| First nano-ITX mobo arrives |
Mar. 19, 2004
 VIA has launched its first motherboard featuring the tiny new nano-ITX form factor unveiled last September. The 4.7- x 4.7-inch (12 x 12cm) Epia N-series Mainboard boasts a fanless, x86-compatible Eden-N processor, with available clock rates in excess of 1GHz. The Epia N-series targets smart digital media and mobile entertainment devices.
(Click for larger view of VIA Epia N Mainboard)
The Epia N's CN400 video chipset features an integrated S3 graphics core with 2D and 3D acceleration, as well as hardware support for MPEG-4/2 digital video playback on CRTs, and LCDs, standard TV, and HDTV.
The graphics system "steals" main system memory, and the shared memory architecture supports up to 1GB of DDR400/333/266 memory. A FastStream64 memory controller with Ultra V-Link interface supports throughputs up to 1GB/s to the VIA VT8237 South Bridge.
The onboard VT8237 South Bridge supports storage, multimedia, and network interfaces that include Serial ATA (SATA), UltraDMA IDE, USB 2.0, onboard LAN, and V-RAID, with support for multiple RAID configurations.
The board includes support for VIA's Vinyl Six-TRAC 6-channel audio, through three audio jacks in the I/O panel. It also supports a growing number of LVDS embedded LCD panels, and has a Mini-PCI slot for expandability.
Two PadLock random number generators (RNGs) provide high-quality entropy driving what VIA claims to be market leading AES encryption rates. The board employs PowerSaver 3.0 power management technology to help extend battery life for mobile devices.
Backpanel I/O connectors include:- 1 RJ-45 LAN port
- 1 Serial port
- 2 USB 2.0 ports
- 1 VGA port
- 1 RCA port (SPDIF or TV out)
- 1 S-Video port
- 3 Audio jacks: line-out, line-in and mic-in (Horizontal, Smart 5.1 Support)
Onboard I/O connectors include:- 1 USB connector for 4 additional USB 2.0 ports
- 1 LVDS/CAP connector
- 1 CD audio-in connector
- 1 FIR connector
- 1 CIR connector (Switchable for KB/MS)
- 1 Fan connector
- Nano-ATX power connector
- DOC reserved
Reference designs
VIA created five device reference designs to accompany the Epia N nano-ITX board to market. The designs include:
 V-Silver digital media center -- A low-power, quiet, and secure digital entertainment device for "tomorrow's living room." Presented in partnership with Silver Stone.
 V-Mapower portable digital center -- A leather-covered device targeting mobile applications. Various colors and external designs. Presented in partnership with Mapower.
 "World's thinnest digital media device" -- This "digital media device" measures 3.5 centimeters high.
 Personal portable media center -- Intended for use as a gaming device, mp3 player, or VCD/DVD player.
 "World's smallest 1G Fan-less Device" -- No dimensions listed for this device, which features "leading heat-sink technology and case design." Presented in partnership with Scythe and ADR.
Additional details and specifications can be found on online at VIA's Website.
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