14 DAY TRIAL // Since the launch of NVIDIA's ION platform, which combines a low-power Intel Atom processor with an integrated NVIDIA GeForce graphics chipset, a number of supporting products have been launched. One of the most recent of these comes from motherboard maker ASUSTeK, which has recently updated its portfolio with the new NVIDIA ION-based AT3N7A-I motherboard. Boasting a small, mini-ITX form factor, the new board comes equipped with all the necessary hardware to run a low-power HTPC.
As you have probably figured it out, the board has been equipped with an integrated dual-core Intel Atom 330 processor, boasting a core speed of 1.6GHz and featuring a built-in fansink cooler that is meant to effectively remove the heat from the dual-core CPU. In addition, there are two memory DIMMs, which can support a maximum of 4GB of DDR2 memory, a single PCI slot, three SATA 3Gbps ports, Gigabit Ethernet LAN and the VIA VT 1708s 8-channel HD Audio Codec.
The board's back panel comes fully featured with all the connectivity options one would require from a media-ready HTPC. There's one D-Sub port, one PS/2 for keyboard, one HDMI port, External SATA, two S/PDIF Out ports (optical and coaxial), one RJ45 Ethernet LAN port, eight USB 2.0 ports, 1 Mini DN and one Bluetooth solution. In addition, the board has been equipped with some of ASUS' well-known applications, including MyLogo 2, EZ Flash 2, CrashFree BIOS 3, AI NET 2 and ASUS' Splashtop-powered Express Gate operating system.
Thanks to the integration of NVIDIA's ION platform, the new board from ASUS will provide users with support for an energy-efficient, small-sized desktop computer system, ideal for an HTPC setup. The board will enable users to play DirectX 10 applications, offering support for running some less demanding gaming applications. Unfortunately, we have no details on the board's pricing and availability.
