News Release

VIA Apollo KT400 Chipset Launches at QuakeCon 2002, Enabling Stratospheric Performance in AMD Athlon™ XP Processor Based Systems

The world's most efficient DDR Memory Controller, AGP 8X for next generation graphics processors, 8X V-Link and USB 2.0 for ultra fast connectivity combine to crown the new king of Socket A compatible chipsets

QuakeCon 2002: Mesquite, Texas, 16 August 2002 - VIA Technologies, Inc., a leading innovator and developer of silicon chip technologies and PC platform solutions, today launched the VIA Apollo KT400, the next generation chipset for the AMD Athlon™ XP processor, at QuakeCon 2002, the world's greatest multi-player gaming event. Optimized for the needs of gamers, enthusiasts and professionals requiring the fastest system performance and the very latest I/O and connectivity features, the VIA Apollo KT400 is a no compromise solution aimed at making AMD Athlon™ XP processor based systems more powerful than ever before.

The continued evolution of VIA's market leading memory controller technology enables the AMD Athlon XP processor to do more work clock for clock than with rival chipset platforms, while 2.1GB/s of AGP 8X bandwidth allows the VIA Apollo KT400 to be paired with the most powerful new graphics processors to create systems that take the end user experience onto a new plane.

"Simply stated, the VIA Apollo KT400 is the most capable performance chipset ever designed for Socket A compatible motherboards," commented Ted Lee, Vice President of Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. "Gamers, enthusiasts and professionals have an enduring appetite for more system performance and we are confident that the launch of the KT400 will consolidate our leadership in this important segment."

"AMD and VIA continue to deliver the products and performance our shared customers demand," said Rich Heye, vice president platform engineering and infrastructure for AMD's Computation Products Group. "The VIA Apollo KT400 chipset and AMD Athlon processors combine to provide performance, stability and compatibility for users of a full range of memory-intensive applications including gaming, digital content creation and CAD."

"Pairing ATI's new RADEON 9700 PRO with the VIA Apollo KT400 gives you an unbelievable gaming experience," said Rick Bergman, Senior Vice President, Marketing and General Manager, Desktop, ATI Technologies Inc. "The AGP 8X support enables gamers to realize quality and performance like never before."

About the VIA Apollo KT400

Supporting DDR200/266/333 SDRAM memory and a full range of 200/266MHz Processor Bus AMD Athlon™ XP and AMD Duron™ processors, the VIA Apollo KT400 provides lightning fast access to system memory and delivers more performance across the application spectrum than rival Socket-A chipset platforms.

DDR333 offers 2.7GB/s of memory bandwidth through VIA's low latency, ultra efficient memory controller while AGP 8X delivers 2.1GB/s of bandwidth to the graphics engine, improving image quality and 3D performance in the highest resolution conditions. The VIA Apollo KT400 is connected to the VIA VT8235 South Bridge by an enhanced 8X V-Link connection transferring data at 533MB/s, four times the speed of the conventional PCI bus. The VT8235 South Bridge features integrated support for six USB 2.0 ports with 40 times more bandwidth than USB 1.1, as well as ATA-133, the fastest available IDE interface. Additional features include integrated VIA MAC for 10/100Mbps Ethernet, integrated PCI support, 6 Channel Surround Sound AC'97 audio and MC'97 modem. For more information on the VIA Apollo KT400 please visit our website at: http://www.via.com.tw/en/apollo/kt400.jsp

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