COMPUTER NEWS & TRENDS Universal abit takes Hybrid SLI to new gaming levels      Universal abit has announced its latest motherboard for AMD Socket AM2+/AM2 processors, the abit A-N78HD.      Based on nVIDIA’s powerful GeForce 8200 chipset this highly integrated multimedia platform motherboard makes high definition multimedia enjoyment more convenient and easier than ever. abit paid special attention to video output flexibility with three connection options already implemented on-board.      Users can choose between the standard D-Sub VGA connector or use one of the two digital outputs; DVI for high resolution monitors or HDMI for HD monitors and TV devices with combined HD audio output.      With support for Hybrid SLI further expansion for more advanced graphics upgrades in the future is an easy task.      As abit’s first motherboard supporting nVIDIA’s innovative Hybrid SLI technology, this mainstream motherboard offers GeForce Boost and Hybrid Power.      GeForce Boost allows for scalable graphics performance when installing an additional discrete graphics card. Whereas Hybrid Power allows for shutting off the unused graphics adaptor when this is not needed, effectively resulting in lower power consumption and as a result reducing your electricity bill.      The integrated GeForce 8 graphics supports DirectX 10 and Shader Model 4.0. With the all-in-one design you just need a processor and memory and you are ready to indulge in high definition multimedia right out of the box.      abit also implements 3 graphics output ports for HDMI, DVI and VGA, supporting nVIDIA’s nView multi-display technology in combination with additional add-on cards.      With nVIDIA’s nView technology you can spread your work across multiple displays.      You can for example assign one monitor for one work window and a second one for another window.      Or you can spread one window across two monitors doubling your desktop view.      For enhanced stability and longevity of the A-N78HD motherboard, abit has also implemented a 4-phase OC-PWM set around the CPU and one extra one-phase OC-PWM for the memory area.      This OC-PWMs also allow for better overclocking capabilities.      The abit A-N78HD motherboard is especially designed for multimedia enthusiasts demanding best performance. Because of the small form factor the A-N78HD is ideal for integration into slick and slim cases for state-of-the-art media centers. A-S78H MCrossFireX      abit’s new A-S78H supports ATI Hybrid CrossFireX Technology for advanced 3D graphics performance.      The A-S78H is based on the AMD 780G chipset with ATI Radeon HD3200 Graphics and the SB700. It supports AMD AM2+/AM2 processors running HT3.0 up to 5200MT/s.      Four 240-pin DIMM sockets offer a maximum of 8GB memory capacity for Dual Channel DDR2 1066 modules. 1 x PCI-E X16, 1 x PCI-E X1, and 2 x PCI slots hold enough potential for further expansion and system upgrades with different add-on cards.      The A-S78H features stunning graphics performance, supporting ATI Hybid CrossFireX Technology, ATI UVD hardware decoding, and Surround View Technology.      The ATI Hybrid CrossFireX Technology offers multi-GPU performance capabilities by enabling the integrated graphics processor and a discrete graphics processor to operate simultaneously with combined output to a single display for blisteringly-fast frame rates.      Enabled hybrid graphics cards models so far include ATI HD2400XT, HD2400Pro, HD3470 and HD3450 based VGA cards, providing the ultimate visual experience.      The HD3200 graphics delivers an unmatched Windows Vista experience, harnessing the increased bandwidth of HT3.0 to a DirectX10 graphics core which provides the 3D rendering power needed to generate best effects under Windows Vista, even under the most demanding circumstances.      The ATI UVD (Unified Video Decoder) is the hardware video decoding processing unit on the GPU, handling the entire H.264, VC-1, and MPEG-2 decode process.      With the UVD, you can enjoy Blu-ray and HD-DVD playback with lower power consumption and reduced CPU utilization.      The A-S78H supports Surround View Technology for two independent display controllers for the CRT, HDMI/ DVI interfaces. You can spread your work across to up to 4 monitors.      Motherboards of abit have established favorites among PC novices and enthusiasts alike. abit’s unique approach to hardware design delivers features giving users the flexibility to tweak and tune their systems to their satisfaction, while at the same time, ensuring complete stability. abit engineers----computer enthusiasts with a love for technology----develop innovation after innovation, squeezing every ounce of performance possible out of available technologies.      This excellence in engineering, combined with the industry’s highest standards of quality, reliability, and stability, allows abit to deliver BulletProof Technology to the end user.      From SoftMenu jumperless BIOS technology to Guru interactive system management, the engineers use their technical know-how and passion for hardware to consistently develop products that meet the needs of even the most demanding PC enthusiast.      Universal abit’s corporate headquarters are located in Taiwan. For more information, visit the company’s website at http://www.abit.com.tw.