VIA Announces C3M266 Mainboard, the Latest Platform to Drive System Innovation in Burgeoning Global Market for Affordable PCs
Combining silky smooth DVD playback and six-channel audio with high speed USB 2.0 and Firewire, the VIA C3M266 delivers enhanced digital media and connectivity capabilities in an attractive package to inspire the next generation of affordable computers.
Taipei, Taiwan, 6 January 2003 - VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator and developer of silicon chip technologies and PC platform solutions, today announced the launch of the VIA C3M266 mainboard, a high performance and highly integrated platform that adds advanced digital media and connectivity capabilities to systems targeted at the fast growing market for full-featured PCs at price points below US$400.
Optimized for the low power VIA C3 processor, the VIA C3M266 is based on the innovative new VIA Apollo CLE266 North Bridge, the first core logic chipset on the market to feature an embedded MPEG-2 decoder for silky smooth DVD playback at up to thirty frames per second. The board?s multimedia capabilities are further enhanced by the chipset?s integrated 2D/3D graphics engine and DDR266 SDRAM support, as well as its Smart5.1 six-channel surround sound. Connectivity features are also first class and include USB 2.0, IEEE 1394, 10/100 Ethernet LAN, and ATA/133, ensuring rapid transfer rates for even the largest digital media files.
?Following the successful worldwide introduction of $199 and $299 PCs featuring the VIA C3 processor, we are seeing a massive upsurge in global demand from consumers, businesses, and educational and governmental institutes alike for affordable, full-featured PCs that meet their true computing requirements,? commented Richard Brown, Director of Marketing at VIA Technologies, Inc. ?While our competitors continue to neglect the needs of these customers, VIA is committed to continuing to enhance the capabilities of affordable PCs targeted at this segment through the introduction of innovative new platforms like the C3M266.?
Measuring 24.5cm x 22.0cm, the VIA C3M266 is based on a standard MicroATX form factor and can be integrated into a full range of compatible chasses. With two DDR SDRAM DIMM slots supporting up to 2GB of system memory, and three PCI plus one CNR slot, the board offers excellent scalability. The C3M266 is also bundled with VIA?s FliteDeck? system management suite and Smart5.1 intelligent 6 channel audio delivered through the onboard VT1616 audio codec.
FliteDeck? System Management Suite
VIA C3M266 mainboard users enjoy the added benefit of VPSD?s FliteDeck? bundle. FliteDeck is an extensive system management suite that empowers the user by enabling full system control through an easy to use Windows®-based management suite. FliteDeck enables advanced features such as overclocking, CPU fan speed and temperature monitoring and BIOS updates. FliteDeck comprises four utilities, MissionControl, JetStream, FlashPort, and SysProbe. For more information on the FliteDeck suite of software and firmware applications please visit our website at:
http://www.viavpsd.com/products/FliteDeck_spec.jsp.
Smart5.1? Intelligent 6 Channel Audio
Smart5.1 is a unique audio feature available to C3M266 mainboard users. Smart5.1 is a no-hassle, cost effective method of implementing 6 channels of surround sound audio through a standard VIA Mainboard platform. Smart5.1 enables a mainboard?s standard three jack game/audio port to accept the three speaker plugs that are required for 6 channel surround sound audio i.e. front left/right, rear left/right, and center/subwoofer speakers therefore eliminating the need for add-in audio-jack brackets.
VIA C3M266 Ultra Pricing and Availability
The VIA C3M266 is available now through VPSD global distribution partners. Pricing information is available on request. For further details please visit our website at www.viamainboard.com.