VIA’s Tiny x86 Platform
While VIA retreated from the desktop processors business, it still has a strong position on other markets, and now they even managed to break a world record! No, we're not talking about any performance record, but size, because they just succeeded in creating the smallest x86 computer platform, coming in the pico-ITX form factor!
"Pico-ITX, what is that?" Well, what do you think about 10cm x 7.2cm? Small enough? Daniel Wu, vice president of Via embedded platform division, said "The introduction of the Via Epia PX5000EG elevates the Via Epia range of innovative embedded solutions to new heights of thermal and energy efficiency in an extremely miniaturized form factor. The Via Epia Pico-ITX form-factor continues to evolve, addressing the embedded industry's needs for greater efficiency and miniaturization."
A computer inside a pack of cigarettes, how's that? The Via Epia PX5000EG uses a fanless 500MHz processor from VIA, the Eden ULV, with a TDP of only 1W, supporting up to 1GB of DDR2 memory. The Via VX700 system media processor delivers graphics by using the Via UniChrome Pro II integrated 3D/2D graphics core with MPEG-2/-4 and WMV9 hardware decoding acceleration, as well as pin support for LVDS, DVI and VGA display configurations.
At last, you should know Serial ATA and Parallel ATA connectors are also present, and even an integrated 100/10 Fast Ethernet port was fitted on the tiny board. Even more, there are connectors included to support PS/2 keyboard and mouse, external TV-out, video capture port interface & LPC interface (add-on card required), 1 audio connector for line-out, line-in, mic-in, S/PDIF in and 5.1 channel audio output and 1 Pico-ITX power connector.
These being said, I will repeat the size, so you won't forget - 10cm x 7.2cm, that's the smallest x86 platform available in the world as we speak, and it's really astonishing to think about the fact this may be more powerful than the desktop computers we were using a decade ago!
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader by FeedBurner.
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment