Via Unveils 1-Watt x86 CPU
- TAGS:low-energy CPU, Via
- IT TOPICS:Hardware
One of the problems with the new servers I've bought is that I'll have to pay for the costs of running them, and we all know that the running costs in terms of electricity are not cheap.
Using lower energy machines (but with the same CPU power) such as the T1000 is one solution, but it's always possible. However, that drive towards low-energy computing is producing some interesting side projects, like the new 1W x86 CPU from VIA. Here are some resources if you want more information:
- Via aims 1W x86 CPU at mobile, embedded apps
- VIA announces 1-watt Eden processor
- Via Unveils 1-Watt x86 CPU
Of course, the CPU is limited to 500MHz and there are going to be limitations to it's capability (this is not a server CPU, and not even a serious desktop CPU), but it is still going to make a big difference in certain environments, such as point of sale and lightweight portables. It's fair to say that running Windows on a machine using this CPU will be a stretch, but a lightweight Linux implementation would make a good web or mail client.
Since the VIA CPU was announced (August 2007), the Asus Eee PC has become amazingly popular, and that uses a 21W Celeron CPU for about 3 hours battery life. Using the VIA chip could easily double that to circa 6 hours.
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