Via Technologies has unveiled its latest processor range, dubbed C7. The firm claimed that by using system-on-insulator technology to create the chips, it can reduce power consumption by an average of 40 per cent compared with competing models.

The chips target thin and light notebook computers, mini PCs and home media appliances, according to the Taiwanese chip maker.

Sized at 30 square millimetres the C7 chips are relatively cheap to produce, and are designed to power inexpensive notebook computers priced at around $800.

The C7 range supports a slew of security technologies, including a defence against buffer overflow attacks.

Via is a small player in the worldwide processor market with a one per cent share. Its chips are compatible with models from Intel and AMD, and sell mostly to white-box manufacturers in Asia.

The chips are scheduled for availability by June this year.