Paving the way for even smaller x86-based systems
Taiwan-based VIA Technologies has announced its forthcoming IGP chipsets, the VX800 Series, and expects shipments to begin this month.
VIA's all-in-one chip measures just 33x33mm and aims to bring low-powered high performance to a wide range of portable systems.
The series consists of two primary SKUs; the VX800, which consumes around 5 watts, is aimed at ultra thin notebooks, mini PCs and embedded devices. It'll be accompanied by the VX800U, which drops the power consumption to an even lower 3.5 watts and will be aimed at UMPCs and UMDs.
The chips integrate the features of a modern chipset's North and South bridges into a single small package that VIA claims will provide "the latest video, graphics and connectivity performance". The VX800U provides DirectX 9 graphics via its integrated Chrome9 HC3 graphics core, high definition video and audio playback, and support for up to 4GBs of DDR2 memory. Not bad for a chip aimed at UMPCs.
Both chips are said to be fully Windows Vista compliant, a clear suggestion that performance exists, and support VIA's C7, C7-M and Eden processors. Looking ahead, support is also in place for VIA's upcoming 64-bit Isaiah processors.
Richard Brown, Vice President of Corporate Marketing at VIA, said:
"The explosive growth of the Mini-Note category and the emerging Ultra Mobile Device category has clearly demonstrated the increased importance on low power, high performance, and small footprint. The VIA VX800 Series goes a long way towards maintaining VIA’s leadership in the ultra mobile and other key market segments, and allows our customers to bring products with enhanced features and performance to market faster."
The VX800 series' key features, as listed by VIA, are as follows:
- High Performance 3D Graphics: The VIA Chrome9 HC3 integrated graphics core boasts full DirectX 9.0 support
- Powerful Image Enhancement Technology: The VIA Chromotion video engine delivers a Hi-Def visual experience, including advanced video acceleration for MPEG-2, MPEG-4, WMV9, VC1 and DiVX video formats, plus a VMR capable HD video processor.
- The Warmth of HD Audio: The built-in VIA Vinyl HD Audio controller supports up to eight high definition channels with a 192kHz sampling rate, delivering a richer all-round digital media experience.
- Intuitive Memory Technology: VIA's renowned memory controller technology supports the lower power, high-bandwidth DDR2 memory modules.
- Seamless Networking: Makes Wifi connectivity easy, with added support for Gigabit Ethernet networking (VIA VX800) and 10/100 Fast Ethernet.
- Extended Peripheral Connectivity: Interconnects up to PCI Express (VIA VX800) for high bandwidth peripherals, plus hard drive connectivity up to SATA II as well as PATA (IDE), six USB2.0 ports, and four PCI slots.
- Display Flexibility: An integrated multi-configuration LVDS transmitter enables display connection to embedded panels, as well as CRT monitors.
Official press release: New VIA VX800 Series Chipsets to Extend VIA Leadership in Ultra Mobile Market
