Chip maker VIA has a rather tiny share of the PC CPU market. So perhaps it’s appropriate the company is focusing heavily on CPUs for tiny PCs. And that doesn’t just mean netbooks. VIA is introducing two new desktop motherboards for small form-factor desktop computers, also called nettops. Both are designed to use VIA’s low power Nano processor, which competes with Intel’s Atom platform in the netbook and nettop spaces.
The new VIA EPIA-M800 Mini-ITX motherboard can use a 1.2GHz Nano U2500 CPU or a 1.3GHz U2250 processor. It supports DVI, HDMI, and dual gigabit Ethernet connections. It includes the VIA VX800 media processor.
The VIA EPIA-N800 Nano-ITX is the smaller of the two, measuring just 4.7″ x 4.7″. It supports the 1.3GHz U2250 CPU and has VGA, USB, and Gigabit Ethernet ports. It also uses the VIA VX800 media processor, has 6 USB ports, and 2 SATA II ports.
The VIA Nano is a 64-bit processor, unlike Intel’s 32-bit Atom. The new mainboards and processors support Windows 7, and while they’re designed for use in embedded devices such as kiosks or digital signs, they should pack enough oomph for a low power home media PC. They should be able to handle 1080p HD video and DirectX 9 graphics, as well as 6-channel audio.
via SlashGear
I think these are great for those wanting a small computer or something that can fit into a small unique computer ‘box’ like the ones at the projects section of htt://www.mini-itx.com (there are some cool projects there). IMO; the smaller the board the bigger the possibilities.
It seems to be a trend with small things being the next big things (and I am into small things; netbooks, small cars, etc). 🙂
Hmm, I’m actually kind of disappointed that these came out. Via doesn’t usually release all that many boards for it’s own processors, and I know that the Eden processors were ones that nVidia was targeting, so I was hoping to see the chrome graphics ditched for ION, but… Oh well, these boards really do work well for embedded systems, but if they had ION they would be perfect for making some sweet nettops.