VIA C3 Processor 900A socket: Socket 370
The VIA C3 Processor 900A uses the Socket 370 socket. It is a 9 W single-core Ezra desktop part at 900 MHz with 64 KB of L2 cache for quiet Socket 370 boards.
- Socket
- Socket 370
- Launched
- 2001
- Cores and threads
- 1 and 1
- Base power
- 9 W
- Codename
- Ezra
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- VIA C3
- Clocks
- 0.9 GHz
VIA C3 Processor 900A specifications
| Cores | 1 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 1 |
| Core architecture | Ezra (C5C) |
| Clocks | 900 MHz base, no turbo |
| Cache | 128 KB L1, 64 KB full-speed L2 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 9 W |
| Manufacturing process | 130 nm |
| Memory support | PC100 SDRAM through the board chipset at 100 MHz bus |
| Front side bus | 100 MHz |
| Package | Socket 370 (ceramic PGA, 370 contacts) |
| Multiplier | Locked (9x) |
| Integrated graphics | None |
Motherboard compatibility
VIA C3 Processor 900A needs a motherboard with a Socket 370 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the Socket 370 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
Socket 370 at a glance
| Type | PGA, 370 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 49.53 × 49.53 mm |
| Introduced | 1998 |
| Memory | SDRAM and DDR through the board chipset |
| Cooler mounting holes | Socket lug (clip) |
What the C3 Processor 900A is
The VIA C3 Processor 900A is a 900 MHz single-core desktop processor from 2001. It runs one Centaur Ezra core at 900 MHz with no turbo, so 1 core gives 1 thread. Cache is 64 KB of L2 with 128 KB of L1 on a 130 nm process. Power is rated near 9 W in a Socket 370 ceramic PGA package on a 100 MHz front side bus with a 9x multiplier at 1.35 V.
The A suffix on this Ezra part follows VIA dealer naming also seen on 866A parts, which is why board lists carry both suffixed and plain strings at matching clocks. VIA sold the 900A in 2001 with other Ezra parts such as the 866 MHz C3 866. The chip supports MMX, 3DNow and LongHaul power saving.
A 900 MHz clock on a 100 MHz bus with a 9 W envelope suits quiet Socket 370 terminals with SDRAM and passive cooling. The 9x ratio keeps the slower bus fully used. That is why the 900A shipped in fanless office boxes.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 900A fits Socket 370 quiet desktops with Ezra support. It needs a 370-pin board with a 100 MHz bus path and a BIOS that lists VIA C3 Ezra parts. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Quiet SDRAM terminals are the natural match. Boards listing C3 Processor 900A accept the chip with a 9 W cooler. Intel-only boards with no VIA strings may refuse it.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is PC100 SDRAM through the board chipset at the 100 MHz bus rate, matched to the board DIMM sockets. The CPU has no memory controller. Terminal boards commonly run a single PC100 module.
A 100 MHz front side bus ties the CPU to the chipset, while AGP and PCI hang off the chipset. No PCIe lanes originate on the die. Cooling uses the Socket 370 lug clip with a cooler rated for 9 W.
Upgrade paths
On the same socket, a move to a C3 Processor 866A such as VIA C3 Processor 866A drops 34 MHz at equal power when a slower spare matters. A C3 Processor 1.0 such as VIA C3 Processor 1.0 adds 100 MHz on a 133 MHz bus when the board supports it.
A move to Nehemiah C3 parts adds SSE with a BIOS update. The Socket 370 page lists the Ezra to Nehemiah range for planning.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the C3 Processor 900A use?
Socket 370 in a ceramic PGA package. It is a 9 W Ezra desktop part at 900 MHz on a 100 MHz bus.
What memory does the 900A use?
PC100 SDRAM through the board chipset at the 100 MHz bus rate.
What is the upgrade path from the 900A?
A C3 Processor 866A for 34 MHz less, or a C3 Processor 1.0 for 100 MHz more on a 133 MHz bus.
Sources and verification
- List of VIA C3 microprocessors Ezra 900 (Wikipedia)
- VIA C3 Ezra Samuel2 cores (Wikipedia)
- Socket 370 (Wikipedia)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .