Monarch Computer Announces Monarch Empro Workstations With SLI Using Latest AMD Opteron(TM) Processor With Direct Connect Architecture

ATLANTA, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Monarch Computer Systems, Inc. today announced a new line of custom workstations based on the new AMD Opteron(TM) processor Model 252 with Direct Connect Architecture. The Monarch Empro Workstation with SLI is based on a Tyan K8WE S2895A2NRF motherboard, making it Monarch Computer's first custom AMD Opteron processor-based workstation offering with PCI Express support and the new NVIDIA(R) SLI(TM) (Scalable Link Interface) technology. SLI allows a system to use two video cards together to render a single scene, increasing performance. Paired with Nvidia SLI technology, the AMD Opteron processor Model 252 promises to make the Monarch Empro Workstation with SLI the most powerful Monarch Computer 3D workstation ever, bringing the masses rendering power previously only available to Hollywood server farms. Performance that once cost $50,000 or more can now be had for less than $5,000 with the Monarch Empro Workstation with SLI.

"There are a few system builders out there that offer workstations purpose-built for the CAD and DCC markets, and they do pretty well selling specifically to those markets," says Trey Harris, co-founder of Monarch Computer. "Monarch simply builds custom systems that have trounced those other workstations in every published comparison we've entered."

The new Monarch Empro with SLI is already winning awards and blowing away reviewers. Geek.com recently reviewed the Monarch Empro with SLI and had this to say: "Another hearty thanks needs to go out to Monarch Computer Systems for providing one of their flagship Empro systems. Stuffed in an attractive Lian-Li aluminum case and filled with more goodies than Santa's sleigh, the Empro blew us away with its performance. The more demanding the task, the greater its margin of victory. Although the price of entry is high, you won't find a more satisfying workstation to work on." Http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2005Jan/fea20050203028603.htm .

Standard on every Monarch Empro Workstation with SLI are two x16 PCIe slots that support SLI mode, two PCI-X 100 Mhz slots, one PCI-X 133 Mhz slot, one standard 33MHz PCI slot and eight DIMM sockets supporting up to 16GB of PC3200 DDR registered ECC memory. The Tyan motherboard also gives the Monarch Empro Workstation with SLI standard IEEE 1394a Firewire, USB 2.0, Serial ATA-II with Nvidia NVRAID(TM) technology, six-channel audio and two IEEE 802.3, full-duplex GbE Secure Network Processors.

True to Monarch Computer's tradition of offering fully customizable systems, the Monarch Empro Custom Workstation with SLI offers more options than any previous Monarch workstation. Available on the Furia are up to two Nvidia video cards, up to two of any AMD Opteron processors from the AMD Opteron processor Model 140 (1.4GHz) (The AMD Opteron processor 100 Series supports single processor mode only) to the brand-new AMD Opteron processor Model 252 (2.6 Ghz), and anywhere from a single 80GB SATA hard drive up to a 1.6 Terabyte, four-drive RAID 0 array. A Terabyte RAID 5 array is also available on the workstation using an optional RAID controller card.

"AMD has worked with Monarch Computer since the launch of the original AMD Athlon(TM) processor to produce some of the finest quality Pcs and workstations," said Pat Patla, director, Server/Workstation Marketing for AMD. "The Monarch Empro Workstation with SLI is an example of how our strong relationship has helped bring the AMD Opteron processor with Direct Connect Architecture to the general public in a solid, reliable, high-performing platform."

About Monarch

Headquartered in Tucker, Georgia, just minutes from downtown Atlanta, Monarch Computer Systems is a direct supplier of computer systems and related products. Monarch Computer provides equipment and services to Fortune 500 companies and high volume buyers like government organizations and educational institutions, as well as the enthusiast end-user. Due to its industry leading service and support Monarch Computer is now recognized as one of the top-10 system builders in the country by NASBA. Monarch Computer has built personal computers and high-end servers and has distributed high quality computer components across the country since 1991.

www.monarchcomputer.com