IBM to manufacture chips for Via

[Julio Franco]

Taiwan's Via Technologies has selected IBM Microelectronics to manufacture its next processor, another step in Big Blue's plan to become the helping hand to chipmakers in need.

IBM will manufacture the "Esther" microprocessor for Via. The chip is due to be released in the second half of the year. The chip will be made with the 90-nanometer manufacturing process. Via also said it is looking at silicon on insulator, a design promoted by IBM that cuts power consumption and increases performance.

Read more: CNet News.

 

[vassil3427]

IBM has been making some big deals lately....lots of companies have been buying stuff from them.

 

[Federelli]

Esther? what are the specs for this microprocessor?

 

[Nodsu]

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,3973,1338390,00.asp

In the first quarter of 2004, Via will tape out the C5I or "Esther" processor, designed around the 90-nm process generation. The company believes the C5I will run at about 2.0-GHz, but will consume half the power of the C5P, both through the process shrink as well as improved performance per processor instruction. Interestingly, the chip will contain a pin that will allow an OEM to switch between a Via bus and Intel's native Banias bus, courtesy of the company's licensing agreement with Intel.

Esther will also contain a SHA-1 hashing unit to employ a second level of cryptographic protection, said C.J. Holthaus, manager of worldwide infrastructure at Via.

 

[Federelli]

thanx Nodsu, do you think it'll be available to compit with Amd and Intel, even at 2ghz??

 

[Nodsu]

Yes and no. VIA and Transmeta make chips concentrating on low power consumption so their chips measure up in the portable market. But no way those things can compete with AMD or Intel speed wise.