Advanced 64-bit architecture to raise the performance bar for high definition Computing and Personal Electronics devices

Fall Processor Forum, San Jose, CA, 5 October 2004 - VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator and developer of silicon chip technologies and PC platform solutions, today revealed details of its next-generation Isaiah processor core.

Combining a high-performance 64-bit architecture with a low power design and the industry’s most advanced built-in security features, the Isaiah processor core, with the engineering code name ‘CN’, is optimized for the rapidly emerging market for high definition computing and personal electronics devices that require the capability to run multiple tasks concurrently, such as decrypting a digital media stream while simultaneously displaying its contents in an ultra-high resolution format on an HDTV.

In addition to 64-bit data processing capabilities, the Isaiah core will integrate a host of additional digital media performance features, including a high-speed Front Side Bus, an industry leading Floating Point Unit that can achieve floating-point additions and multiplies using only two clock cycles, an increased cache size, high-speed data movement, and out-of order, superscalar execution that allows the processor to achieve high clock rates while executing multiple, simultaneous instructions for high definition digital entertainment applications.

VIA was the first company in the world to integrate hardware security features directly into its processors, and will add several new innovations to the existing VIA PadLock Hardware Security Suite in the Isaiah core that will extend its leadership in this critical area. As network speeds increase and encryption algorithms become more demanding, VIA processors will continue to allow system designers to offer cutting edge security capabilities without overtaxing system resources or significantly increasing the overall system cost.

“With the Isaiah core architecture we have focused on radically improving the media performance of our processors without losing sight of the low power consumption and efficient use of transistors that have always been our design goals,” said Glenn Henry, President, Centaur Technology, the processor design subsidiary of VIA Technologies, Inc. “The processor market is clearly experiencing significant changes in design philosophy, and we are ahead of the curve when it comes to additional features such as security.”

The Isaiah core is expected to be available in the first half of 2006. Additional information about the core will be disclosed at a later date.

VIA at Fall Processor Forum 2004

VIA will stage various live demonstrations of compact digital media systems from a selection of international partners at the Fall Processor Forum, in the Empire Room of the Fairmont Hotel on Tuesday and Wednesday, 5th and 6th October. These include the new MediaREADY™ 4000 from Video Without Boundaries that uses the Linux-based Media Convergence Software Suite (MCSS) from C.A.C. Media, and the Tranquil PC Media Center that runs the Windows® Media Center Edition software from Microsoft®. Another innovative media center on show is the Mediabox from Autocom, an all-in-one in car media player, Internet service and navigation system based on the versatile VIA EPIA M10000 Mini-ITX mainboard.

Also on display will be the soon-to-be-released VIA EPIA SP Mini-ITX and VIA EPIA N Nano-ITX mainboards, together with a selection of dual-processor Mini-ITX and quad-processor demonstration systems based on VIA processor platforms.