VIA's C3 Hits 1 GHz

Low-Performance, Low-Power. Typical Applications

There are several scenarios that could present perfect opportunities to use the new C3:

• Computer for undemanding applications
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  At a clock speed of 1 GHz, the acceptance of VIA's latest processor should be good. One of the most important markets is the Far East. Here, C3 has won acceptance. Applications usually are office computers, internet terminals and self-made DVD players whose strength in contrast to hardware DVD player lies in the ability to playback MPEG-4 video streams. Here, the C3 has already won acceptance in the Asian market.

• Upgrades
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  As long as your motherboard is able to provide the required 1.35 V, VIA's C3 should work - it typically runs in the vast majority of motherboards. In many cases, boards with i815 or VIA 693A/694X/694T chipsets run perfectly with C3 - though basically a BIOS update is needed. Please take a look at our benchmark section to determine whether the C3 is a good upgrade choice for you.

• Low-Noise Computers
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  With a maximum heat dissipation of only 12 W, the C3 processor can be cooled using a huge heat sink without an active fan - as long as there is at least a minimum air flow inside the computer case. Fanless computers likely cannot be realized as long as there are several components that get hot (e.g. power supply, chipset and memory, processor, hard drive).

• Load-Balancing Servers
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  At prices far below $100, VIA's C3 is very attractive, and though Intel slowly wants to phase out Socket 370, this platform still is the most popular server platform. There are many applications - particularly in the Internet business - that primarily require availability and scalability rather than pure performance. Systems based on the VIA C3 could be known and reliable platforms, and at very low prices.

• Notebooks
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  Yes, the C3 is available in four different packages: Ceramic PGA, Micro PGA, Enhanced BGP and Micro FCPGA. As it consumes less power than the mobile versions of the Pentium III or Pentium 4, it is perfectly suitable for ultra-light notebooks.