Press Release
Enables OEMs and SIs to build most energy-efficient Windows Vista PCs that draw over 50% less power than the latest Energy Star requirementsTaipei, Taiwan, Tuesday 21st August 2007 – Further strengthening its leadership in providing the world's most energy-efficient computing platforms, VIA Technologies, Inc. today announced the VIA pc3500 Mainboard, a low power, feature-rich platform that enables OEMs and System Integrators to build Windows Vista desktop PCs that draw less than 24 watts in Idle State – less than half the requirement of the U.S. EPA's latest Energy Star Program Requirement for Computers: Version 4.0.
In addition, a system based around the VIA pc3500 Mainboard draws only 1.09 watts in Sleep Mode, and 0.68 watts in Standby (Off Mode), comfortably meeting the Energy Star requirements for a Category A system, as summarized in the table below. The system even draws under 35 watts when playing back a DVD, one of the most power-intensive computing applications.
Mode Energy Star Category A Requirements VIA pc3500 Mainboard System
Standby (Off Mode) ≤ 2.0W 0.68W
Sleep Mode ≤ 4.0W 1.09W
Idle State ≤ 50W 23.62W
DVD Playback N/A 34.48W
"With the launch of VIA pc3500 mainboard we are leading the way in developing innovative low power platforms that enable our OEM and SI customers to meet the growing worldwide demand for energy-efficient PCs," commented Richard Brown, Vice President of Corporate Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. "Consumers and business users who purchase PCs based on the VIA pc3500 mainboard will not only be able to significantly reduce their energy costs but also minimize their environmental impact while running all the latest software applications."
About the VIA pc3500 Mainboard
The VIA pc3500 is the latest addition to the energy efficient VIA pc-1 Mainboard line, and is based on the VIA CN896 digital media IGP chipset, certified by Microsoft for Windows Vista Basic and featuring the VIA Chrome9 HC IGP with a DirectX 9.0 3D accelerator for high performance, a 2D accelerator for productivity applications, and the Chromotion 3.0 video display engine for advanced hardware-based video processing. Combined with the power efficient VIA C7-D processor supporting the 400MHz VIA V4 bus, the VIA pc3500 mainboard delivers high performance and a rich digital media experience at an average power consumption of less than 25 watts.
The VIA pc3500 Mainboard features two DDR2 DIMM slots, supporting up to 2GB 400/533/667MHz memory, and provides additional expansion flexibility with its PCI Express x16 slot and PCI slot. The board also comes with a full set of connectivity features, including four USB 2.0 ports, two SATA II/PATA connectors, 10/100 Ethernet, and eight channel onboard audio. Additional options include support for Gigabit Ethernet and S-Video and S/PDIF audio.
The VIA pc3500 Mainboard is available through global VIA pc-1 distribution channels; pricing information is available upon request. More details about the VIA pc3500 mainboard may be found on the VIA website at: http://www.via.com.tw/en/initiatives/empowered/pc3500_mainboard/index.jsp.
VIA pc3500 Mainboard Power Consumption Testing
A variety of industry standard power consumption tests were conducted on the following system configuration:
• VIA pc3500G Mainboard with embedded 1.5GHz VIA C7-D processor
• 512MB DDR2 DRAM
• BTC DVD-Combo
• Maxtor 80GB IDE HDD
• Teamwork 180W (P4-250T) 220Vac Power Supply
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic O/S
Tested modes were as follows:
• PowerDVD 5.0 – MPEG2
• Idle Mode (Windows Desktop Ready)
• Sleep Mode (ACPI S3 Mode)
• Standby/Power Off Mode (ACPI S5 Mode)
These test results were compared with the latest Energy Star power consumption requirements for computers; further information on these criteria can be found at: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=computers.pr_crit_computers.
About the VIA pc-1 Initiative
The VIA pc-1 Initiative is aimed at enabling the next one billion people to get connected. With a focus on communication, education and information, the VIA pc-1 Initiative seeks to empower millions of people to improve their quality of life through technology, especially in emerging markets. Comprising a range of flexible systems based on VIA's acclaimed energy-efficient processor platforms, the VIA pc-1 Initiative is a realistic approach to bringing technology to millions more people within a sustainable business framework. Of the numerous initiatives VIA has launched to enhance the technology experience and the quality of life, the VIA pc-1 Initiative has a universal remit to make a difference to the lives of many more millions of people. www.viatech.com/pc-1.
