The User's manual that accompanies the Asus A8N-VM CSM motherboard is quite detailed and should be able to guide users if there is confusion. Despite being a budget motherboard, Asus includes a copy of Norton Internet Security 2005 which should help keep users safe from online hazards. Asus equips the A8N-VM CSM motherboard with KZG brand capacitors.

At first glance, the Asus A8N-VM CSM looked like it could challenge the Gigabyte GA-K8N51PVMT-9 as the perfect Athlon64/HTPC motherboard, but unfortunately the A8N-VM CSM does not include a TV/Component output bracket. According to the user's manual, one can be purchased separately, although finding a place that sells something so specific seems a pretty difficult task for end users. System integrators are a different story, and we would expect whitebox PCs built on this Asus motherboard to feature a TV/Component Output bracket.

Considering how hard the computer industry is pushing digital home entertainment, Asus should definitely include the TV-Output bracket in the retail box. There aren't too many quirks with a Micro-ATX motherboard as simple as this, but we did note that the nForce4 430 Southbridge does not come with a heatsink though there are two mounting holes around the chipset for a passive cooler.

Don't miss the expert tips on how to install the front panel LEDs easier, and a tip on selecting the right drivers. Next up we look at the Geforce 6100 architecture.