Taiwan's Via rolls new x86-based processors

Mark LaPedus

EE Times (11/03/2009 12:05 PM ET)

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Taiwan's Via Technologies Inc. has rolled out its latest x86-based microprocessor line--the VIA Nano 3000 Series.

Based on Via's 64-bit superscalar ''Isaiah'' architecture, the Nano 3000 line is geared for notebook PCs, all-in-one desktop PCs and other products.

Available at speeds from 1.0- to 2.0-GHz, VIA Nano 3000 Series processors deliver up to 20 percent higher performance using up to 20 percent less power than the company's previous processors, according to Via (Taipei).

The devices boast a number of new features, including support for the SSE4 multimedia instruction set and VIA VT virtualization technology. It also supports playback of high bit-rate 1080p HD video.

"With the VIA Nano 3000 Series, we are launching our fastest and most power-efficient processors yet," said Richard Brown, vice president of international marketing at Via, in a statement.

Compatible with all Microsoft operating systems, including the new Windows 7, as well as all Linux distributions, the VIA Nano 3000 Series processors use the NanoBGA2 package, making them pin-to-pin compatible with VIA Nano 1000 Series, VIA Nano 2000 Series, VIA C7, VIA C7-M and VIA Eden processors for upgrades of existing designs.

VIA Nano 3000 Series processor samples are currently available for OEMs and motherboard vendors, and will enter mass production in Q1 2010.