Nvidia Readying Ion Platform for Via CPUs
Nvidia showcased its bantam Ion platform during CES 2009. The Ion platform basically combines Intel’s Atom CPU with the GeForce 9400M GPU. Ion-toting netbooks are expected to be head and shoulders above today’s netbooks - that make a meal of even the simplest graphical tasks - in terms of graphics.
Nvidia has reached an agreement with Via to develop a new version of the Ion platform, which will feature Via’s Nano processor instead of the Intel Atom. Jen-Hsun Huang, Nvidia’s president and CEO, told Taiwanese website Digitimes that development of the Nano-based Ion platform has already commenced.

Image Credit: Pureoverclock
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Tech-Hedz
February 23, 2009 at 9:09pm
I know Nvidia is working on their own x86 CPU, but to sell it they would have to figure a way to bypass many patents owned by Intel and AMD. Nvidia does not have the leverage with both companies in the CPU market to do so. Intel and AMD have cross license agreements in which their patents are used in each others designs. I wonder if this is a sign that Nvidia may be looking to get in good with Via and possibly buy them out to avoid the legal hoopla and sell their own x86 CPU's on the market. hmmm...
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pcfxer
February 23, 2009 at 3:12pm
Way to go nVidia! Impressing VIA when it comes to "mini" platforms is something out of the oridnary, especially for a new comer to the market. Congrats and, keep on supporting open source platforms - it is the MAIN reason why I buy nVidia cards over ATi/AMD.
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Keith E. Whisman
February 23, 2009 at 2:20pm
Hopefully they will start with the new and up coming dual core Nano that is alot faster than the Atom processor. But really is that something to brag about? If you can compete with Intel by out performing Intels crappy Atom processor with a processor that although faster is still slower than Intels crappy Celleron processor.















