TREADLAYERS.COM: ASUS M4A79T DELUXE

ASUS M4A79T DELUXE

When we looked at AMD's hot Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition CPU, it was reviewed with the Gigabyte GA-MA790FXT-UD5P motherboard. That was an amazing board with just about everything one could ever want in terms of features. Now, we take a look at another major league motherboard maker, Asus, with their top-of-the line AM3 board, the M4A79T Deluxe. Here are its specifications:

CPU, Chipset and Graphics features

AMD® Phenom™ II/ Athlon™ X4/ Athlon™ X3/Athlon™ X2 processors (socket AM3)
This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM3 multi-core processors with unique L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power consumption. It features dual-channel DDR3 1333 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based system bus. This motherboard also supports AMD® CPUs in the new 45nm manufacturing process.

AMD 790FX Chipset
AMD 790FX Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0) interface speed and quad PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized with AMD latest AM3 and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities.

Native DDR3 1600(O.C.) Support
This motherboard supports native DDR3 1600(O.C.) that provides faster data transfer rate and more bandwith to increase memory computing efficiency, enhancing system performance in 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications.
* DDR3 1600(O.C.) is supported by AM3 CPUs only. Refer to www.asus.com for the supported CPU models.

PCIe 2.0 support
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance.

ATI CrossFireX™ Technology
ATI’s CrossFireX™ boosts image quality along with rendering speed, eliminating the need to scale down screen resolution to get high quality images. CrossFireX™ allows higher anti-aliasing, anisotropic filtering, shading, and texture settings. Adjust your display configurations, experiment with the advanced 3D settings, and check the effects with a real-time 3D-rendered previews within ATI Catalyst™ Control Center.

ASUS Power Solutions

8+2 Phase Power Design
To fully unleash the next-generation AM3 CPU´s potential, the ASUS M4 Series motherboards have adopted a brand new 8-phase VRM power design. It delivers high power efficiency and supreme overclocking ability. Furthermore, high quality power components can effectively lower system temperature to ensure longer component lifespan. This series also features an extra 2 (or 1) phase power dedicated to integrated memory/HT controller.

ASUS Anti-Surge Protection
This special design prevents expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused by power surges from switching power supply(PSU).

ASUS Green Design

EPU
The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) provides total system power management by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power in real-time. It automatically provides the most appropriate power usage for the CPU, VGA card, hard drives, and CPU/chassis fans- helping save power and money!
*ASUS EPU is supported by AM3/AM2+ CPU only

AI Nap
With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise when you are temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS environment, simply click the mouse or press a key.

ASUS Overclocking Tools

TurboV
Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time O.C. - now a reality with the ASUS TurboV. This easy O.C. tool allows you to overclock without exiting or rebooting the OS; and its user-friendly interface makes overclock with just a few clicks away. Moreover, the ASUS OC profiles in TurboV provides the best O.C. settings in different scenarios.

Turbo Key
ASUS Turbo Key allows the user to turn the PC power button into an overclocking button. After the easy setup, Turbo Key can boost performances without interrupting ongoing work or games - with just one touch!!

Precision Tweaker 2
Allows the user to adjust the CPU voltage in 0.0125v steps and NB/DRAM voltage in 0.02v steps to finetune voltage to achieve the most precise setting for the ultimate overclocking configuration.

Express Gate

Express Gate
Taking only 5 seconds to bootup, Express Gate is the one-stop gateway to instant fun! It´s a unique motherboard built-in OS. You can utilize the most popular Instant Messengers (IM) like MSN, Skype, Google talk, QQ, and Yahoo! Messenger to keep in touch with friends, or quickly check on the weather and e-mails just before leaving your house. What´s more, the user-friendly picture manager lets you view your pictures without entering Windows at anytime!
*The actual boot time is subject to hardware configurations and product models.

ASUS EZ DIY

Q- Shield
The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual "fingers" - making it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).

Q-Connector
The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in one easy step with one complete module. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of plugging in one cable at a time, making connection quick and accurate.

O.C. Profile
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Profile that allows users to conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite settings.

CrashFree BIOS 2
This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the support CD in case when the BIOS codes and the data are corrupted. This protection eliminates the need to buy a replacement ROM chip.

EZ-Flash 2
Simply update BIOS from a USB flash disk before entering the OS
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply launch this tool and update BIOS from a USB flash disk before entering the OS. You can update your BIOS only in a few clicks without preparing an additional floppy diskette or using an OS-based flash utility.

Onboard Switch
With an easy press during overclock, this exclusive onboard switch allows gamer to effortlessly fine-tune the performance without having to short the pins or moving jumpers!

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

Aesthetic Heat- pipe
Lowers Temperatures by up to 10°C
The aesthetic heat- pipe design effectively directs the heat generated by the chipsets to the heatsink near the back I/O ports - where it can be carried away by existing airflows from the CPU or a bundled optional fan. This innovative and groundbreaking fanless heat pipe design effectively lowers temperatures by up to 10°C without having lifetime problems that a normal chipset fan has. Furthermore, it provides options for users to install side-flow fans or a passive cooler. This Heat Pipe design is the most reliable fanless thermal solution to date.

Stack Cool 2
ASUS Stack Cool 2 is a fan-less and zero-noise cooling solution that lowers the temperature of critical heat generating components. The motherboard uses a special design on the printed circuit board (PCB) to dissipate heat these critical components generate.

ASUS Q-Fan 2
ASUS Q-Fan2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation.

Other Innovative Features

100% High-quality Japan-made Conductive Polymer Capacitors! (VRM 5000hrs lifespan @105°C, 500,000hrs @65°C)
This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors onboard for durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.

MyLogo2
Personalize your system with customizable boot logo You can convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for a more colorful and vivid image on your screen.

ASUS Crystal Sound

Noise Filtering
Eliminate background noise while recording
This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises like computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming audio stream while recording.

Industry Standard

SATA on the Go
The motherboard supports the next-generation hard drives based on the Serial ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specification, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. The external SATA port located at the back I/O provides smart setup and hot-plug functions. Easily backup photos, videos and other entertainment contents on external devices.

IEEE 1394a interface
IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals & other PC portable devices.

High Definition Audio
Enjoy high-end sound system on your PC!
The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output, jack-sensing feature, retasking functions and multi-streaming technology that simultaneously sends different audio streams to different destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphone while playing a multi-channel network games. All of these are done on one computer.

S/PDIF-out on Back I/O Port
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems via coaxial and optical S/PDIF-out (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) jacks. It allows to transfer digital audio without converting to analog format and keeps the best signal quality.

RoHS

GreenASUS
The motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union´s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products and packaging to safeguard consumers´ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.

The product (electrical , electronic equipment, Mercury-containing button cell battery) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

*The product (electrical , electronic equipment, Mercury-containing button cell battery) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
* All specifications are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers. Products may not be available in all markets.
* PCB color and bundled software versions are subject to change without notice.
* Brand and product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies.

Specifications

CPU	AMD Socket AM3 Phenom™ II/Athlon™ X4/Athlon™ X3/Athlon X2 Processors Support 45nm CPU AMD 140W CPU Support
Chipset	AMD 790FX/SB750
System Bus	Up to 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0
Memory	4 x DIMM, Max. 16 GB, DDR3 1600(O.C.)/1333/1066 ECC,Non-ECC,Un-buffered Memory Dual Channel memory architecture Due to OS limitation, when installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows® 32-bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended. *Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists)
Expansion Slots	4 x PCIe 2.0 x16 support ATI CrossFireX™ technology (@ dual x16, triple x16 / x8 / x8, or quad x8 link) 2 x PCI 2.2
Storage	SB750 Chipset 1 xUltraDMA 133/100/66 for up to 2 PATA devices 5 xSATA 3 Gb/s ports Support RAID 0,1,5,10,JBOD 1 x eSATA 3Gb/s ports (SATA on-the-go)* Refer to user manual for the HDD Bay QVL(Qualified Vendors Lidts) Due to the Windows XP/ Vista limitation, the RAID array with the total capacity over 2TB cannot be set as a boot disk. A RAID array over 2TB can only be set as a data disk only. For more information, please refer to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946557/en-us
LAN	Realtek® 8112 Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET 2
Audio	Realtek® 1200 8 -Channel High Definition Audio CODEC - Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and Front Panel Jack-Retasking - Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF Out ports at back I/O - ASUS Noise Filtering
IEEE 1394	VIA VT6315N controller supports 2 x 1394a ports (1 at mid-board; 1 at back panel)
USB	12 USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at back panel)
ASUS AI Lifestyle Features	ASUS Power Saving Solutions: - 8+2 Phase Power Design - ASUS Anti-Surge Protection ASUS Green Design: - EPU ASUS EPU is supported by AM3/AM2+ CPU only - ASUS AI Nap Express Gate* ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution: - ASUS Fanless Design: Heat pipe solution - ASUS Fanless Design: Stack Cool 2 - ASUS Q-Fan 2 ASUS EZ DIY: - ASUS Q-Shield - ASUS Q-Connector - ASUS O.C. Profile - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 - ASUS EZ Flash 2 - Onboard Switch
Overclocking Features	Intelligent overclocking tools - AI Overclocking (Intelligent CPU Frequency Tuner) - TurboV - Turbo Key Precision Tweaker - vDIMM: 25-step DRAM voltage control 50 -step DRAM voltage control - vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125V increment 0.0125V - vChipset (N.B.): 16-step voltage control 2 SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) - FSB tuning from 200MHz up to 600MHz 1MHz increment - PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz 150MHz at 1MHz Overclocking Protection - ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
Special Features	100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors!(VRM 5000hrs lifespan @105°C, 500,000hrs @65°C) ASUS MyLogo 2 AMD OverDrive Support* * Advanced cooling system is required when advanced overclock functions of AMD OverDrive are enabled.
Back Panel I/O Ports	1 x PS/2 Keyboard 1 x PS/2 Mouse 1 x External SATA 1 x IEEE 1394a 1 x RJ45 port 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 8 Channel Audio I/O 1 x S/PDIF Out port (Coaxial) 1 x S/PDIF Out port (Optical)
Internal I/O Connectors	3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports 1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x IDE connector 5 x SATA connectors 1 x IEEE 1394a connector 1 x CPU Fan connector 2 x Chassis Fan connector 1 x Power Fan connector 1 x S/PDIF Out connector 24-pin ATX Power connector Front panel audio connector COM connector Chassis Intrusion connector CD/AUX audio in System Panel (Q-Connector) 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector Power on Switch Reset Switch
BIOS	8 Mb Flash ROM AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2, CrashFree BIOS 2
Manageability	WOL by PME,WOR by PME,WOR by Ring,Chasis Intrusion,WOR by PME
Accessories	User's manual 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable x SATA cable 5 2 in 1 Q-connector (USB, System panel; Retail version only) 2 x ASUS CrossFire bridge cables 1 x Multi-functional module (1-port IEEE 1394a + 2-port USB2.0) *The floppy disk drive cable is purchased separately
Support CD	Drivers ASUS PC Probe II Express Gate ASUS AI Suite Anti-virus software (OEM version) ASUS Update AMD OverDrive Utility (AOD)
Form Factor	ATX Form Factor 12 inch x 9.6 inch 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm )

Asus has some nifty features such as Express Gate, Stack Cool, and Q-Connector. These are convenience-related features, and do not directly impact computing performance.

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