Via is now shipping its first dual-processor mini-ITX board. The DP-310 features dual 1GHz Eden-N processors, along with gigabit Ethernet, SATA, a media-processing graphics system, and more. It targets high-density server systems, appliance servers, and compact embedded digital devices.

Via says developers can fit two DP-310 mainboards into a single 1U chassis, for densities up to 168 processors per 42-U rack. The company says such a rack would require 2.5kW of power.

Via's DP-310
(Click to enlarge)

Via announced its plans for the “DP” dual-processor mini-ITX board last October, at the same time announcing its new “SP” single processor board. Both boards make use of Via's new CN400 chipset, which increases memory speed and scalability, offers better 2D/3D graphics acceleration, and includes a faster southbridge interconnect.

The DP-310 is based on Eden-N processors, which are processed and tested for high-temperature, passively cooled embedded applications. The processors are packaged in a 15 x 15mm nano-BGA, and feature on-die security features through the VIA PadLock Hardware Security Suite. The processors also support advanced power management through thermal design efficiency and Via PowerSaver 3.0 technology, Via says.

The DP-310 uses the new Via CN400 northbridge and digital medial chipset, which features FSB (front-side bus) speeds up to 200MHz. The board supports up to 2GB of DDR400/333/266 RAM.

The CN400 features an integrated UniChrome Pro graphics processor with 2D/3D graphics engine, hardware digital video acceleration, and Chromotion CE video display engine, including hardware MPEG-2/-4 acceleration and advanced video rendering and display technologies, Via says. The CN400 supports a 1GB/s southbridge interconnect to Via's VT8237R southbridge.

Additional features for the DP-310 board include 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet and dual 10/100Mbps LAN, two Serial ATA connectors, ATA-133, up to four USB 2.0 ports, and Via Vinyl 6-channel audio support. Expansion ports include one PCI slot, and one mini-PCI slot.

Eric Chang, special assistant to the president, said, “The VIA EPIA DP [maintains] the ultra low power consumption essential for high density computing environments.”

Richard Brown, associate VP of marketing, said, “The VIA EPIA DP-310 mainboard provides the perfect balance of performance, compactness, and power dissipation.”

 
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