VIA Introduces New Fanless Slim PC Kit
VIA's new DIY kit includes the 64-bit Eden X2 dual-core processor and a fanless, quiet design.
On Wednesday VIA Technologies introduced a new fanless slim DIY PC kit, the VIA ARTiGO A1200. It features VIA's 64-bit Eden X2 dual-core processor (1 GHz) and an industrial buckled-blade thermal fin design to dispatch system heat and provide reliable, stable performance in temperatures ranging from 0ºC~45º C. The kit supports both Microsoft Windows 7 and Linux.
"VIA has long been a leader in driving innovation for low power compact computing, especially with our ARTiGO series," said Epan Wu, Head of the VIA Embedded Platform Division, VIA Technologies, Inc. "By moving to the Em-ITX form factor we are able to deliver a slim line, fanless system, creating a completely silent computing experience."
Measuring just 3-cm in height, the A1200's ultra-low profile design allows it to fit easily into any environment. Aside from the dual-core processor, the slim PC packs up to 4 GB of DDR3 1066 RAM, an integrated all-in-one VIA VX900 media system processor (MSP), HDMI output and a VGA port (both with dual independent display support).
On the graphics front, the video output is handled by an integrated VIA Chrome 9 HD DX9 3D/2D video processor. It provides MPEG-2, WMV9/VC1, H.264 video decoding acceleration "for a breathtaking viewing experience at screen resolutions up to 1080p."
Also thrown into the VIA's new kit are two high-speed GigaLAN Ethernet ports, four USB 2.0 ports, one CFast socket, two audio jacks (Mic-in and Line-out), 12V DC-in power and an optional USB 3.0 host port. The slim PC measures a mere 24.3-cm x 12.4-cm x 3.0-cm, and provides one SATA interface for a 2.5-inch HDD or SSD.
"The VIA ARTiGO A1200 PC kit is an ultra slim DIY PC kit for enthusiasts who want a compact fanless system without sacrificing computing power," VIA said. "Taking inspiration from the Em-ITX form factor, the VIA ARTiGO A1200 offers an impressive range of features. The VIA ARTiGO A1200 is one of the slimmest full featured PC kits on the market today."
For more information about the VIA ARTiGO A1200 PC kit, head here. It's currently available online in the VIA Store (U.S. only) and through E-ITX worldwide. The starting price is $309.95 USD.

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VIA is a bad joke. The gave out CN1000 based test systems over a year ago, and they still do not have a single motherboard with it. The Artigo 1150 is still out of stock, and expected soon; also a year ago.
They suck. Don't buy their stuff so they go out of business, which is where they belong. I think AMD and Intel will with the Brazos and Atom, which means they are playing where VIA has been for a long time, without competition.
Brazos is just better, and AMD will stay in business. VIA is going down, as they should.
It has a 1 GhZ (albeit dual core) Proc. . . And they claim enthusiasts aren't sacrificing anything?
At a minimum they should support Direct X 10.
This might be good for browsing the web, checking e-mail, or word processing, but forget about gaming and HD Media.
Actually, it might be good for using XBMC and you could probably game through Onlive.
Sure it is, have they every tried using their linux graphics driver? The VX900's linux driver is best described as a "steaming pile of turd".
It is nice though to see VIA doing something. Somehow they always manage to stay in the game.
Or if you really want to stick with VIA, get a Zotac VD01 for $160US: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856173029
The ONLY benefit VIA has here is that their unit is fanless. It's just not worth the expense though! Their drivers suck. DXVA on a VIA IGP is absolute CRAP! and Aero doesn't even display properly half the time. I remember trying a system with one of the VX/VH900 IGP's earlier this year and even IE9!! (a regular program on Windows 7 - nothing out of the ordinary) had weird graphics anomolies where the tab highlighting wasn't drawn properly! Yes, the UI elements! Absolutely TERRIBLE QA from VIA. If you want quality drivers, stick with AMD. The Brazos stuff is only slightly more expensive, but WORLDS better. Sorry, but that's not an exageration at all. Their stuff is a really good deal. AMD is worth the money, while VIA isn't worth the savings or the headaches.
Mind you, VIA might not be bad if you wanted to run a "pocket server" with SBS Essentials or WHS 2011. I haven't tried it though, so I can't comment on it, although I think I'd rather try it on Zotac's VIA machine with the faster clock speed than on this 1GHz system. VIA's U4025 is faster than an Atom D525, and I've seen SBS Essentials run on one of those, supporting 5 PC desktops.
AMD is already very competitive in the mainstream market. OEM's want Fusion APU's, and AMD is certainly getting a lot of design wins. Intel can only compete in the low-end and mainstream based on their brand, not their product. They have a lot of sway in deals made to OEM's for volume purchasing and such, and AMD can't leverage marketing tactics to get more sales the way that Intel can.