ASUSTeK Computer unveiled today the first mainboard on SiS655FX core-logic from SiS. ASUS P4S800D and P4S800D-Deluxe are the first mainboards based on “non-Intel” chipset with support for 800MHz Quad Pumped Bus and dual-channel memory configurations. This is a very important milestone for SiS because its rivals VIA Technologies and ATI Technologies still either have not announced similar platform or cannot deliver the actual products.

Key specifications of the newcomer are as follows:

• Supports Socket 478 Pentium 4/Celeron processors with 400/533/800MHz Quad Pumped Bus;
• Ready for Intel Prescott processors;
• Can take advantage of the CPUs with the Hyper-Threading technology enabled;
• SiS655FX North Bridge and SiS964 South Bridge;
• 4 DIMM slots for up to 4GB of PC2100, PC2700 or PC3200 DDR SDRAM memory. Dual-channel memory bus support: memory modules should be identical and installed in pairs;
• 5 PCI slots, 1 ASUS Wi-Fi slot and 1 AGP Pro 8x slot;
• 2-channel ATA-33/66/100/133 integrated controller;
• 2 Serial ATA-150 ports;
• Up to 8 USB 2.0 ports;
• FireWire (IEEE1394) support;
• 10/100Mb/s Ethernet adapter from 3Com;
• 6-channel audio solution;
• Loads of additional functions, including ASUS POST Reporter, ASUS MyLogo2, ASUS EZ Flash, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS C.O.P. (CPU Overheating Protection), ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2, ASUS Instant Music, Power Loss Restart and so on;
• Overclocking and tuning functions, including ASUS JumperFree technology;
• ATX Form Factor.

Besides, the new ASUS P4S800D-series supports ASUS’ so-called AI features, such as:

• AI NET - supports Gigabit LAN by integrating the 3COM 3C940 controller, equipped with a unique net-diagnosing utility – VCT (Virtual Cable Tester). The controller intelligently detects net connection status up to 100m from a remote location and reports the distance of damaged cable if there are problems with it.
• AI BIOS includes three unique technologies. CrashFree BIOS 2 reboots the system and performs a recovery procedure by using the motherboard support CD when corruption of the original BIOS occurs. Q-Fan intelligently adjusts CPU fan speed according to system load and temperature, enabling users to work in a distraction-free environment with minimal noise. POST Reporter is a voice warning design during POST that notifies users of any system errors, which means no more complicated LED messages.
• AI Overclocking offers convenient overclocking options to maximize your system performance.

Pricing or availability timeframes of the products were not disclosed, but I think they will be shipped to retailers this month.