ASUS Standardizes on Analog Devices' SoundMAX Digital Audio System for It's Motherboard Product Line

Business Wire, April 14, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

NORWOOD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 14, 2003

ASUS becomes first manufacturer to ship SoundMAX 4 XL,

with jack sense technology that minimizes audio technical

support issues for PC OEMs and end users.

Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI) today announced that ASUSTeK Computer, Inc. (ASUS), the world's leading provider of motherboards to PC OEMs, system integrators and retail outlets, has selected its SoundMAX(R) Digital Audio System (SoundMAX) as its new standard PC audio solution. Available with PCs and motherboards from major PC OEM and motherboard manufacturers, SoundMAX is now shipping with 25 new ASUS desktop and notebook motherboards. With today's launch of its spring 2003 motherboards, ASUS becomes the first motherboard manufacturer to ship SoundMAX 4 XL, on two of its featured products: the ASUS P4C800 and ASUS P4P800. Offering intelligent jack sensing for connecting audio peripherals and a new user interface for managing system performance, SoundMAX 4 XL is a premium-performance PC audio system that is especially attractive to PC OEMs concerned about the growing cost of audio-related technical support issues.

SoundMAX 4 XL minimizes the complexity of getting a new PC's audio system up and running. The AudioESP(TM) feature of SoundMAX 4 XL notifies users of erroneously connected audio peripherals, guiding them through the process of connecting microphones, PC speakers and other audio devices to the correct jacks in the system. SoundMAX 4 XL also offers a 'virtual dashboard' that allows users to easily manage audio-related controls for optimal performance, as well as an enhanced audio wizard that enables users to quickly set up their audio peripherals. In addition to empowering users to manage their audio system's functionality, SoundMAX meets the needs of ASUS' diverse customer base--offering best-in-class audio quality and state-of-the-art technologies for playback of music CDs, MP3/WMA files, DVD movie soundtracks, MIDI music, Internet audio and enhanced game audio.

"Analog Devices' SoundMAX raises the bar on the quality and reliability of onboard audio," said Joe Hsieh, Director, Motherboard Business Department, ASUSTeK Computer, Inc. "We have been so impressed with the performance of SoundMAX that we have chosen it as our standard audio solution for our spring 2003 motherboards. We are delighted to be able to offer the industry's best audio solution to all of our customers--business professionals, audio enthusiasts, musicians and gamers."

"We are thrilled that the global leader in PC motherboards has standardized on Analog Devices' SoundMAX Digital Audio System," said John Croteau, General Manager, Media Platform and Services Group, Analog Devices, Inc. "ASUS' strong position in the retail channel combined with the standard of technical excellence to which they adhere is certain to bring SoundMAX into the hands--and ears--of millions more users."

About SoundMAX from Analog Devices

SoundMAX Digital Audio Systems from Analog Devices are premium-performance PC audio solutions that exceed the functionality of sound cards. SoundMAX delivers unparalleled audio performance by combining an AC'97 hardware CODEC installed on the motherboard with cutting-edge audio rendering software pre-loaded in the computer, ensuring system-level compatibility and sparing end users from the installation headaches associated with add-in sound cards.

The SoundMAX-class of audio CODECs are available in both 2- and 6-channel configurations and offer variable sample rate conversion (SRC), professional quality 103 dB output with 94 dB SNR, software-configurable speaker EQ, stereo microphone input, digital S/PDIF output and analog enumeration capability. The SoundMAX feature set includes a state-of-the-art DLS2 MIDI synthesizer with the popular Yamaha DLSbyXG sound set, the award-winning Sensaura 5.1 Virtual Theater(TM) surround sound and support for all major game audio technologies.

Availability

SoundMAX 4 XL will begin shipping in the channel with the ASUS P4C800 motherboard that supports the Intel Canterwood chipset as of April 14, 2003. For more information about SoundMAX, please visit: www.soundmax.com.

About ASUSTeK Computer, Inc.

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 products and optical drives. 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. Editorial inquiries may be directed to Lear Chen, ASUSTeK Computer, Inc., Tel: 886 2 2894-3447 E-mail: lear_chen@asus.com.tw.

About Analog Devices, Inc.

Analog Devices is a leading manufacturer of precision high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing applications. The company is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, and employs approximately 8,600 people worldwide. It has manufacturing facilities in Massachusetts, California, North Carolina, Ireland, the Philippines, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Analog Devices' stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the company is included in the S&P 500 Index.