VIA C3 Questions

[DanielLevesque]

Can anyone give me some information on the ViaC3 processor. Like can you run a Duel system with one? how do they perform in comparison to a normal processor? and are there compatibility problems... Anyone running one?

-Dan

 

[Spitfire_x86]

VIA C3 processors are not designed to achieve higher performance. They care much about geting maximum performance while minimizing the need of power. The top C3 model consumes only 12 watt. It can be run with only heatsink without using cooling fan.

C3 processors are available upto 1 GHz. They use socket 370 platform. They have 128 kb L1 (64 kb data, 64 kb instruction) and 64 kb on-die L2 cache. They support MMX and 3D Now! instruction sets. They run at 133 MHz FSB.

It's FPU performance is very bad. It's FPU is too weak and runs only at half of the cpu clock. (e.g. A 800 MHz C3's FPU runs at 400 MHz). However, it FPU performace improves much when an app supports 3D Now!

All socket 370 chipsets support C3. But people mostly use VIA chipsets for running C3.

C3 processors provide adequate power for running office apps, surfing the net, playing mp3 and DVD video. They are ideal processor for cyber cafes. Also good for people who only run basic office apps. Many people buy these cpus for buinding a pc that will only play DVD. BTW, as they don't need cooling fan, they are noise free.

Older 3D games can be played with C3 when equipped with a good discrete graphics card. However, they can hardly utilize anything better than GeForce2 MX400 by 100%

I don't know about any C3 incompatibility problem. They run all x86 apps without any compatibility issues. They are 100% compatible with MMX and 3D Now! optimized apps.

 

[DanielLevesque]

Thanks for reply. I was thinking for more of a Linux server due to its cheap price.. but it doesnt sound suitable

-Dan

 

[Crashman]

The C3 is a horrible performer. The C3 1000 is comparable in performance to the Celeron 600, even though the celeron 600 has the disadvantage of a 66MHz FSB. If you want an Intel chipset and a cheap CPU, the Celeron would be a much better alternative, it's similarly priced. Otherwize, the Duron is a good alternative in a cheap CPU, but with the XP1600 at only $55 on Pricewatch, this is your best value. The SiS 745 is a good value chipset with high performance, great stability, and excellent compatability. You could assemble a complete platform with XP1600+, MSI 745 Ultra, and 256MB of PC2100 DDR, for well under $200.

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