IT News & Technology update

HP dx2040 powered by VIA processor

Written by IT News on 9:31 AM

The cooperation between VIA Technologies, a leading supplier of power efficient x86 processor platforms and Hewlett-Packard, the world's leading supplier of computer systems, has been playing some interesting patterns, particularly the Mini 2133 laptop. But now it seems that the two are on the weather, as they have just announced the availability of the new VIA-powered HP Compaq dx2040 Micro Tower PC, a desktop PC computer designed for energy efficient computers for users in the Chinese computer market.

This is an important design win for VIA, which tries to promote their latest products, despite fierce competition leading chip makers such as Intel, AMD or NVIDIA.

"HP dx2040 is an excellent example of how our unique energy efficient VIA C7-D processor offers great value for companies and businesses," says Richard Brown, Vice President of Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. “Our scalable processor architectures enabling companies to their business, while power costs, the total expenditure and the impact on the environment.”

HP's new dx2040 computer system is designed in a robust Micro-ITX micro tower chassis and powered by VIA C7-D processor with a core speed of 1.8GHz. The whole system is based on VIA CN896 chipset and supports up to 4GB of DDR2 memory, while the integrated VIA Chrome 9 HC graphics chip to support DirectX 9.0 graphics. A number of configuration options available, while others include 10/100 Ethernet LAN, six USB 2.0 ports, a media card reader and a VIA Vinyl Audio 5.1 surround sound.

"At the heart of our strategy for 2009 is the adoption of innovative, energy-efficient technology VIA C7-D processor, helps us to add value to companies in emerging markets. The decision to our product line with HP dx2040 continued implementation of this strategy and create more long-term value for customers, "said Tony Chou, head of Commercial Desktop PC, PSG, and China HP.

VIA Nano processor powers new thin and light laptop from Tongfong

Written by IT News on 11:35 PM

The success of the netbook devices and netbook form factor of a number of companies to their solutions to support these segments. This is the case with VIA Technologies, which actively contributes to the low specifications and features of the Nano-Platform as a possible solution for easy and small form factor PCs. With the opportunities offered by the Computex 2009 exhibition, chip maker
highlighted the launch of a Nano-powered PC from one of China's leading mobile providers, Tonfong. System Builder is one of the first companies to allow VIA's Nano platform on a 13.3-inch unit.

"VIA is pleased to Tongfong chose VIA Nano processor for its new Tongfong S30A, says Richard Brown, Vice President of Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc." With their advanced processing performance, support DX10.1 graphics and stylish 13 3 - inch model has Tongfong S30A set a new standard for the rapidly growing thin and light notebook segment in the Chinese market. "

The 13.3-inch laptop is built around VIA's 64-bit + 1.3GHz Nano U2250 processor, which is linked to the VIA VX800 unified chipset with discrete S3 Chrome 435 ULP graphics device, and 2 GB of DDR2 memory. This makes Tonfong's S30A ultra thin notebook for users with support for HD video and DirectX 10.1 graphics. The platform also allows the netbook with a built-in HDMI port for true HD experience.

Additional features in Tongfong 13.3-inch laptop S30A with a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive, a DVD Super Multi Drive, 10/100Mbps Ethernet and wireless 802.11 b / g connectivity. There is also a 4-in-1 card reader, ExpressCard slot, two USB 2.0 ports and a six-cell battery. All these are packaged in a system that weighs only 1.4kg and provides support for both Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista Home operating system. Unfortunately, there is no word on pricing.

Dell's new XS11-VX8 server is powerd by VIA technology

Written by IT News on 3:28 AM

Following reports earlier this week, Round Rock, Texas-based Dell has officially announced today the launch of its new "ultra light" server, the XS11-VX8 specifically designed to meet the requirements of hyper-scale data center environments and I / O applications, including Web hosting. One of the key elements of Dell's new server is that it integrates VIA's Nano processor, as previous customers packing plant 12 servers in a 2U chassis, which in turn increases the computing power while using less data space.

"One size fits all" simply does not work on Hyper-scale computing customers. Unique architectural environments such as web hosting, making unnecessary many of the features in the system as required in mainstream IT. By working with VIA to a high density low power system, Dell is the design for this specific customer needs, costs and improve efficiency, said Forrest Norrod, Vice President and General Manager of Dell's Data Center Solutions Division.

According to the company, XS11-VX8 server, code-named Fortuna, is up to 34 percent lower TCO (total cost of Ownership) compared with white box client systems. The adoption of VIA's low-power processor, the system would consume less than 15 watts while idle and 20-29 watts at full capacity and workload, which in essence is the lowest power output in the industry. Additional features include a special plinth Management Controller (BMC), support for 64-bit operating systems and virtualization.

The launch of Dell's new XS11-VX8 is also an important step for chip maker VIA, which specializes in the development of low power, x86 processors. Dell's server VIA to add a market which is usually monopolized by Intel and AMD.

"VIA is proud to cooperate with Dell to the VIA Nano processor markets that can take full advantage of our advanced 64-bit architecture, virtualization capabilities and industry leading power efficiency," said Wenchi Chen, President and CEO, VIA Technologies, Inc. ". Via Nano-based Dell XS11-VX8 ultralight server, a new benchmark for density, strength sinks and TCO for large datacenters.

OLPC laptop to boast VIA technology

Written by IT News on 8:56 PM

OLPC is a project that aims to create the world with a low power, low-cost laptop that can be used for educational purposes. The XO laptop project is the first attempt in their efforts to develop an IT solution that can be used for learning and improve the educational experience. This system is based on the old AMD Geode processor, but the latest data, an updated version of the XO laptop will be based on a VIA platform, which replaces AMD's solution.

"OLPC is pleased to announce that a refresh rate of XO-1 laptop is in full swing. In our continuing efforts to create a low price, OLPC is refreshing hardware to take advantage of the latest component technologies," wrote John Watlington, OLPC Vice President of the hardware. "We are pleased to finally be able to this news public. Although members of the technical team have been working on this for a few months, it was only last week that we can say with some certainty that we will update the hardware and updating will become. “

The updated XO laptop, which will be introduced to generation XO 1.5 will be built with a VIA C7-M processor to support a central maximum speed of 1 GHz, in combination with the recently introduced VX855 media system processor. This low-chip solution is ready for the XO laptop with support for up to 1 GB of memory and a built-in storage space of 4 GB of NAND Flash. The design of the XO laptop will not change with the introduction of the XO 1.5 version, but it will improve the results.

OLPC's XO 1.5 is a bridge between the project the first XO laptop and the long-awaited XO 2 design, which is considered a dual-screen laptop.

NVIDIA Ion platform to provide support for VIA nano CPUs

Written by IT News on 9:30 PM

With the launch of the platform Ion, NVIDIA has really succeeded once again to catch the attention of the world, since this product can provide the best experience for Netbook Atom-based systems. In this way, the chip maker has been given an understanding of most of the fans Netbook out there, but has probably closed the bad side of Intel, which should be the chip to be left out of a product that is based only on Intel technology. But NVIDIA motherboard GPU can help another chip maker, VIA Technologies, the market by storm take.

According to a recent article on news-DigiTimes, NVIDIA's CEO Jen-Hsun Huang, confirmed that the company is currently working with VIA to provide support for Nano processor, with the new platform Ion 2nd apparently, even if it is still in its development, said platform can sometimes debut later this year, as an alternative to other low-cost PC powered by Atom processor. According to this article, Drew Henry, general manager for NVIDIA MCP companies have already confirmed that NVIDIA and VIA are considering a partnership that will provide users with a VIA-powered cheap computer.

The news is a bit "to be expected, since both companies have already demonstrated the ability to carry out a Nano-GeForce solution, last year at Computex. Back then a test platform happen in a Nano-powered and a discrete NVIDIA graphics card Gefors, used to operate well one of the most demanding graphics applications on the market game Crysis.

In related news, Drew Henry said that first ion-based PC product for the Intel Atom processor will be available for U.S. $ 299 and launched in June this year. As expected, the first product will be in the form of a nettop, but we have not yet found the name of the manufacturer of your PC.

The VIA EPIA N700 Nano-ITX board

Written by IT News on 9:45 AM

VIA, a leading manufacturer of power-efficient x86 processor platforms, today announced the VIA EPIA N700 Nano-ITX board, designed for compact, industrial PCs and embedded devices automation.

The platform is equipped with a 1.5GHz VIA C7 and VIA Eden 500 MHz processor and is the first nano-ITX board function on the latest VIA VX800 media-processor systems. Furthermore, the compact and user-friendly VIA EPNA N700 use additional on-board connections allow for a simple and perfectly balanced system design.

The model has two SATA ports, Gigabit LAN port, a COM port, two USB 2.0 ports, and VGA port. There is also support for COM, LVDS and IDE, on-board pin header. The IGP VX800 chipset developed into the system with DirectX 9 graphics, through the integrated VIA chromium-9 graphics core.

The platform is basically the lowest profile of Nano-ITX board usual, but it offers a decent number of connections and functions for the design low heat, compact system, while VIA VX800 chipset provides support for up to 2 GB DDR-667 memory.

"The VIA EPIA N700 Nano-ITX board was specifically designed for maximum limited in space, while the environments offer a comprehensive functionality is based on VIA VX800," said Daniel Wu, Vice President, via the Embedded Platform Division, VIA Technologies, Inc.. "By listening carefully to customers, we are confident that we have done VIA EPIA N700 as user friendly as possible."

Prices have not yet been published, but the line is currently offered to developers and made available through authorized distributors until mid-September.

VIA has an impressive amount of media attention in recent weeks, mainly because of competition between the nano and Intel processor-atom, in the main netbook market.

VIA Rolls out Mini-ITX 2.0 Platform, Can Handle Crysis

Written by IT News on 11:11 AM

After having recently announced the introduction of its Nano processor, Via has once again taken center stage in today Computex, with the launch of its new standard for mini-ITX boards. This design from a leading producer of x86 processor power efficient platforms, is intended to ensure optimized and multimedia computer experience in small form factor desktop PC.

In the company recently announced an effective power Nano x86 processor is at the heart of the new mini-ITX platform. The small processor, running at one of these mini-ITX boards, says, to be able to supply all the necessary horsepower to run the latest applications and operating systems, in a small desktop computer. In the mini-ITX 2,0 is a set of specifications for the next generation VIA mini-ITX boards, which should allow system integrators and end users, so to freely choose their own pattern of mini-PC or home media centers.

"With the Mini-ITX, Via determine the de facto standard for small form factor x86 platform for integration, triggering industry-wide innovation in the mini-PC systems," said Timothy Chen, special assistant to the president, Via Technologies, Inc "through the introduction of mini - ITX 2,0, we have to determine the mini PC platform of the future, paving the way for the emergence of a new generation of high systems that deliver optimized experiences in today's increasingly rich media environment. "He added.

As part of the message, Via also announced its cooperation with leading graphics card manufacturer NVIDIA, to provide consumers who want acquire a mini desktop PC with support for high-quality graphics for 2,0 mini-ITX standard.

"Via introduced the first small form factor PCs, in contrast to the competitive sealed designs. VIA new solution allows customers to play today's latest PC games and gained a new video and photo applications available to NVIDIA with DX10 GPUs," said Henry drew , General manager, NVIDIA MCP business.

Technical specifications of mini-ITX 2,0 Standard includes support for high-performance, efficient power x86 processor, as VIA Nano processor; least 2GB of DDR2; integrated graphics that is DirectX 9,0 support and comes with a VGA port. By adding a card, mini-ITX 2,0 The system can also provide support for DirectX 10 applications and possibly an HDMI port. The platform is at least 4 USB 2,0 ports, two serial ATA II slots, but also one IDE slot. It also features support for HD audio and one Gigabit LAN port.

And just to prove a platform for new opportunities, put together by a demonstration during a press conference held on Computex, where mini-ITX platform running a 1.8GHz processor with Nano CN896 chipset and discrete graphics from NVIDIA 8600 graphics card, was able to flawlessly run Crysis PC video game.

See the video of Mini-ITX demonstration

Via mini ITX 2.0 demontration video

Written by IT News on 11:03 AM

Via is about to roll out mini ITX 2.0, Below you can see a YouTube video of the demonstration.



Technical specifications of mini-ITX 2,0 Standard includes support for high-performance, efficient power x86 processor, as VIA Nano processor; least 2GB of DDR2; integrated graphics that is DirectX 9,0 support and comes with a VGA port. By adding more card, mini-ITX 2,0 The system can also provide support for DirectX 10 applications and possibly an HDMI port. The platform is at least 4 USB 2,0 ports, two serial ATA II slots, but also one IDE slot. It also features support for HD audio and one Gigabit LAN port.

VIA to Launches Nano Processors

Written by IT News on 10:22 AM

Soon after the release of OpenBook, in technologies just started Nano VIA processor family. The new product is based on VIA Isaiah Architecture and by plans to introduce low-power processor market.

Apparently the new Nano processors are built on the successful energy efficient VIA C7 processor family. They are designed to offer as much as four times the performance in that power range. The design of the processor enables it to be used in other VIA C7-based systems, mainly because its pin compatibility. Thus, OEMs and motherboard vendors can easily upgrade their current C7-based systems.

VIA Nano new processor family is specially designed for laptop and desktop computer market, offering optimized to perform the most complex calculations, entertainment and connectivity applications. Apparently this new Nanos will be capable of handling Blu-ray Disc ™ HD video playback and the latest PC games, like Crysis. Maybe VIA is trying to become one of the leading manufacturers of consumer processors, as Intel, AMD and NVIDIA.

Fujitsu built with 65 advanced productivity of manufacturing technologies, VIA Nano processor family has been designed for improved power efficiency. "Via Nano processors represent the next generation of technology, x86, providing the basic building blocks for a new genre of computers optimized solutions," said Chen Wenchi, President and CEO, Via Technologies, Inc

First, new products will be launched in two SKUs, namely VIA Nano L-series and U-series. The first series is intended to include desktop and mobile PC systems and the second series was built for small form factor desktop and ultra mobile devices.

The highest model L-series will feature a clock speed of 1.8GHz and maximum level of TDP 25W, a top U-series model will have a 1.3 + GHz and a maximum level of TDP 8W. No word on pricing just yet, but the products are expected on the market in Q3 2008.

Via releases laptop design as open source

Written by IT News on 2:33 AM

Via Technologies released a hardware design for a cheap laptop with WiMax support under a single license with open source on Tuesday, a move designed to make easy customization and shorten design cycles for the system entities.

In the CAD (computer-assisted design) files OpenBook reference design can be downloaded free of charge and are available to anyone under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3,0 license. The terms of this Agreement allow CAD files to be freely copied, shared and modified.

The only requirements are that the use of the design is due to Via, and the changes made to the design may be distributed under the same license, or one that has similar terms.
'We hope we'll get some interesting views and look forward to seeing what the community thinks about this idea, "said Richard Brown, vice president of marketing Via.
In OpenBook is based on 1.6GHz of Via C7-M processor and VX800 chip set. The model includes 8.9-inch screen with a resolution of 1024 by 600 pixels and calls for a hard disk with a capacity of 80GB or more. The main wireless module included in the design supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Primarily includes modules to help GPS (AGPS), WiMax, and support for high speed cellular networks based on EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized), HSPA (high-speed Packet Access), and WCDMA (ultra-wideband Code Division Multiple Access ).

Other features of 1 kg (2.2 pounds) OpenBook includes a full keyboard, to 2GB of DDR (double data rate) memory, 2 - megapixel camera, memory-card reader as four cell battery that provides up to three hours of life. In the laptop is designed to run Windows Vista, Windows XP or Linux, including G / OS, SUSE Linux, and Ubuntu.
In OpenBook design is similar in appearance to Everex of CloudBook Max declared CTIA Wireless trade show in April, but the two are different designs, Brown said, pointing to fine design changes made to satisfy Sprint, the operator that assigned to Max CloudBook.

Depending on the exact configuration, OpenBook systems will likely cost between $ 500 to $ 800, Brown said, adding that the first products will likely hit the market in the third quarter.

Via is not the first company to run a hardware design as open source. In March, Openmoko, a company set up by Taiwanese hardware manufacturer First International Computer (FIC), released an open source smartphone design, neo 1973. In headset that runs Linux, supports GSM and GPRS networks and includes Bluetooth and AGPS.
Like Via OpenBook, neo 1973 hardware design is placed under the Creative Commons ShareAlike license.

The smallest board has born in VIA technology

Written by IT News on 4:34 PM

Via claims that their new product EPIA PX-Series Pico-ITX Board is the smallest board in the world. The world's smallest full-featured x86 embedded board at just 10cm x 7.2cm for ultra compact embedded PCs, systems and appliances

The VIA EPIA PX embedded board is the first commercial embedded board based on VIA's Pico-ITX form factor measuring just 10cm x 7.2cm. Designed to enable x86 to be built into embedded systems where it was previously impractical for space reasons, the VIA EPIA PX provides a full complement of multimedia and connectivity options on a platform smaller than any standard mainboard or x86 system on module.

This is the world’s smallest mass-production x86 board, they say — now featuring the extremely power-efficient, fanless 500MHz VIA Eden ULV processor, “offering embedded developers an uncompromisingly compact, highly integrated board,” the company says.

Much of the heat and power efficiency of the duo is thanks to the processor, which has a maximum thermal envelope of a single watt.

How small is small, you ask? The Pico-ITX form factor squeezes a full feature set into just 10 cm x 7.2 cm, which would fit in the palm of your hand. The board includes both LVDS/DVI and VGA support, integrated 5.1 channel audio, fast 100/10 Ethernet, both IDE and S-ATA drive support and up to six USB ports and a COM port. It supports up to 1GB of DDR2 system memory.

read the specification and model name for this board only at Via's official website.

VIA Goes Open-Source, Embraces Linux

Written by IT News on 8:19 AM

By: Bogdan Botezatu, Hardware Editor

Taiwan chip manufacturer VIA has announced a new project aimed at supporting open-source development, in writing software for companies, processors and chipsets. The company also announced its official Web site VIA Linux, which will welcome its first visitors at the end of this month.

When, finally, the site is public, open-source developers will be able to download and post-Linux source for the drivers, as well as technical documentation, source code and information on the VIA CN700, CX700 / M, CN896 and new chipsets VIA VX800.

As the draft rolls, the chip manufacturer will establish a full-fledged development in the community forums, bug tracking, and online support. The company priority on the development agenda provides software to enable 2D, 3D and video acceleration on the VIA processor platforms.

"This statement is the first step in the implementation of the new initiatives in order to better meet the needs of Open Source community," commented Richard Brown, Vice President of Corporate Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc "We strongly increase the level of collaboration with the community and the adoption of a more consistent approach on the platform processor VIA Technologies. "

In order to put into open source in time, VIA will next quarterly release schedule in accordance with the important developments in the Linux world, such as changes in the nucleus or the release of major distributions.

Beta releases will be paid an additional admission, and the company relies on user feedback and error reports, in order to obtain full, stable version of the software.

"We are delighted that VIA has announced its commitment to strengthen support for Linux and the Open Source community," said Jim Zemlin, executive director of The Linux Fund. "This action opens up exciting new opportunities to accelerate innovation around open source platforms VIA, and ultimately deliver a better user experience."

VIA, in cooperation with the Linux open-source community is an important step in a proper driver for the next generation of ultra-mobile PCs powered company ultra-low-voltage equipment.

VIA announce the new Thin Server NAS Motherboard

Written by IT News on 9:00 AM

By: Bogdan Botezatu, Hardware Editor

Chip manufacturer VIA recently introduced a new thin motherboard dedicated to the small business server applications, such as network-attached storage devices. Thin-server systems are becoming more and more popular thanks to their low energy consumption and high reliability.

In 7800, NAS VIA motherboard sports to eight S-ATA II ports and two Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 ports. As expected, the council supported the company's low-voltage 1.5GHz VIA C7 processor, but it can at will hold a fanless VIA Eden stock line unit.

In addition, the board integrates proprietary MFX module, which allows devices to support the following activities schedule. This feature is essential for the maintenance of the energy bill, as a minimum, and allows IT managers to power down servers during the operation, non-working hours. When the computers once again go on the Internet MFX integrated module automatically wakes NAS activities.

"The VIA NAS 7800 is designed to meet the needs of today's digital work, which makes it ideal for the new generation of thin server products for small and medium-sized enterprises," said Daniel Wu, Vice President, VIA Embedded Platform Division, VIA Technologies, Inc " VIA "segment specific products Leader target platforms with industry-leading power efficiency, security and reliability."

Another interesting addition to the motherboard is built into the module for TPM key generation and storage, which combines with the VIA PadLock Security Engine integrated directly into the CPU die. The combination offers ultra-fast, military-grade hardware encryption and decryption functions, which will keep data safe.

New VIA motherboard from comes in the unique 14.3 cm x 19 centimeter form factor, which is the same size as a standard optical drive. In the I/O ports agreed to facilitate the process of integration into the conventional construction with the chassis sizes, as well as 1U server.

VIA finally announce C7 chip

Written by IT News on 9:52 AM

By: Bogdan Botezatu, Hardware Editor

Chip manufacturer VIA finally begun to sample marine units, its x86 processors Isaiah announced at the beginning of this year. In Isaiah architecture C7 chip will replace the company that acquired
on the huge popularity of low-cost Linux-based ultra-mobile PC market.

According to Glenn Henry, CEO "Centaur Technology (VIA processor branch), the company's" aggressive "offshore units sampling its newest processors offer.

While the increase in productivity for the C7 series, the first generation Isaiah processors will support their pin-to-pin compatibility with the latter. This means that any user can replace C7 chips with Isaiah unit without replacing the motherboard or the performance of additional hardware tweaks.

Henry also alleges that Isaiah offering particularly in the light of relevance to the needs of low-cost "thin and light notebook market. Nevertheless, competition is expected to be severe, as Intel's upcoming processor Atom will also pitch in the NetBooks market, as Intel likes to call it.

Chip manufacturer showed that Isaiah chip takes 3.5 W when working at full load. By contrast, Intel's upcoming Atom "Silverthorne" would require 0.6 W at 2.5 W downtime and operating at full capacity. However, Intel was able to reduce the demand for energy by adopting "in order" performance technologies that have a negative impact on chip operations. Instead of VIA decided to take superscalar, out-of-order design, which can handle three instructions per clock cycle.

Despite the fact that VIA processor can deliver better performance Intel's colleague, its success in the market are still questionable. While VIA has limited resources and reduce the impact of the media, Intel can actively promote Atom chip. However, Henry relies on the VIA long tradition of low-cost, low-performance computer market, where Intel is just starting to emerge.