VIA today took its x86-compatible Eden processor family into the 90nm era by extending the series with two models derived from the company's 'Esther' core, also the basis of its C7 processor product line.

The new chips are the Eden and Eden ULV - the latter an ultra-low voltage part that consumes just 3.5W at 1GHz and 7.5W at 1.5GHz. The Eden clocks at between 400MHz and 1.2GHz, consuming up to 2.5W and 7W at those speeds. VIA's website suggests the parts will clock to 2GHz.

Both CPUs run VIA's V4 frontside bus, clocked to 400MHz. Both contain 128KB of L1 cache and a further 128KB of L2 cache. They contain the standard features of the C7 series, including VIA's PowerSaver core voltage and clock-speed stepping technology; MMX, SSE 2 and SSE 3 support; the ability to work with Windows XP Service Pack 2's 'no execute' anti-virus technology; and VIA's PadLock security engine.

VIA is pitching the parts at silent PC systems, thin clients, set-top boxes and so forth, touting the fact neither chip needs active cooling. The chips ship in a low-profile nanoBGA2 package that's 2.1 x 2.1cm. They are also compliant with the EU's Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) regulations, due to come into force this coming Summer.

VIA said the Eden and Eden ULV are shipping now, but did not indicate how much it's charging for them. ®