developed Subzero Sense™, which detects cooling system temperatures as low as -193 ?C. This eliminates the need to buy a digital thermometer, saving users considerable cost. ROG Extreme Engine Digi+ II and 10K Black Metallic Capacitors ensure the long lasting and high endurance power delivery demanded by gamers and competitive overclockers. The Rampage IV Extreme comes bundled with hit game Battlefield 3™ from EA and DICE, which uses the Frostbite 2 engine to showcase the latest in DirectX® 11 technology and graphics effects.

TUF SABERTOOTH X79: military-grade reliability

The new TUF SABERTOOTH X79 ships with an intelligent thermal design, military grade-tested TUF components, and exclusive cooling features for enhanced system stability. New generation TUF Thermal Armor with dual fans expands cooling and precise airflow for more effective heat dissipation, improving system reliability and performance. TUF Thermal Radar monitors real time temps in critical parts, automatically adjusting fan speeds to maintain high stability and prevent overheating. It consists of 12 sensors, giving users the ability to monitor each one individually. It automatically calculates ideal fan speeds based on different parameters selected by users, keeping components cooler and longer lasting. Military-grade TUF components include capacitors, chokes, and MOSFETs. Their heat and stress tolerance allows ASUS to offer an exclusive 5-year warranty on the SABERTOOTH X79. Additionally, the new model includes New DIGI+ Power Control digital power delivery and conversion, giving it the same precision and performance offered by the P9X79 Series.

ASUS is known for their range of factory overclocked graphics cards that give them the performance edge over reference designs while at the same time not compromising on the reliability of the product. Recent technological innovationslike DirectCU II which is based on ASUS DirectCU, that uses copper heat pipes in direct contact with the GPU core for up to 20%* cooler performance, DirectCU II adds a custom cooler that uses twin 100mm fans for a massive 600%* increase in airflow on HD 6970, HD 6950, GTX 580, and GTX 570 DirectCU II cards. The new DirectCU II graphics cards also include exclusive ASUS Super Alloy Power technology, which uses a unique alloy formula in power components such as chokes, capacitors, POSCAPs and MOSFETs to ensure a 15%* performance boost, 35°C* cooler operation and 2.5* times longer lifespan. In addition, ASUS Voltage Tweak allows you to boost GPU voltage via ASUS SmartDoctor to achieve up to 50% faster clock speed.

ASUS also launched special high performance graphics cards from their Republic of Gamers line like the Matrix GTX580 Platinum and the limited edition MARS II with dual GTX580 GPUsin India this year. Encouraged by the positive growth in 2011, ASUS now aims at capturing 30% of the graphics cards market in 2012.

Mr. Shih then introduced four key incredible principles that guided ASUS’ development team during the ZENBOOK™ design phase.

Pure Design

Art melds seamlessly with technology upon viewing the ASUS ZENBOOK™. The silver exterior panel features a concentric circle design that refracts a halo of light that excites the senses. With a thickness of 0.11” at the front and 0.35” at the rear, the ZENBOOK™’s exterior lines are sleek, making it the thinnest Ultrabook on the market and perfect for users constantly on-the-go or in the classroom.

Unrivalled Performance

The ZENBOOK™ is designed with an instant-on feature that resumes the system in about 2 seconds* and features incredible standby times up to 2 weeks*, which is four times more than the industry standard. Although svelte and sleek, the ZENBOOK™ packs an impressive and uncompromising list of technological breakthroughs. It uses the latest Intel® 2nd generation Core™ processors (optimized for mobile use), SATA Revision 3.0 solid state storage (SSD), Bluetooth™ V4.0 and USB 3.0. ASUS has also added USB Charger+ technology, which uses the powered USB 3.0 port to recharge portable devices in a fraction of the time it would normally take. To accommodate all of these technologies, ASUS engineers designed custom cooling technology using a V-shaped channel with a unique copper fin design for improved airflow and cooling. When battery life dips below 5 percent, the ZENBOOK™ will automatically save files in progress to prevent data loss.

Incredibly Green

The ZENBOOK™ provides its users a peace of mind in knowing that they are consuming less energy. It utilizes ASUS’ patented Super Hybrid Engine II technology, which intelligently conserves battery life and allows the ZENBOOK™ to have up to 25% more battery life* than other Ultrabook designs.

Transcending Audio

Recognizing that an ultrabook is not only a tool for work, but also for entertainment, each ZENBOOK™ is equipped with ASUS SonicMaster technology, an optimized fusion of hardware and software developed by the ASUS Golden Ear team and Bang & Olufsen ICEpower®. SonicMaster provides a wide sonic spectrum surround sound that can fill a room with smooth jazz or the tranquil sound of a mountain stream.
Leading Technology Partnership

Intel’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of Sales and Marketing Group, Tom Kilroy, expressed his excitement that Intel contributed the incredible processor technology for ASUS’s groundbreaking masterpiece.

“Today’s introduction of ASUS ZENBOOK™ is a vivid proof that Ultrabooks are ushering in a fundamental transformation of personal computing,” said Mr. Kilroy. “In the few months since Intel first unveiled this new type of device, ASUS has delivered an amazingly light design powered by the visibly smart performance of the second generation Intel Core i7 and Core i5 processors. It’s packed with the security, responsiveness, and other exciting features, that deliver on the promise of the Ultrabook, to offer the most complete and satisfying computing experience.”

The ZENBOOK™ will be available for order in North America starting on Oct. 12, with prices starting at $999 (suggested MSRP).