Via Technologies to Target Celeron Processors

The Taiwan-based company Via Technologies, Inc. will be entering the processor market later this year, seeking to grab the low-end processor market on its way. Initially debuting its "Joshua" chip at speeds of 433, 466, 500, and 566 MHz, Via hopes to make an impression on competitors in the second half of this year.

The Joshua chip incorporates 3DNow! technology, as well as a 64KB L1 cache and a 256KB L2 cache, and be built on 0.18 micron processor technology. Based on the Cyrix Ceyanne core, Joshua will use socket 370 technology and Intel's P6 bus system to take advantage of 133 MHz front-side bus support.

Via purchased Cyrix from National Semiconductor Corporation just last year, along with Centaur from IDT. Read more about Via at http://www.via.com.tw.