Via Technologies, a struggling designer of x86 central processing units (CPUs), said this week that it expects first systems based on the new-generation microprocessors by the company to emerge either in May or June, 2008. If the new chips known under Isaiah name become popular, then it will be a comeback for Via, which once was a huge developer of core-logic sets.
“Samples of the Isaiah-architecture-based x86 chips are now being shipped aggressively to customers with a release timeframe of May-June,” said Glenn Henry, chief executive of Centaur Technology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Via Technologies, in an interview with Cnet News.com.
Mr. Henry said that the first microprocessors based on Isaiah micro-architecture will be aimed at low-cost small form-factor low-power devices, such as sub-notebooks like Asustek Computer’s Asus Eee PC. Since there are many companies pushing such devices into the market these days, Via Technologies can potentially substantially improve its CPU market share.
According to Via, the company already has design wins with its Isaiah processor and the company is sure that the actual devices will emerge in about two months time on the market, which should boost revenues of the company that has been declining for many quarters now.
Via Isaiah is the first x86 processor from Via Technologies that features 64-bit instruction set along with a superscalar and out of order execution engine, macro-fusion and micro-fusion functionality, advanced branch prediction mechanism, advanced floating point unit as well as support for virtualization technology and Via PadLock security engine. Eventually there will be dual-core Isaiah CPUs, though, no details are available at this time.
The new chips that belong to the Isaiah family will also feature Adaptive PowerSaver Technology that further reduces power consumption and improve thermal management, including the unique TwinTurbo dual-PLL implementation, which permits smooth transitions between activity states within one clock cycle, ensuring always-on service and minimize latency, as well as new mechanisms for managing the die temperature.
Actual market prospects of Isaiah are still unclear since Via Technologies holds not only its CPU roadmap and capabilities under wraps, but also does not provide any performance estimates of its first-generation Via Isaiah microprocessors.
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Discussion started: 03/26/08 03:46:03 PM
Latest comment: 03/27/08 03:52:11 AM
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From other websites posted information about this chip two months back or so, it sounded pretty awesome at the time. Low power with a design that seems to be on par with intel core/core2. Now intel atom looks like a threat to this processor..it would be nice to see reviews/comparison between isaiah and atom.
Though the author hit one market, cheap pc and sub laptops, he forgot about embedded computers! Embedded computers is 10x larger market then sublaptops.
Also in asian markets where name doesn;t mean much price does, if isaiah platform is cheaper then an atom platform it will win asia. So it comes down to the chipset used and the graphics chip. Last I knew VIA graphics was better then intels, but intel has a better memory/HD/USB IO.
Just to think is 1 laptop per child program jsut waited one more year, they could had an isiah or atom processor instead of old amd puma junk!
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Posted by: Hokum22
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Date: 03/26/08 03:46:03 PM]
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I think Embedded was implied since that is VIA's major point of sale.
and ftw, Isaiah will be very much > then Atom.
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Posted by: Joz
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Date: 03/26/08 04:32:04 PM]
The comparison doesn't seem fair.
Intel Atom is an in-order execution CPU, similar to VIA's C3 and C7.
VIA's Isaiah would be better compared to an Intel Celeron (single-core), where both CPUs are out-of-order processors.
Regardless, for once, VIA has a CPU with some balls! (Well, at least on paper).
This little dinky C3 1Ghz Mini-ITX mobo I have needs replacing!
*Patiently waits for dual-core VIA Isaiah Mini-ITX mobo*
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Posted by: hiorew4
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Date: 03/26/08 06:10:48 PM]
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>Just to think is 1 laptop per child program jsut waited one more year
One year is not "just" in PC industry. And you are comparing AMD "junk" with platforms which are not ready!
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Posted by: BorgDrone
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Date: 03/26/08 05:57:12 PM]
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The processor inside OLPC is amd Geode LX. These processor were designed around 2003. The point I'm making is that the goal for OLPC was to abmisious for the state of technology at the time of design.
OLPC is not even relaly shipping units to countries due to low demand, and that lawsuit thats out there in nigeria. Sure the wattage draw would be alittle higher with an atom or isiah inside, but the preformance of the computer would be on part with desktop computers. How the current state of the internet with all the java/flash a 500MHz processor is not enough
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Posted by: Hokum22
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Date: 03/27/08 03:52:11 AM]
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