S3 Graphics and VIA Launch First Integrated Graphics Core Logic Chipset with Full AMD Support

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--As part of their joint venture, S3 Graphics, a division of S3 Incorporated and VIA Technologies, Inc. today announced the availability of the ProSavage KM133, the first integrated graphics core logic chipset with full support for the Socket A AMD Duron and Athlon processors. Combining VIA's Apollo KT133 chipset with the S3 Savage4 3D and Savage2000 2D graphics engines, the ProSavage KM133 is designed for high-volume AMD-based value PCs.

"AMD is excited about the performance the VIA ProSavage KM133 chipset delivers to value-conscious users when paired with AMD's high-speed 200MHz front side bus and performance enhancing cache technology included in both the Athlon and Duron processors," said Richard Heye, vice president and general manager, AMD's Texas Microprocessor Division. "When placed next to the rich video features of the integrated S3 Savage4 AGP 4X graphics core, which includes advanced 3D texturing technology, hardware DVD support and multiple display options, you are left with a low-priced machine with high-performance power."

"The VIA Apollo KT133 chipset maximizes the full performance of AMD's Duron and Athlon Socket A processors. This, combined with S3 Graphics' market leading Savage4 and Savage2000 graphics engines, sets a new benchmark for AMD-based systems," commented WenChi Chen, president and CEO of VIA Technologies. "This integrated graphics core logic chipset provides unrivalled competitive advantages for OEMs and Systems Integrators looking to build powerful, feature-rich PCs addressing multiple market segments."

"The launch of the ProSavage KM133 closely follows the successful shipment of our first joint venture product, the Intel compatible ProSavage PM133 and shows our commitment to bringing the best in high-performance chipsets to the value PC market," commented Rick Bergman, chief operating officer, S3 Graphics. "The breaking of technological barriers through continued innovation in our respective fields of expertise will continue to be a key objective of the joint venture between S3 Graphics and VIA."

ProSavage KM133 Features

The ProSavage KM133 is a Shared Memory Architecture (SMA) chipset for the high-volume Value PC segment that integrates the VIA Apollo KT133 and the S3 Savage4 graphics core in a single, compact and cost-effective form. With a high speed 200 MHz Front Side Bus and supporting up to 2GB of the latest PC133 SDRAM and VC133 DRAM, the ProSavage KM133 is designed to optimize the performance of the full range of AMD Socket Athlon and Duron processors.

The ProSavage KM133 integrates key graphics features such as AGP4X, 32-bit full color rendering, S3TC texture compression, multi-texturing, hardware motion compensation for high quality DVD playback, and flexible display options for TVs or DVI 1.0 compliant Digital Flat Panels. To provide OEMs and Systems Integrators with flexible future graphics upgrade options, the ProSavage KM133 also features and optional expansion port.

In addition, the South Bridge offers AC-97 audio, MC-97 modem, Super I/O and ATA-66/100 support, networking or Home PNA, four USB ports, and LPC (Low Pin Count) bus, enabling the low cost integration of a full range of multimedia and communications features for AMD Duron processor-based Value PC systems.

Key Features

Pricing & Availability

Samples of the ProSavage KM133 are available now, and the product will enter mass production in Q4 2000. The ProSavage KM133 is priced at $40 in OEM quantities. Motherboards featuring the ProSavage KM133 will be on display at the forthcoming VIA Technology Forums in Taipei on 20-21st September, Tokyo on 22nd September, Beijing on 25th September and Munich 27th September 2000.

About S3 Graphics

S3 Graphics, a division of S3 Incorporated, has signed a formal agreement to enter into a joint venture with VIA Technologies. S3 Graphics specializes in discrete and integrated graphics for the mobile and desktop market. The joint venture harnesses the product strengths of both companies combining S3's cutting-edge graphics and video capabilities with VIA's market-leading core logic chipset technology. S3 Graphics has already shipped its first integrated product with VIA, and is working to an exciting and aggressive roadmap of future product releases.

About S3 Incorporated

Relaunched as an Internet appliance company, S3 is focused on creating products and partnerships that help build the digital home. With significant financial assets, global marketing capabilities and a focused technology portfolio, that includes Rio digital audio players, HomeFree home networking solutions, internet access products, discrete and integrated graphics chips, and forthcoming information appliances, S3 is now set to relaunch itself as a leading innovator in the rapidly converging Internet and consumer device markets

About VIA Technologies

VIA Technologies, Inc is the world's leading fabless supplier of PC core logic chipsets, microprocessors, and multimedia and communications chips. VIA delivers value to the PC industry by designing, marketing, and selling high-performance VIA Apollo core logic chipsets for the full range of PC platforms, as well as cost-effective VIA Cyrix processors for Value PCs and Internet Appliances. Its customers include the world's top OEMs, mainboard manufacturers, and system integrators.