Leadership in Energy-Efficient Computing Platforms

Gone are the days when computer designers strived to create faster and more powerful processors. Now, winning products focus on power-efficiency, with purpose-designed platforms that take advantage of next-generation power-management leading the way.

Since the introduction of the VIA C3® processor in 2001, VIA has led the industry in the development of energy-efficient x86 platforms to enable a new generation of low power, small form factor computing devices. From thin clients to laptops to industrial computing systems, VIA processor platforms have built a solid reputation for leading performance per watt and cool operation.

VIA extended this leadership with the VIA Eden processor family in 2003, which included the world's smallest fanless x86 processor. In 2005, VIA heralded a new era in power-efficient computing through the introduction of the VIA C7-M and VIA C7 processors that have a maximum power consumption of 20 watts at 2.0GHz with average power consumption of below 1 watt, and deliver uncompromised performance in productivity applications.

The introduction of the VIA C7®-D processor in 2006, redefined eco-friendly computing. Through investment in regional projects in energy conservation, reforestation, and alternative energy, VIA pledges to offset the CO2 emissions generated by use of the processor over three years, thereby creating the world's first carbon free computer component.

Learn more about the world's first carbon free computer component, VIA C7-D processor

To further enhance energy efficiency, VIA processors have featured VIA PowerSaver™ technology, which dynamic adjusts frequency and voltage based on user requirements, enabling smooth transition between a range of processor speeds to match application requirements and saving up to 40% of power. As mobile computers become the predominant

Learn more about VIA PowerSaver technology

The benefits of the VIA energy-efficient platforms, however, extend far beyond low power consumption and saving money on power bills. Energy-efficient operation makes possible eco-friendly computing devices that are whisper quiet, powered by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Such devices have enormous ramifications in commercial and personal computing, as well as emerging markets.

Carbon Free Computing

As the world realizes the importance of carbon reduction, exemplified through recent government initiatives, at all levels, to encourage corporations and the government departments to actively monitor and reduce their carbon output, manufacturers need to design products that are energy-efficient, thereby reducing the amount carbon produced during operation. Leading the industry in the adoption of carbon free computing, VIA enables governments, corporations and consumers to not only reduce the amount of carbon produced during operation by the processor by over four times, but also enables the offset of carbon produced by the generation of electricity to power the processor, through a number of regional eco-friendly projects to make operation completely carbon free.

Learn more about VIA Carbon Free Computing

Solar Computing

Increasingly governments and NGOs are looking towards alternate energy sources to power computers that enable communication and connectivity in emerging market regions where electricity supply is either not available or unreliable. However, many organizations have found that the amount of power consumed during normal PC use is too great to enable operation through alternate energy sources.

VIA, through its energy-efficient processor platforms that help to reduce power consumption by over four times, is taking a leadership role to make possible complete computing solutions that are powered solely by solar energy.

Learn more about VIA Soalr Computing

Quiet Computing

Studies have shown that background noise in the workplace, often produced by the cooling fans in PCs, have serious detrimental effects on performance and productivity. Energy-efficient PCs help fight against these effects by reducing or eliminating the need for PC cooling fans.

Since the introduction of the VIA C3® processor in 2001, VIA has taken a proactive role to help educate organizations on the importance of quiet computing, and through its energy-efficient processor platforms enables manufacturers to create devices that produce low noise.

Learn more about VIA Quiet Computing

How to be Energy-Efficient in Your Life

We are surrounded in our everyday lives with electrical goods and personal computing devices that can consume huge amounts of electricity.  Reducing power consumption is not only good for the environment, but for your wallet too.

Here are ten ways to make your everyday life more energy-efficient:

1. Make sure your equipment is switched off at the powerpoint at night or on the weekends
2. Choose electronic products that have a active power management system to minimize power consumption during idle time
3. Use the power saving features on your PC. Set a idle time limit so that your PC will power down unnecessary functions when not active
4. Turn off your computer screen when you leave your desk
5. Choose electrical goods with a high ENERGY STAR® rating, or equivalent rating in your country
6. Reduce the temperature on your water heater to 120F
7. Turn off the air-conditioner when you leave the office or home
8. Set your airconditioner to 77F, or no more than 15F difference with the outside temperature
9. Turn off the lights in a room when you leave the office or home
10. Replace your existing light bulbs with those that have a high ENERGY STAR® rating, or equivalent rating in your country

For more information on how to be more energy-efficient in your life, please contact your local government initiated energy management program.

Some examples of government programs include:

Australia: ENERGY STAR Australia - http://www.energystar.gov.au/
China: China Energy Conservation Program - http://www.cecp.org.cn/
Europe: European Commission - Directorate - General for Energy and Transport -
http://www.managenergy.net/emap/maphome.html
Japan: Energy Conversation Center Japan - http://www.eccj.or.jp/index_e.html
South Africa: Department of Minerals and Energy - http://www.dme.gov.za/energy/efficiency.stm
United States of America: ENERGY STAR - http://www.energystar.gov/