VIA Platform Solutions Division Introduces Ultra Compact VIA EPIA Mini-ITX Mainboard

VIA Platform Solutions
Division Introduces Ultra Compact VIA EPIA Mini-ITX Mainboard

Revolutionary x86 platform
for new generation of quiet running, energy efficient, and ergonomic digital
Information Appliances and entertainment devices now available through
VIA’s global distribution channels.

Taipei, Taiwan, 3rd April
2002 - VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator and developer of silicon
chip technologies and PC platform solutions, today announced the worldwide
availability of its ultra-compact, highly-integrated EPIA Mini-ITX mainboard
through the VIA Platform Solutions Division (VPSD).

Offering the choice of
a VIA Eden™ ESP processor for fanless systems with power sensitive
requirements, or a VIA C3™ E-Series processor for more multimedia
rich applications, the highly integrated VIA EPIA Mini-ITX mainboard features
integrated 3D graphics, AC’97 audio, Ethernet and TV-Out connectivity.
Measuring only 170mm x 170mm, it is the perfect platform for developing
the next generation of small footprint Digital Information Appliances
and Entertainment Devices.

With an operating voltage
of only 1.2V, the recently launched VIA Eden ESP processor expands on
the acclaimed low-power consumption and heat dissipation qualities of
the VIA C3™ processor, offering lower power consumption than any
other x86 processor on the market today. Furthermore, the VIA Eden ESP
processor does not require a fan, opening up endless possibilities in
the design of silent PCs and other quiet running devices.

The ultra compact Mini-ITX
form factor was developed as part of VIA’s open industry-wide Total
Connectivity initiative, and is more than 30% smaller than the smallest
FlexATX form factor boards available. The Mini-ITX form factor is also
compatible with Micro-ATX and Flex-ATX chasses.

“The response since
we introduced the Mini-ITX reference design in November 2001 has been
phenomenal; our customers have been pushing us to start production as
early as possible,” said Richard Brown, Director of International
Marketing at VIA Technologies, Inc. “Unlike previous ultra-compact
platforms for small footprint designs, the EPIA mainboard is based on
industry standard x86 components, which has obvious cost benefits and
makes integration and design of devices so much easier for System Integrators
and OEMs.”

The VIA EPIA Mini-ITX Mainboard
is based around the VIA Apollo PLE133 chipset and is fully compatible
with a complete range of MicrosoftÒ WindowsÒ XP, Windows
9x, Embedded Windows, and Windows CE operating systems as well as all
the leading versions of Linux. More information about the new ultra compact
VIA EPIA Mini-ITX motherboard can be found at http://www.viavpsd.com/products/epia_mini_itx_spec.jsp.

Pricing and Availability

The EPIA Mini-ITX motherboard
is available from VPSD distributors worldwide. The VIA EPIA Mini-ITX Mainboard
with VIA Eden™ ESP5000 processor costs US$99, while the VIA EPIA
Mini-ITX Mainboard with VIA C3 E-Series 800MHz processor costs US$109.

About VIA Technologies,
Inc.

VIA Technologies, Inc.
is a leading innovator and developer of PC core logic chipsets, microprocessors,
and multimedia, communications, optical media and networking chips. VIA
delivers value to the PC industry by designing, marketing, and selling
high-performance VIA Apollo core logic chipsets for the full range of
PC platforms, and cost-effective VIA C3™ processors for Value PCs
and Internet Appliances, as well as developing complete solutions for
the PC platform through its VPSD Business Unit. Its customers include
the world's top OEMs, mainboard manufacturers, and system integrators.
VIA is headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, at the center of the Greater China
high-tech manufacturing engine, and has branch offices in the US, China
and Europe. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE2388),
and achieved annual revenues of nearly US$1 billion in 2001. Additional
information can be found at www.via.com.tw.