Chatsworth, CA, March 31, 2001 – Formosa today announces the newest addition to its MBM all-in-one compact motherboard product line, the MBM-865VA.

Performance

The MBM-865VA is a high performance all-in-one single board computer in a compact package. Based on the latest VIA PM-133 chipset, the MBM-865VA offers PentiumÒ III-level performance by supporting Intel Socket 370 PentiumÒ III or CeleronÒ processor up to and beyond 1GHz by utilizing its 66/100/133MHz front-side-bus (FSB). For embedded users, the MBM-865VA also supports low-power processors from VIA-Cyrix for fan-less system design.

One 168-pin DIMM socket is provided for PC/100 & PC/133 SDRAM memory up to 512MB. For video graphics, a built-in AGP-4X 128-bit 2D/3D graphic accelerator is standard for full 32-bit true color rendering at resolution up to 1920x1440. For server and networking professionals, a dual 10/100Mbps fast Ethernet LAN controller is provided. The board provides full support for Microsoft Windows 98/NT/2000 and Linux operating systems. To ensure that all these performance gears function reliably, the MBM-865VA supports complete green power and thermal management. In case of overheating or cooling fan failure, the board automatically reduces processor speed and sounds the alarm.

Other Features

Despite its diminutive dimension, the MBM-865VA is loaded with standard additional features. The video, for example, not only has a VGA connection, but also offers composite video TV-Out connectors ideal for television presentation or tape recording, and it supports both NTSC and PAL global video standards. The PCI audio features 32-voice wavetable synthesis with 3D positional sound effect and Line-in/Line-out/MIC-in connectors. The MBM-865VA is equipped a complete set of I/O ports including UDMA-33/66/100 IDE (2), FDD, Serial (2), Parallel, USB (4), keyboard, and mouse ports are provided. An on-board PCI slot provides further expansion capability, and Formosa offers a variety of riser cards to ease system design, integration, and packaging.

Design Philosophy & Applications

Formosa’s MBM series is the first of its kind as a true “compact motherboard”. After years of research and market feedback, Formosa realizes the demand for an all-in-one board that offers the performance and economic scale of a full-size desktop PC at size significantly smaller than generic ATX/NLX motherboards. With this design philosophy in mind, Formosa has successfully developed products that bridge the gap between generic motherboards and expensive embedded boards (or SBC). In the case of the new MBM-865VA, Formosa has managed to integrate video, audio, dual LAN, quad USB, and more along with the performance offered by Intel PentiumÒ III processors. Sample applications include industrial controllers, medical instruments, commercial kiosks, 1U/2U telecom rackmount PC, embedded/portable systems, set-top boxes, … etc.

Pricing and Availability

The suggested retail single piece price for MBM-865VA starts at $400. Quantity and reseller discount programs are available upon request. This product is available starting April 1, 2001.

About Formosa

Formosa is a leading manufacturer of PC-based computing hardware dedicated for industrial and embedded applications. With sales, research, and manufacturing facilities in Asia, Europe, and US, plus over 300 dedicated professionals, Formosa has been serving the OEM industry worldwide since 1984. Main products include single board computers (SBC), LCD displays & computers, passive backplanes, chassis, and industrial workstations. Custom system integration and contract manufacturing services are also available.

For editorial information

Please contact Charles Chen at charlesc@goformosa.com or call (818)407-4965 (x200) for assistance.