Tech in
BRINGING INNOVATIONS TO LIFE issue 17 www.techinstyle.tv
Transforming the tablet world ASUS Transformer Pads welcome a new world of mobile computing entry point
The K Series offers price, performance, and panache
Z77th Heaven
These motherboards pack performance and reliability
FOREWORD
EDITOR'S NOTE
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biquitous cloud computing – that was the buzzword following the ASUS PadFone press conference at Mobile World Congress several weeks back. ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih talked about his vision of ubiquitous cloud computing as he introduced a slew of products designed to redefine the future of mobile computing devices, saying that “the time has finally arrived when every screen in our lives could transcend into a portal with real time access into our digital world.” Looking at the response garnered by ASUS PadFone and the new Transformer Pad lineup, who can blame him? The former was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from both media and ASUS fan boys. It certainly got tech journalist Jack Schofield’s attention. What we finally have is a 3-in-1 device that is a smartphone, tablet PC, and a notebook; along with a little something called Ice Cream Sandwich. While we’re more or less well-versed with the PadFone’s specifications, it still isn’t the same as having the actual device to play with. But that’s soon to change, with ASUS having finally announced that the PadFone will hit the streets on April 20, in Taiwan at least. While it’s easy to get caught up in this mobile computing craze, let’s not forget that ASUS makes an entire range of products to cater to those who aren’t exactly “onthe-go”. We’ve got quite a line-up for this issue. We take a look at both ends of the notebook spectrum, starting with the ZENBOOK ultrabook and the K Series. There’s also the ASUS Z77 Series along with the ROG Maximus V GENE motherboards, and a look at another dimension in gaming with the ASUS VG23A 3D IPS LED monitor. If you think that’s something, wait till you see what we have in store for Computex, which is a little over a month away. Till then,
Joseph Yadao Editor
About ASUS ASUS, the world’s top 3 consumer notebook vendor and the maker of the world’s best-selling and most award winning motherboards, is a leading enterprise in the new digital era. ASUS designs and manufactures products that perfectly meet the needs of today’s digital home, office and person, with a broad portfolio that includes motherboards, graphics cards, optical drives, displays, desktops, Eee Box and allin-one PCs, notebooks, netbooks, tablet devices, servers, multimedia and wireless solutions, networking devices, and mobile phones. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS won 3,886 awards in 2011, and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with the Eee PC™. With a global staff of more than 11,000 and a world-class R&D team of 3,100 engineers, the company’s revenue for 2011 was around US$11.9 billion.
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EDITORIAL Editor-in-chief Tim Smalley Editor Joseph Yadao Contributor Julian Prokaza PRODUCTION Production Manager Helen Ling Art Director Quawn Hsu Lead Designer Chiou Chong Lee
Copyright: ASUS Technology Private Limited, 2012. All editorial content in this magazine has been sponsored by ASUS. While every care was taken preparing this magazine, ASUS Technology Private Limited cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information nor any consequences arising from it.
Please recycle this magazine when you have finished reading.
CONTENTS issue 17
04 A new world of mobile computing Spoilt for choice? We take you through the range of Transformer Pads tablets
06 ASUS PadFone goes on sale in Taiwan We get the scoop on the PadFone launch
08 Now with more ZEN
Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and imagine the ZENBOOK in Rose Gold and Hot Pink
10 Entry point
Price, performance, and panache with the K Series
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12 Solid foundations for a first-class performance Performance or reliability? How about both?
14 Meet the micro-sized motherboard with maximum performance The ROG Maximus V GENE scores one for the little guys
16 3D doesn’t get easier than this
Experience another dimension with the VG23AH display
17 Reader Q&A
12
Looking for a sound card for your gaming rig? We take a look.
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DESIRED
A new world of
mobile computing
Transformer Pad Transformer Pad Prime Transformer Pad Infinity
With three distinct new Android 4 tablets in store for 2012, ASUS is ready to redefine mobile computing. Which one will you take?
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Transformer Pad
Transformer Pad Prime
t’s fair to say that no single tablet can cater for every mobile need, but with three new models in store for this year, ASUS has something to suit everyone in this new era of cloud computing. Although aimed at very distinct types of user, the three new models in the Transformer Pad range all share a common set of incredible features. Android 4 ‘Ice Cream Sandwich’ is standard issue, as are powerful quad-core NVIDIA® Tegra 3 processors and, of course, the battery-boosting keyboard dock that first established the Transformer Pad as a tablet to be reckoned with. Optional 4G LTE brings potential mobile broadband speeds faster than most home connections too, while renowned ASUS SonicMaster technology delivers surprisingly expansive sound quality for such slimline devices.
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Transformer Pad Prime
Transformer Pad Infinity
Desirability certainly isn’t in doubt with the Transformer Pad Prime and Infinity tablets, but the new Transformer Pad adds one more ingredient — affordability. Available in red, white or blue, the Transformer Pad also packs a 10.1” IPS screen with ultra-wide 178° viewing angle, plus a quad-core NVIDIA® Tegra 3 processor for smooth performance with Android apps of all kinds. Optional 3G/LTE mobile data makes it a capable tablet for serious mobile use too, as does the 10-hour battery life — or 15 hours, with the mobile dock.
The world’s first quad-core Android tablet combines an ultra-slim 8.3mm profile and low 586g weight with a brilliant 10.1” Super IPS+ screen that stays crisp and clear, even when used outdoors in bright sunshine. The result is an extremely portable tablet that won’t wear you out when held with one hand, or run out of power in a hurry, thanks to its 12-hour battery life that stretches to 18 hours when used with the mobile QWERTY keyboard dock.
The new Transformer Pad Infinity is an Android tablet designed with multimedia in mind. The 10.1” Super IPS+ widescreen display is just as breathtaking to behold as the Transformer Prime’s, but there’s one key difference — an incredible 1920 × 1200 resolution that displays Full HD with perfect clarity. The ultra-sharp 224ppi (pixels per inch) resolution renders web page text and digital photos with extreme sharpness too, but don’t think that the Transformer Pad Infinity is just about looks — ASUS SonicMaster technology means it has the sound quality to match.
Screen 10.1” (1280 x 800) IPS capacitive multi-touch CPU NVIDIA® Tegra 3 quad-core (1.2GHz) Memory 1GB RAM, 16/32GB user storage with microSDHC slot Camera 8MP rear with 1080p video recording capability, 1.2MP front Battery Life 10 hours + 5 hours with dock Dimension 180.8 × 263 × 9.9mm Weight 635g
Screen 10.1” (1280 x 800) Super IPS+ capacitive multi-touch CPU NVIDIA® Tegra 3 quad-core (1.3GHz) Memory 1GB RAM, 32/64GB user storage with microSDHC slot Camera 8MP rear with flash, with 1080p video recording capability, 1.2MP front Battery Life 12 hours + 6 hours with dock Dimension 180.8 × 263 × 8.3mm Weight 586g
Screen 10.1” (1920 x 1200) Super IPS+ capacitive multi-touch CPU NVIDIA® Tegra 3 quad-core (1.6GHz) Memory 1GB RAM, 32/64GB user storage with microSDHC slot Camera 8MP rear with flash, with 1080p video recording capability, 2MP front Battery Life 10 hours + 6 hours with dock Dimension 180.8 × 263 × 8.5mm Weight 598g
Transformer Pad Infinity
Transformer Pad
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REPORT
ASUS PadFone
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ASUS PadFone goes on sale in Ta wan ™
The ASUS PadFone has gone on sale in Taiwan, which marks the beginning of the world-wide launch
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SUS Chairman Jonney Shih has announced that the PadFone will be in customers’ hands before the end of April. He was joined by the company’s CEO Jerry Shen at the official PadFone launch event. Mr. Shen gave a detailed product presentation and introduced the two carrier partners – Chunghwa Telecom and Senao International – who are selling the ASUS PadFone in Taiwan. “I am very excited to deliver the ASUS PadFone into the hands of our customers. It is an ultra-savvy intelligent device that combines the function of a phone, a pad, as well as a notebook. It was built to offer users an unrivalled level of performance, customization and choice in how they connect with their digital world. Welcome to the future,” said Mr. Shen. The ASUS PadFone is an incredible 4.3” smartphone featuring a Super AMOLED qHD display, the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual-core 1.5GHz processor, and an ultra-sharp 8-megapixel camera all wrapped in an exquisite
design that is optimized for Google’s Android Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. When placed inside the PadFone Station, it transforms into a 10.1” tablet with up to 63 hours of extended talk time. The PadFone offers unmatched versatility via ASUS’ unique DynamicDisplay technology which allows seamless transition between the PadFone and PadFone Station displays. Additionally, the optional Station Dock essentially turns the PadFone into an ultraportable computing device with an extended talk time of up to 102 hours. There’s also the option to bundle the PadFone Stylus Headset with the device. The Stylus Headset is a Bluetooth stylus pen that transforms into a headset for easily picking up calls. PadFone owners will also receive 32GB of ASUS WebStorage for three years, allowing them to utilize ASUS’ cloud service to optimize their ubiquitous cloud computing experience.
MAy 2012 MAY
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DESIRED
ASUS ZENBOOK Series
Now with more ZEN
ASUS ZENBOOK Ultrabooks keep getting better, and offer a new category of portable computing
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aunched back in October to much acclaim, the ZENBOOK instantly created a novel approach to the Ultrabook concept. Designed in close cooperation with Intel, the definitive Ultrabook series brings to the fore delectably artistic design, the finest materials, strong monoshell construction, and a form factor of unprecedented thinness and lightness. But the state of Zen extends beyond these aesthetic considerations, as ASUS includes powerful tech inside that was previously thought beyond the reach of such compact devices. With Intel Core i7 processors and solid state drives as standard, the ZENBOOK elevates quality computing through sheer smooth operation. Thanks to unique ASUS technologies, the ZENBOOK presents smartphone-like usability, with two second instant on resume and up to two weeks of standby time (or a whopping 65 days of
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hibernation). Weighing 1.1Kg and up, ZENBOOK models can be carried with ease while never falling short in the performance department. The series continues to grow, with more variants being added. You can now get your hands on ZENBOOK machines in several eye-catching colours. In addition to the original spun metal, they’re now available in Rose Gold and Hot Pink, offering even more choice. All ZENBOOKs come with exclusive ASUS SonicMaster audio technology, delivering really impressive sound in everything from music to movies. You’d expect laptops so thin and compact to perhaps settle for tinny sound, but you’re in for a surprise with these machines. The path of Zen apparently calls for incredible audio. Live and learn.
• Aluminium monoshell design with intricate, spun metal finish • Ultra-slim profile: 3mm at the front, 9mm at the rear • Intel® Core™ i3, i5 and i7 processors • SATA Revision 3.0 SSD options • USB 3.0 connectivity • ASUS Super Hybrid Engine II technology • Audio technology from Bang & Olufsen ICEpower® and ASUS SonicMaster MAy 2012 MAY
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RE-WIRED
Entry point ASUS K Series
Affordable portables can make a serious style statement too, as the new K Series clearly demonstrates
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uying a new laptop can be complicated at the best of times, but when it’s a first-time purchase for all-round use, it’s a question of finding the best combination of price, performance and specification. Fortunately, the new ASUS K Series takes the pain out of putting those three features in order of importance — by putting them all on equal footing. Powered by the latest 3rd Gen Intel® Core™ processors and NVIDIA® 600M Series graphics, the new K Series laptops are faster and more frugal than ever before. That means they’re suited to all manner of tasks, whether it’s running serious productivity software, catching up on social networking sites or enjoying a movie. Better still, IceCool technology keeps the K Series comfortably cool, while ASUS SuperBatt technology prolongs the battery lifespan by up to 300% as it automatically optimizes the recharge cycle. Available in six stylish colours and with a new streamlined design sporting a patterned aluminium finish, entry-level laptops have never looked so good. They’ve never sounded so good either, thanks to ASUS SonicMaster Lite that uses upgraded components and software, along with enlarged speaker chambers to bring greater audio clarity and depth. The multi-touch track pad enhances the user experience with larger dimensions and increased sensitivity. All in all, the new ASUS K Series is perfect for first-time buyers, and looking at the all its features, it’s also one they’ll want to hang onto for quite some time too.
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Key features of the new K Series IceCool technology features a unique component layout that moves heatgenerating processor, graphics and memory components to the underside of the motherboard, ensuring the palm rest stays cool. No entry-level laptop ever looked as good as the new K Series, thanks to a sleek, textured aluminium case that comes in six colours. The black low-profile keyboard with isolated keys beautifully complements the matte screen bezel and glossy screen too. All rechargeable batteries deteriorate with prolonged use, but ASUS SuperBatt technology optimises the recharge cycle by automatically regulating the input voltage. As a result, the K Series maintains its maximum battery charge for longer, prolonging the useful battery life by up to 300%. ASUS Super Hybrid Engine II technology with its two-second instant-on means no more waiting for Windows to load or wake from standby, while the two-week standby time will protect important data by automatically saving files when the battery slips below 5%.
May 2012
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INSPIRED
P8Z77 Series Motherboards | SABERTOOTH Z77 Motherboard
Solid foundations for first-class performance
Whether you’re an overclocker looking for the ultimate in performance or a case-modder more interested in rock-solid reliability, ASUS has a motherboard for you
ASUS P8Z77 Series
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verclocking enthusiasts looking to push a PC to the very edge of its performance limit will love the new P8Z77 Series motherboards from ASUS. These five new Socket 1155 boards feature the very latest Dual Intelligent Processors 3 technology to take much of the guesswork out of performance tuning. Precise digital control over CPU, GPU and memory parameters make striking a stable set-up easier than ever, while optimised power settings give a safe and instant speed boost. The P8Z77 Series makes cooler, quieter PCs even easier to build, too. Intel® VRD 12.5 Future Technology improves energy efficiency to reduce processor power consumption by up to 50%; ASUS Fan Xpert 2 features a Fan Auto Tuning mode that automatically optimises fan speeds to achieve a perfect balance between acoustic and thermal performance. Incorporating a PC into a home entertainment set-
up is much easier with the P8Z77 Series motherboards, thanks to ASUS Wi-Fi Go! which provides easy wireless DLNA streaming to compatible devices. Network iControl real-time network also eliminates streaming video stutter and multiplayer gaming lag when large files are downloading, making the ASUS P8Z77 Series perfect for high-performance media PCs.
Tech Specs CPU Socket LGA 1155 Chipset Intel® Z77 Express GPU AMD® CrossFireX/NVIDIA® SLI (either or both, depending on model) Slots 3 × PCIe x16, SATA 6Gbit/s, SATA 3Gbit/s, eSATA*, USB 3.0* Audio 8 channel HD, DTS Wireless connection* Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, 2T2R Dual Band 2.4/5GHz & BT v4.0 *Model dependent.
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ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77
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ust can spell doom for any PC, particularly when its case has been so heavily modified that it hinders smooth airflow. Making a chassis airtight is way too complicated for the average PC user; so the new ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77 takes a different approach. Its next generation TUF Thermal Armor redirects airflow, with a dedicated I/O cover fan that draws additional cold air in and helps expel even more heat for improved system stability. There are also special convection holes in the printed circuit board to help facilitate underside airflow. The SABERTOOTH Z77’s unique ‘shunt’ design with integral heat pipes also ensures cool air is drawn over critical components to give running temperatures up to 11°C lower than a comparable standard motherboard set-up. Thermal Radar technology also monitors motherboard temperatures in real-time, and automatically adjusts fan speeds to keep temperatures low and improve the lifespan of components. Should heat build-up become unavoidable for some reason, the SABERTOOTH Z77 will even keep fans running after the PC has been shut down to reduce the risk of thermal damage. The Dust Defender feature seals motherboard slots and connectors to prevent the accumulation of dust particles and effectively extending the lifespan of the components. The result is an Intel® LGA1155 motherboard that delivers server-grade reliability while a five-year warranty provides invaluable peace of mind, too. And, of course, TUF Thermal Armor looks great, so the Z77 is ideal for case mods that keep the interior on show.
Tech Specs CPU Socket LGA 1155 Chipset Intel® Z77 Express GPU AMD® CrossFireX/NVIDIA® SLI Slots 2 × PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 × PCIe 2.0 x16, 10 × USB 2.0, 6 × USB 3.0, 4 × SATA 6Gbit/s, 4 × SATA 3Gbit/s, 2 × eSATA 6Gbit/s Audio 7.1 channel HD
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DESIRED
ROG Maximus V GENE
Meet the microsize motherboard with maximum performance If you thought building an extreme gaming rig meant a PC the size of a suitcase, the ROG Maximus V GENE will make you think again
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ever was the phrase “good things come in small packages” more appropriate than when applied to the new ROG Maximus V GENE motherboard. Despite its microATX form factor that’s barely larger than a tablet computer, this Intel® Socket LGA1155 motherboard packs enough performance to take on all-comers. Key to the ROG Maximus V GENE’s success is Extreme Engine Digi+ II technology that ensures optimum energy efficiency through the use of premium components and innovative design. Digital controllers provide precise overclocking control, and Japanese Nichicon GT-Series 10k black metallic capacitors endure a greater temperature range and last up to five times longer than standard solid capacitors. The ROG Maximus V GENE’s small size belies its extreme graphics performance, too. LucidLogix Virtu MVP technology dynamically assigns tasks to the most appropriate graphics processor on-the-
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fly to fully exploit the capabilities of the onboard Intel® Z77 Express Chipset GPU and discrete cards (NVIDIA® SLI and AMD® CrossFireX are both supported). As a result, graphics performance can be boosted by up to 60% and high frame rates reached with no visible tearing. So, if you’d like to maximise gaming performance with a small PC, the ROG Maximus V GENE is the motherboard that fits the bill.
Tech Specs CPU Socket LGA 1155 Chipset Intel® Z77 Express GPU AMD® CrossFireX/NVIDIA® SLI Slots 2 × PCIe x16, 1 × PCIe 2.0 X1, 1 × mini-PCIe on combo card, 4 × SATA 6Gbit/s, 2 × SATA 3Gbit/s, 1 × eSATA 3Gbit/s, 1 × mSATA 3Git/s on combo card, 6 × USB 3.0, 8 × USB 2.0 Audio 7.1 channel HD & Supreme FX III™
Key features
MicroATX form factor measures just 244 × 244mm, yet packs an Intel® LGA1155 socket with Z77 Express chipset for 2nd and 3rd-generation Intel® Core™ processors. Unique mPCIe Combo™ slot allows halfheight mini-PCIe and full-height mini-SATA 3Gbit/s upgrades without sacrificing main motherboard slots Intel GameFirst+ Gigabit Ethernet reduces the CPU’s networking overhead by up to 35%, and shapes traffic to reduce latency and achieve consistent throughput for maximum frags
Standard ROG highperformance features, including ROG Connect for remote overclocking control from a USB-connected laptop and USB BIOS Flashback for easy recovery from ‘overenthusiastic’ parameter tweaks. SupremeFX III™ delivers superlative onboard sound, thanks to SupremeFX Shielding Technology that isolates the audio circuitry from potential electronic interference.
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RE-WIRED Tech Specs
3D doesn’t get easier than this
Screen 23” Full HD (1920 × 1080) IPS LED-backlit 3D support Passive FPR technology with one-click 2D to 3D conversion hotkey Inputs 2 × HDMI 1.4, D-Sub, DVI, 3.5mm audio in/out Response time 5ms (GTG) Speakers 2 × 3W (internal) Ergonomic design Tilt, swivel, height adjustment Size 550 × 419 × 250mm Weight 6.5kg
VG23AH 3D IPS LED Monitor
The new VG23AH IPS display from ASUS doesn’t just deliver one stunning 23” Full HD image, it delivers two to create a fully immersive 3D image
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f the explosion of 3D technology at the cinema and with HDTV has left you wanting the same immersive experience on your desktop PC, the new ASUS VG23AH 3D IPS LED monitor may be just what you’re looking for. This brilliant 23” Full HD, LED-backlit widescreen display delivers incredible amounts of detail no matter the source material. IPS technology ensures an ultra-wide 178° viewing angle with minimal colour shift; while ASUS Splendid™ Video Intelligence technology automatically optimises the image to suit six different kinds of viewing material too, which means the perfect image is only a button-press away.
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It’s 3D where the VG23AH really shines, though. Unlike 3D displays that use active LCS (Liquid Crystal Shutter) technology, its passive FPR (Film Patterned Retarder) system eliminates flicker and gives an immersive threedimensional image that’s viewed with battery-free 3D glasses. There’s no need for special drivers either, and the VG23AH can even up-convert 2D content to 3D to bring new depth to everything from games to streaming YouTube videos. • • •
23” Full HD IPS display with 178° viewing angle QuickFit Virtual Scale shows on-screen grid for actualsize viewing of standard image sizes ±100mm height, ±150° swivel adjustment
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Q&A
Amping up my gaming rig’s audio
Q
I’ve just built a new PC for gaming and while I’m happy with the graphics performance from my choice of graphics card and processor, I’m not satisfied with the motherboard’s onboard audio. The sound quality is good enough, but I don’t think I’m getting the best results with its positional audio features and they don’t work that well when listening with headphones. I prefer these to external speakers, since I play a lot of multi-player games where VoIP is essential. Headphones are also a must for when I attend LAN parties, but I switch to inear earphones here block out external noise. So, my question is what’s the best standalone PC sound card for positional audio through stereo headphones, and is there anything else I should be thinking about before buying?
Tech in Style explains how to get the best sound quality for a gaming PC, even in the noisy environment of a LAN party.
A
The onboard sound provided by most motherboards and average sound cards would usually suffice when it comes to listening to music, watching videos and occasional gaming, but hardcore gamers looking for that extra edge are usually better served by a standalone sound card. Listening through headphones adds a layer of complication too, since not all sound cards are able to drive all headphones and some simply aren’t powerful enough to do them justice. You didn’t mention what kind of headphones and earphones you like to use, but this shouldn’t matter with the sound card we’re going to recommend. The new ASUS ROG Xonar Phoebus or ROG Xonar Phoebus has a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of up to 118dB SNR and three different gain settings for quick and easy impedance matching, which means it works really well with almost all kinds of headphones. The Xonar Phoebus also comes with a desktop control box with its own 3.5mm headphone and microphone input jacks, which means fishing around the back of the PC to plug in headphones or headphones leads that are too short are things of the past. Through smart algorithms and two array microphones embedded in the control box, ROG Command technology reduces up to 50% of environmental noise and boosts ingame communication. Support for Dolby® Home Theatre V4 means the Xonar Phoebus delivers impressive virtual cinematic surround sound, too — or the real thing, should you fancy connecting a set of 5.1 or 7.1 speakers. The GX3.0 game audio engine with legacy EAX audio support also delivers a true-to-life audio experience.
ROG Xonar Phoebus
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Quick resume in 2 seconds. 21-day standby time
Enhanced performance with the latest IntelŽ Atom™ dual-core processor
Full HD 1080p video playback via HDMI