Asustek Computer has demonstrated its new mainboard that will enable creation of dual-processor enthusiast-class desktops and workstations running two AMD Phenom FX processors. The new motherboard that will be the base of AMD's FASN8 platform does support two microprocessor sockets and up to four graphics cards, however, it remains unknown when it will be commercially available.

The world's largest maker of computer motherboards demonstrated its Asus L1A64 WS mainboard at a conference in Japan, where Advanced Micro Devices formally unveiled its quad-core AMD Opteron microprocessors. While Asustek and AMD decided not to showcase a working workstation based on the new motherboard, the existence of the mainboard proves that AMD does plan to release its FASN8 platform in future.

As projected, Asus L1A64-WS has two sockets 1207+ for quad-core AMD Phenom FX processors, four PCI Express x16 slots for 4-way ATI CrossFire multi-GPU array as well as four memory slots in total, which allow to install either 4GB of high-speed DDR2 memory per system, or 8GB of DDR2 with moderate clock-speed. The mainboard also features a number of additional chips to provide feature-set that computer enthusiasts and gamers demand to have.

Asustek L1A64-WS mainboard. Photo by PC Watch

AMD's FASN8 (first AMD silicon next-gen 8-core) platform is primarily aimed at gamers seeking for maximum possible performance, the highest image quality and technological advantage over other systems on the market. AMD said earlier this year that FASN8 machines will be based on two quad-core processors as well as four ATI Radeon HD 2900-series graphics cards. However, according to numerous recent reports, AMD will only release the new dual-socket direct connect (DSDC) platform in 2008, missing crucial holiday sales season.

It is interesting to note that AMD's Quad FX platform released last year will also support quad-core processors, providing upgrade path for existing systems, and also supports four graphics cards. Therefore, those who already own Quad FX system based on Asus L1N64-SLI WS mainboard and Nvidia nForce 680a SLI core-logic may not really need FASN8, as they will still be able to install the new chips and, if Nvidia enables quad SLI support in drives, take advantage of four graphics processing units.

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