ASUS Releases the P8C WS Motherboard with the Intel® C216 Chipset

User-friendly platform for workstation builds supports Intel® Xeon® E3-1200/12x5 v2 and 2nd/3rd generation Core™ i3 processors

the ASUS P8C WS motherboard combines the advantages of several product classes. While mainly a workstation board, it also incorporates server readiness, and can be easily used in high end standard desktop builds. As a flexible choice for system integrators, its compact design and Intel® C216 chipset offer better convenience and compatibility. It is fully Independent Software Vendor certified, and supports Intel® Xeon® E3-1200/12x5 v2 series processors as well as 2nd and 3rd generation Intel® Core™ i3 processors. The board also works equally well with non-ECC and ECC DDR3 memory. Four USB 3.0 ports cover both the rear I/O and front panel to enhance user-friendly connectivity, while dual Intel® Ethernet ports double networking capabilities and reduce CPU workload.

High end performance in a compact workstation form factor

The P8C WS utilizes the workstation-specific Intel® C216 chipset, and supports Socket LGA1155 Intel® Xeon® E3-1200/12x5 v2 processors. These features allow for accelerated OpenGL® performance, a benefit much sought by workstation users. The board is Independent Software Vendor (ISV) certified, and enables optimized output with Intel® integrated graphics. Popular workstation applications such as AutoDesk® AutoCAD 2013 and Inventor 2012 all tap the performance of the P8C WS, ensuring users a smooth start to their professional workstation build.

Flexible support for multiple processor and memory types

Users get more flexibility and choice with the P8C WS, which natively accommodates both Intel® Xeon® E3-1200 series server and workstation processors and mainstream Core™ i3 2nd/3rd generation processors. Additionally, users can opt for widely available unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 memory or server-grade unbuffered ECC (or error-correcting) memory. The more open design of the P8C WS makes it a multi-purpose board, which affords diverse workstation builds for every need.

Full USB 3.0 integration for easy accessibility

The P8C WS ships with four USB 3.0 ports for easy accessibility ― two on the front panel, and two on the back. This is double the USB 3.0 ports previously offered by the P8B WS motherboard. USB 3.0 works up to ten times faster than USB 2.0, offering customers quicker data transfers, which are especially useful for the large-scale content handled by workstation operators. To make the most of the advantages offered by USB 3.0, exclusive ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology supports the newer UASP (USB-Attached SCSI Protocol), increasing maximum USB 3.0 speeds by up to 170%. USB 3.0 Boost also automatically detects the best USB protocol for every connected device, ensuring optimal data performance.

Dual Intel® Ethernet and server-grade reliability

Twin Intel® Ethernet ports cut down on CPU utilization while increasing bandwidth and packet transmission rates, thus raising networking reliability – another critical benefit for professional and commercial users. The twin ports support teaming and fault-tolerance functions, effectively doubling bandwidth compared to standard Gigabit Ethernet and ensuring server-grade networked performance. This hardware LAN configuration works with several operating systems, including Windows®, CenOS, and Ubuntu. The onboard Intel® 82574L controller features VMware certification for native virtualization technology support, allowing users to more readily create virtual systems for expanded productivity.

Exclusive ASUS features for workstation customers in EU markets

Alongside the P9X79 WS, Z9PE-D8 WS, and Z8Z77 WS, the P8C WS ships with the peace of mind offered by the ASUS quality assurance policy. It complies with the ASUS 24X24 pledge, which means 24-hour nonstop operation and a minimum 24-month supply guarantee, so users do not need to change hardware often. The P8C WS additionally employs server-grade power delivery components, sockets, and connectors to provide enhanced overall reliability and stability, as well as 92% power efficiency.

For European markets, ASUS is offering its Advanced Replacement Service with the P8C WS, streamlining RMA procedures in the event service or a return is necessary. The warranty for P8C WS runs three years, with Advanced Replacement effective throughout. ASUS will introduce Advanced Replacement in additional global markets in the near future.