PJ Matthews
13-08-2002, 13:10
The Walibe Tech EPIA FAQ
Published:
Version:
Author: www.walibe.com/epiafaq.html (http://www.walibe.com/epiafaq.html)
1. Platform
a. What is the EPIA?
b. What is ITX/Mini-itx?
c. What versions of the EPIA are there?
d. How fast is the C3 800 Processor?
e. How fast is the Eden 500?
f. How much expandability is there?
g. Can I play games?
h. What is this board best for?
i. Can I run my EPIA C3 800 with just a heatsink?
j. My NIC refuses to work!
k. Where can I find out more about the on board connectors?
l. What memory should I use?
m. What is the tv out like?
n. Can I dual monitor?
o. Can I update the BIOS?
2. Software
a. What OS can I run?
b. Why won’t Windows XP install?
3. Housings
a. What cases are available?
b. Can I make my own?
4. Purchasing
a. Where can I purchase the EPIA boards (UK)
b. What do I get in the box?
What is the EPIA?
The EPIA is a range of small mini-ITX form factor PC main boards. They come with the following features as standard:
· Mini-ITX Format (just 17cms by 17cms square).
· Intergrated processor of 800 mhz C3 or 533 Mhz Eden
· Two 168-pin DIMM memory sockets (unobstructive) (100/133 Mhz SDRAM)
· VIA 10/100 Onboard NIC
· 15-pin VGA with S-Video and composite TV-out
· VIA Apollo PLE133 Chipset – Featuring an Integrated Trident based 2D/3D Graphics Accelerator with DVD playback assistance (not currently functioning in current drivers).
· SoundBlaster/pro compatible and features a S.PDIF (selectable via jumper on main board, shared with composite out).
· 1 PCI Slot (upgradeable to 2 via riser)
· 2 USB ports (2 more available via header on board)
· 2 IDE Connectors supporting ATA –100
Please note that this board includes NO Floppy connector.
What is ITX/Mini-ITX?
The mini-ITX form factor actually stems from the larger unreleased ITX Boards. These had different back panel connectors compared to the standard ATX, and sizes were comparable to the flex-ATX standards. The latest mini-ITX and first release of the ITX format is just 17cms by 17cms in size. It takes the same power supplies but ITX specific power supplies are supposed to be less than 100 watts.
What versions of the EPIA are available?
In current production there are two types from VIA. One is Eden (533) based and one is C3 based (800). Other manufactures have announced their own but are yet to release them.
How much expandability is there?
The factor is not that expandable. It is designed to be an integrated solution. Current EPIAs have one PCI port which can be two via a special riser that is yet to be produced (it takes a second header from the main board). There are two SIMM slots capable of taking 100 and 133 Mhz SDRAM but 133 is recommended to get maximum speed from the board and graphics chipset. There are a few on board connectors that no devices exist for. Here is a list of ALL on board connectors:
Both boards are identical apart from the processors.
· 2 168 Pin DIMM slots that can take PC100 or 133 (133 recommended). Up to 1 gig is supported via two 512 meg DIMMs.
· 2 USB 1.1 Ports on rear panel.
· Internal USB connector for additional 2 ports.
· COM Port – 9-pin Male Serial.
· Dual function RCA Video & S/PDIF port (selectable via onboard jumper).
· S-Video/S-VHS connector for TV out
· CRT 15 pin VGA connector
· LPT 25-pin Female Connector Parallel Port.
· RJ-54 Port for LAN.
· 2x PS/2 connectors for keyboard and mouse
· ATX 20-pin Power connector
· Audio connectors consisting of Line Out, Line In and Mic In
· Front panel connectors – Power, reset, power led, HDD led.
· Wake on Modem Connector
· Video In Connector (non functional it seems).
· CD-ROM Line in connector
· PCI Riser Card slot
· Single PCI Slot
· 2 IDE Connectors supporting DMA 100 for a maximum of 4 channels (and thus 4 devices).
Hardware
How fast is the 800 C3 processor?
It is not as fast as a PIII 800. Its poor FPU actually lets it down and performance in main benchmarks is no better than a K6-2 500. However it is more than adequate for DVD playback and even Divx playback. It s even capable of playing Quake III at low res with all detail turned off.
How fast is the Eden 533 processor?
Not very fast at all. It is not suited to DVD playback although a dedicated card will help and nor is any use for DIVX playback or PVR functions. It is however totally silent due to having just a heat sink and is suited to silent applications and makes a great MP3 box, firewall or cheap PC for web surfing.
Can I play games?
It all depends on what sort of games you wish to play. You can forget about playing Unreal 2003. I have found most 2D games are fine such as The Sims, Theme Hospital and Roller Coaster Tycoon. If you want to play games you should wait for the next edition of this board due late this year/early next year. I have yet to try running a PCI Geforce 2 MX or Radeon on this board to see the difference, but I can assure you won’t be enough for decent quaking.
What is this board best for?
This board has many, many uses. It was designed to be a completely integrated design that wasn’t initially intended for release. However after VIA showed it off to various press, the public response was great and two editions of the board were released to the public. They differ a little from the reference boards but not much at all. The small form factor lends this board to many uses and so does it cost. Its CPUs and limited graphics power do limit the board; it won’t replace the average persons system for example. Here are just a few ideas for what to use this board for:
· Cheap Firewall
· Entertainment machine for TV (DVD, MP3 playback).
· Simple, web surfer, or an office workstation.
· In car PC.
· Emulation machine.
And many more. There is almost endless list of possibilities and everyone who sees this board will likely have their own.
Can I run my EPIA C3 800 with just a heatsink?
Put simply yes although I wouldn’t personally risk it using the stock heat sink but add a larger beefier one and you’ll have a perfectly silent board. Removing the heatsink is different in many cases and some boards have their heat sinks stuck on with different substances. The best idea would be to use the board for a while then switch off and slowly start pulling and wiggling gentle side to side, but not before removing the securing pins on either side.
My NIC refuses to work!
There’s a very good chance this isn’t due to a faulty board but rather the power supply. If your using a custom power supply try a high rated one. Many people are having problems with the older low voltage cases and in particular the Cupid 2777. However the latest batch don’t seem to show the same problem so check with your supplier than it is the latest batch they are selling you rather than old stock.
Where can I find out more about the on board connectors?
More details will be published on my web site soon. However the connectors your referring to actually have no current devices for them. Some people have made custom USB expansions for the USB header on the board but this is as far as it goes. VIA hasn’t said if they will release any expansions for these headers. They are listed in the manual and include features such as TV in (this is believe to not actually function however).
What memory should I use?
As with everything it is best to use branded memory. I have had a lot of problems with generic memory, which has caused win XP installation issues. In general you should be looking at PC133 SDRAM (non DDR) sticks, as that is what the board runs at. Remember the on-board graphics takes its memory from the system memory so the faster your RAM the better. Using PC100 will slow the system down but it is perfectly useable never the less.
What is the tv out like?
The composite TV out will most likely make you feel very ill after long use, its that bad – however composite out always is. The S-VHS gives a good output, however, which varies between TVs. DOS looks great and so does Windows XP. Reds do bleed rather heavily though. Some people are using dedicated VGA-RGB adaptors which do of course give great output but often the cost is unjustifiable as to most people the regular S-VHS is fine.
Can I dual monitor?
No, this isn’t supported by the drivers.
Can I update the BIOS?
Yes and very easily. Get the latest BIOS from www.via.com.tw (http://www.via.com.tw) along with the flash program. Next you’ll either need a USB floppy drive, zip drive or a CD-RW that can make bootable CDs/disks to place these files on. Once loaded into a dos environment you can then run the flash program and everything should go fine. Remember to set CD-ROM or USB device as first in the boot list when you do this however.
Software
What OS can I run?
Just about any you can on your existing PC. The obvious choice is Windows, and XP is a common one. I however have successfully run a number of other OS including Linux, QNX and even BEOS. It’s entirely up to you. BEOS and QNX are very notable because of their low overheads.
Why won’t Windows XP install?
If its blue screening you its most likely due to the following. A faulty IDE cable or more likely you’re using generic RAM, which the board doesn’t like. Replace both if possible. If further problems arise try updating the BIOS.
Purchasing
Where can I purchase the EPIA boards (UK)?
There are a number of places. Here are the three main guys:
Kustom PCs at www.kustompcs.co.uk (http://www.kustompcs.co.uk)
Ultim8pc at www.ultim8pc.co.uk (http://www.ultim8pc.co.uk)
Ebuyer (sell just the boards) – www.ebuyer.co.uk (http://www.ebuyer.co.uk) or www.ebuyer.com (http://www.ebuyer.com)
All offer similar prices but some offer far better service than others.
What do I get in the box?
In that tiny, tiny box you get:
· One Main board
· One User manual
· One CD-ROM of drivers
· One backplate
· One Dual IDE cable (short)
END
If anything doesn’t make sense don’t worry! It probably doesn’t as ive just published this first edition. It won’t be up on my web site for a little while until I’ve hyper linked it and stuffed.
null
Published:
Version:
Author: www.walibe.com/epiafaq.html (http://www.walibe.com/epiafaq.html)
1. Platform
a. What is the EPIA?
b. What is ITX/Mini-itx?
c. What versions of the EPIA are there?
d. How fast is the C3 800 Processor?
e. How fast is the Eden 500?
f. How much expandability is there?
g. Can I play games?
h. What is this board best for?
i. Can I run my EPIA C3 800 with just a heatsink?
j. My NIC refuses to work!
k. Where can I find out more about the on board connectors?
l. What memory should I use?
m. What is the tv out like?
n. Can I dual monitor?
o. Can I update the BIOS?
2. Software
a. What OS can I run?
b. Why won’t Windows XP install?
3. Housings
a. What cases are available?
b. Can I make my own?
4. Purchasing
a. Where can I purchase the EPIA boards (UK)
b. What do I get in the box?
What is the EPIA?
The EPIA is a range of small mini-ITX form factor PC main boards. They come with the following features as standard:
· Mini-ITX Format (just 17cms by 17cms square).
· Intergrated processor of 800 mhz C3 or 533 Mhz Eden
· Two 168-pin DIMM memory sockets (unobstructive) (100/133 Mhz SDRAM)
· VIA 10/100 Onboard NIC
· 15-pin VGA with S-Video and composite TV-out
· VIA Apollo PLE133 Chipset – Featuring an Integrated Trident based 2D/3D Graphics Accelerator with DVD playback assistance (not currently functioning in current drivers).
· SoundBlaster/pro compatible and features a S.PDIF (selectable via jumper on main board, shared with composite out).
· 1 PCI Slot (upgradeable to 2 via riser)
· 2 USB ports (2 more available via header on board)
· 2 IDE Connectors supporting ATA –100
Please note that this board includes NO Floppy connector.
What is ITX/Mini-ITX?
The mini-ITX form factor actually stems from the larger unreleased ITX Boards. These had different back panel connectors compared to the standard ATX, and sizes were comparable to the flex-ATX standards. The latest mini-ITX and first release of the ITX format is just 17cms by 17cms in size. It takes the same power supplies but ITX specific power supplies are supposed to be less than 100 watts.
What versions of the EPIA are available?
In current production there are two types from VIA. One is Eden (533) based and one is C3 based (800). Other manufactures have announced their own but are yet to release them.
How much expandability is there?
The factor is not that expandable. It is designed to be an integrated solution. Current EPIAs have one PCI port which can be two via a special riser that is yet to be produced (it takes a second header from the main board). There are two SIMM slots capable of taking 100 and 133 Mhz SDRAM but 133 is recommended to get maximum speed from the board and graphics chipset. There are a few on board connectors that no devices exist for. Here is a list of ALL on board connectors:
Both boards are identical apart from the processors.
· 2 168 Pin DIMM slots that can take PC100 or 133 (133 recommended). Up to 1 gig is supported via two 512 meg DIMMs.
· 2 USB 1.1 Ports on rear panel.
· Internal USB connector for additional 2 ports.
· COM Port – 9-pin Male Serial.
· Dual function RCA Video & S/PDIF port (selectable via onboard jumper).
· S-Video/S-VHS connector for TV out
· CRT 15 pin VGA connector
· LPT 25-pin Female Connector Parallel Port.
· RJ-54 Port for LAN.
· 2x PS/2 connectors for keyboard and mouse
· ATX 20-pin Power connector
· Audio connectors consisting of Line Out, Line In and Mic In
· Front panel connectors – Power, reset, power led, HDD led.
· Wake on Modem Connector
· Video In Connector (non functional it seems).
· CD-ROM Line in connector
· PCI Riser Card slot
· Single PCI Slot
· 2 IDE Connectors supporting DMA 100 for a maximum of 4 channels (and thus 4 devices).
Hardware
How fast is the 800 C3 processor?
It is not as fast as a PIII 800. Its poor FPU actually lets it down and performance in main benchmarks is no better than a K6-2 500. However it is more than adequate for DVD playback and even Divx playback. It s even capable of playing Quake III at low res with all detail turned off.
How fast is the Eden 533 processor?
Not very fast at all. It is not suited to DVD playback although a dedicated card will help and nor is any use for DIVX playback or PVR functions. It is however totally silent due to having just a heat sink and is suited to silent applications and makes a great MP3 box, firewall or cheap PC for web surfing.
Can I play games?
It all depends on what sort of games you wish to play. You can forget about playing Unreal 2003. I have found most 2D games are fine such as The Sims, Theme Hospital and Roller Coaster Tycoon. If you want to play games you should wait for the next edition of this board due late this year/early next year. I have yet to try running a PCI Geforce 2 MX or Radeon on this board to see the difference, but I can assure you won’t be enough for decent quaking.
What is this board best for?
This board has many, many uses. It was designed to be a completely integrated design that wasn’t initially intended for release. However after VIA showed it off to various press, the public response was great and two editions of the board were released to the public. They differ a little from the reference boards but not much at all. The small form factor lends this board to many uses and so does it cost. Its CPUs and limited graphics power do limit the board; it won’t replace the average persons system for example. Here are just a few ideas for what to use this board for:
· Cheap Firewall
· Entertainment machine for TV (DVD, MP3 playback).
· Simple, web surfer, or an office workstation.
· In car PC.
· Emulation machine.
And many more. There is almost endless list of possibilities and everyone who sees this board will likely have their own.
Can I run my EPIA C3 800 with just a heatsink?
Put simply yes although I wouldn’t personally risk it using the stock heat sink but add a larger beefier one and you’ll have a perfectly silent board. Removing the heatsink is different in many cases and some boards have their heat sinks stuck on with different substances. The best idea would be to use the board for a while then switch off and slowly start pulling and wiggling gentle side to side, but not before removing the securing pins on either side.
My NIC refuses to work!
There’s a very good chance this isn’t due to a faulty board but rather the power supply. If your using a custom power supply try a high rated one. Many people are having problems with the older low voltage cases and in particular the Cupid 2777. However the latest batch don’t seem to show the same problem so check with your supplier than it is the latest batch they are selling you rather than old stock.
Where can I find out more about the on board connectors?
More details will be published on my web site soon. However the connectors your referring to actually have no current devices for them. Some people have made custom USB expansions for the USB header on the board but this is as far as it goes. VIA hasn’t said if they will release any expansions for these headers. They are listed in the manual and include features such as TV in (this is believe to not actually function however).
What memory should I use?
As with everything it is best to use branded memory. I have had a lot of problems with generic memory, which has caused win XP installation issues. In general you should be looking at PC133 SDRAM (non DDR) sticks, as that is what the board runs at. Remember the on-board graphics takes its memory from the system memory so the faster your RAM the better. Using PC100 will slow the system down but it is perfectly useable never the less.
What is the tv out like?
The composite TV out will most likely make you feel very ill after long use, its that bad – however composite out always is. The S-VHS gives a good output, however, which varies between TVs. DOS looks great and so does Windows XP. Reds do bleed rather heavily though. Some people are using dedicated VGA-RGB adaptors which do of course give great output but often the cost is unjustifiable as to most people the regular S-VHS is fine.
Can I dual monitor?
No, this isn’t supported by the drivers.
Can I update the BIOS?
Yes and very easily. Get the latest BIOS from www.via.com.tw (http://www.via.com.tw) along with the flash program. Next you’ll either need a USB floppy drive, zip drive or a CD-RW that can make bootable CDs/disks to place these files on. Once loaded into a dos environment you can then run the flash program and everything should go fine. Remember to set CD-ROM or USB device as first in the boot list when you do this however.
Software
What OS can I run?
Just about any you can on your existing PC. The obvious choice is Windows, and XP is a common one. I however have successfully run a number of other OS including Linux, QNX and even BEOS. It’s entirely up to you. BEOS and QNX are very notable because of their low overheads.
Why won’t Windows XP install?
If its blue screening you its most likely due to the following. A faulty IDE cable or more likely you’re using generic RAM, which the board doesn’t like. Replace both if possible. If further problems arise try updating the BIOS.
Purchasing
Where can I purchase the EPIA boards (UK)?
There are a number of places. Here are the three main guys:
Kustom PCs at www.kustompcs.co.uk (http://www.kustompcs.co.uk)
Ultim8pc at www.ultim8pc.co.uk (http://www.ultim8pc.co.uk)
Ebuyer (sell just the boards) – www.ebuyer.co.uk (http://www.ebuyer.co.uk) or www.ebuyer.com (http://www.ebuyer.com)
All offer similar prices but some offer far better service than others.
What do I get in the box?
In that tiny, tiny box you get:
· One Main board
· One User manual
· One CD-ROM of drivers
· One backplate
· One Dual IDE cable (short)
END
If anything doesn’t make sense don’t worry! It probably doesn’t as ive just published this first edition. It won’t be up on my web site for a little while until I’ve hyper linked it and stuffed.
null