Available at speed grades up to 733-MHz, the new VIA C3 E-Series microprocessor line from Via comes in a small EBGA package. Applications for the chip include low-cost PCs, digital set-top boxes, embedded systems, and other products.

The chip is compatible with the standard PGA version of the VIA C3 processor, but the E-Series has a power consumption of below one watt when running in the low-voltage mode.

The chip's small die size and efficient heat dissipation properties means it does not require active cooling, thereby providing a cost savings to system manufacturers.

The processor comes with up to 192-KB of Level 1 and Level 2 cache and supports a 100/133-MHz front-side bus, MMX, and 3DNow! multimedia instructions.

The processor can be integrated onto industry standard Socket 370 motherboard form-factors such as Micro ATX, Flex ATX, and ITX.

The processor is available now, but prices were not disclosed.