PC/workstation barebones Aopen

XC CubeEZ945( C ) AOpen Inc. debuts its first XC Cube supporting Core 2 Duo (Code name: Conroe) and Core 2 Extreme(Dual Core) with a Front Side Bus (FSB) which can run up to 1066 MHz, the EZ945(C).

945G Express chipset supports fast memory

The product is built with 945G Express chipset, it can be installed with the fastest Dual Channel DDRII memory modules running at 667/533 MHz. Memory on the motherboard can be expanded to 2 GB. The 945G Express chipset delivers outstanding system performance through high-bandwidth interfaces such as dual-channel DDR2, 1066/800 MHz system bus, PCI Express x16 graphics port, PCI Express x1 I/O ports, Serial ATA2 which runs at 3.0 Giga-bit and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connectivity.

Support HDTV and Digital Home audio effects

The other features of the product include the processor GMA950 with native DirectX9 support, support to HDTV for Home Multimedia, Intel High Definition Audio (known as Azalia) and even Dolby Digital Surround. In addition, EZ945(C) supports Intel Active Management Technology, the next-generation of remote client network management.

Since the motherboard of EZ945(C) is built with 945G Express chipset, it supports a wide range of Intel CPUs, including Pentium D processor, Pentium 4 processor with Hyper-Threading Technology and all other Pentium processors and Celeron processors in the LGA775 socket, with scalability for future processor innovations.

It’s Because of an on-chip graphics processor GMA950 on board, the user does not need to install an add-on graphics display card to this motherboard. Those users who desire to take advantage of more 3D graphics processing capability or gaming enthusiasts can install more powerful graphics card to the system.

Advanced Features by Intel I/O Controller Hub (Intel ICH7)

The new product is built with ICH7 (Input/Output Controller Hub 7), which provides the most powerful and fastest I/O control features currently available in Intel’s family of I/O controllers. ICH7 is designed with embedded Serial ATA-II and IDE hard drive interface, Intel's High Definition Audio Interface that support 7.1-channel surround sound, integrated LAN Controller, and enhanced video processing capability.

A unique I/O shield comes handy at the product's rear panel. It arranges the rear panel connectors in such a thoughtful and convenient way that 7.1 audio connectors, two PS/2 ports, one Com port, one VGA port, four USB 2.0 ports and1394, Gigabit LAN.

The Thermal Technology

The system is built with AOpen's innovative CPU cooling system. Another next-generation feature incorporated into the new Cube PC is AOpen's unique thermal technology. In order to develop next-generation thermal dissipation technology, AOpen installed a wind tunnel at its laboratory for the development of the new CPU coolers. After many lab tests, the most high efficiency CPU cooler was selected to go with the new product. Nearly all system cooling components, CPU coolers, and cooling fan mechanisms have been tested in AOpen's thermal laboratory which was certified by a Japanese thermal lab to meet UL, TUV, and other industrial standards.

The CPU cooler of the new product is built with award-winning airflow re-direction mechanism or fan guide that re-route the direction of airflow so that the heat is ventilated in a more efficient way. The CPU cooler is designed in a way similar to the airflow design of turbo engines. Better heat ventilation effect is also achieved through innovative housing design. Hot airflow can be exhausted through the ventilation slits designed on the sides of the XC Cube. AOpen proprietary copper alloy Heat-pipes filled with liquid coolant are designed to run through the copper fins to take away the heat more efficiently.

Another unique feature of the CPU cooler is the copper fins are cut from a solid square copper stock and formed into layers of fins rather than welded onto a copper base. Such a process leads to outstanding thermal performance because the molecular arrangement of the fins is much better than conventional heating-dissipating fins welded together. Moreover, the molecular density of the copper fins is denser than the aluminum fins used for making conventional CPU coolers.

In order to fit with various CPUs, it is designed for easy installation and disassembly. The edges of the cooler are polished so that it prevents users from being cut inadvertently. The high performance CPU cooler in the new product can meet the most stringent environment-friendly, functional, recycling, noise-free, and pollution-free specifications of industrialized countries such as Japan, Germany, and the U.S.