C7

--Stmok 17:23, 16 Feb 2006 (EST)

This is an improved version of the C3 processor. It comes in two versions, C7 (desktop) and C7-M (Mobile). Improvements include a "stronger" FPU (than C3) and the addition of hardware accelerated authentication schemes (SHA-256). Like current Intel and AMD CPUs, the C7 supports SSE/SSE2/SSE3, and NX bit. Cache size of 128K L1 and 128K L2.

Early benchmarks indicate overall performance is not all that great compared to the previous C3 "Nehemiah". It should be more realistically considered an incremental improvement. (Performance is 10% better than C3).

Like the previous C3, the C7 is a budget CPU. And as a result, if one compares this CPU to both AMD or Intel CPUs, (in a clock for clock comparison), its still no match.

As with the previous C3 CPU, C7s will be found in retail (in the near future) on Mini-ITX format embedded boards. (VIA markets them with the name "EPIA")

Examples of future EPIA solutions based on the C7.

EPIA CX700M-1 (C7 NanoBGA2 & CX700M)

• Nano-ITX Form Factor

• DDRII400/533

• HDTV/GigaLAN

• COM x 4/Digital IO

• Multi-functional interface for flexible IO integration

EPIA CX700M-2 (C7 NanoBGA2 & CX700M)

• Mini-ITX Form Factor

• DDRII400/533

• LVDS/DVI integrated

• WMV9 HW decoder

• HDMI optional interface

• HD Audio / HDTV / GigaLAN

• CE-type back IO

EPIA CN750-1 (C7 NanoBGA2 & CN750|VT8251)

• Mini-ITX Form Factor

• DDRII400/533

• H.264 / WMV9 HW decoder

• HDMI optional interface

• PCI Express / Consumer IO

• LVDS / DVI / GigaLAN