ASUS Unveils AP1720-E1 – The World’s Most Compact Server/Workstation Solution
Supporting a dual-Xeon architecture in a standard desktop PC casing



Taipei, Taiwan, January 7, 2004 – ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (ASUS), a leading provider of high-performance server systems, today introduced the AP1720-E1, the smallest server amongst competing solutions. At 43.1cm X 22cm X 51cm in dimension, the size of a standard desktop PC, the AP1720-E1 amazingly incorporated a dual-3.06GHz Xeon architecture and eight SCSI 15,000rpm hot-swappable hard disks to provide robust computing capability. No other companies offer such a space-saving yet high-performance solution.



u Smallest Amongst Competing Solutions

u Cost-effective

u Cool & Quiet Computing

u Optimal Choice For Server & Workstation

u Media Testimony

u Powerful Scalability & Complete Accessory








Smallest Amongst Competing Solutions
The existing dual-processor servers in market are about 57-67cm in depth, making the AP1720-E1 a unique product. Besides adopting two Intel Xeon processors in the smallest case, the ASUS server also comes equipped with more hard disk support and excellent features, a testimony to ASUS’ industry-leading thermal technology. Since the average width of office desks is about 70cm, the 43.1cm x 22cm x 51cm AP1720-E1 still fits comfortably on desktops.



A Cost-effective Overclocking Machine
The AP1720-E1 dual-Xeon server is based on the 875P chipset, a more cost-effective solution compared with the E7505 chipset, making it a powerful yet affordable server/workstation solution. It provides easy overclocking as well. Simply adjust FSB settings in the BIOS and enjoy high-speed performance up to 3.5GHz.



Cool and Quiet Computing
To provide a quiet and productive computing environment, the AP1720-E1 adopted a layout design that allows a 6mm space between hard drives (most servers only offer a 3-4mm space) to increase airflow. In addition a unique fan control feature automatically adjusts fan speeds according to system loading, enabling a quiet server system comparable to that of a desktop PC (35-40db).



Server or Workstation
With an AGP 8x socket, the AP1720-E1 provides excellent flexibility. For a server, users can select a low-end graphics card and focus more on the performance provided by the two Xeon processors. For high-performance video performance, ASUS has conducted thorough compatibility tests with graphics solutions from Nvidia, ATI and 3D labs, and provided a list of recommended graphics cards to assist users in building a powerful workstation.



Powerful Scalability and Complete Accessories
The AP1720-E1 comes with a hard disk cage that supports four internal or hot-swappable hard disks. There are two ways to expand storage capacity: Add an external cage for 4 more hot-swappable hard disks, or choose an internal cage to enable long card and 4 internal hard disks. A rail kit is included as well, allowing the server to fit in a 5U rack.



The AP1720-E1 can be upgraded to a 2+1 740W redundant power supply, delivering superior reliability and the capability to support Intel’s next-generation Linderhurst and Turnwater chipsets. Furthermore, the AP1720-E1 employed a module design that converted the 5.25-inch space on top to accommodate three hard disks and one slim CD-ROM drive, meaning the server can support up to eleven hard disks.



DDR 333 Support For Superior Performance
Compared with the Placer (E7505) platform, which supports only DDR 266, the AP1720-E1, based on the ASUS PC-DL motherboard, provides higher bandwidth with DDR 333. In benchmark tests performed by Tom’s Hardware Guide and GamePC, the ASUS motherboard received excellent reviews.

For GamePC review click here.

For Toms Hardware review click here.



Global Service

The AP1720-E1 is an electrical engineering masterpiece. Teaming it with ASUS’ rigorous quality testing, exclusive ASWM (ASUS System Web-Based Management) software and the global Advanced Replacement Service (ARS), the all-new ASUS server is a dependable solution.



For more information about ASUS products, please visit the company homepage at http://www.asus.com.





About ASUS
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (TSE:2357), the perennial leader of the motherboard industry, is also a leading manufacturer of top-quality desktop barebones, notebooks, IA devices, servers, graphics cards, broadband modems, wireless solutions, optical drives and networking devices. With world-class engineering and offices and subsidiaries located in all corners of the world, ASUSTeK provides innovative solutions to consumers, businesses and OEM customers. The company has been amongst BusinessWeek’s “InfoTech 100” since 1998.