VIA AES Encryption Benchmark

VIA released a benchmark just for the EPIA MII 12000 that would be able to utilize the Padlock features of the processor. The test basically takes a set amount of data and encrypts it with 4 encryption types, and outputs the results in a time based manner. The EPIA board was tested against my AMD system.

As you can see, the results are a bit strewn across the board. If you look at straight software based encryption, the AMD system just killed the VIA in performance. The AMD system basically finished all the tests before the VIA was done with the first. That is without using the Padlock features built into the CPU. Once those are tested the whole benchmark turns around. The VIA board absolutely kills its competition, under 30 seconds for each of the encryption methods is absolutely amazing. It just goes to show how extremely effective the VIA Padlock system is when it comes to encryption.

The only problem with the VIA Padlock feature is that in order to get the added performance boost, you need to have some means of utilizing it. What good is it to have, if your encryption program doesn't support it, and is going to encrypt using software means anyways? We got an Email from VIA after we got the motherboard in saying that there is now a piece of software the will utilize the Padlock security features. This software is CyberScrub Professional Edition 3.5. CyberScrub allows the user to erase data on their hard drives beyond recovery. This is highly important when security is an issue, seeing as everyday you hear stories of people buying hard drives off eBay and recovering important data off of them.

HD Tach 2.70

HD Tach is a commonly used benchmark to measure read and write performance of storage volumes. HD Tach was run on both the Seagate 120GB hard drive and a Memorex 64MB CF card using the onboard Compact Flash Slot.

Seagate 120GB Hard Drive

64MB Memorex CF Card

As you can see the results using the Seagate hard drive is pretty average 14.7ms response time is alright, but the 9.5% CPU usage is a nice number too see. As for the CF test it's a bit of another story. The low response time is normal of the CF card, but the very high CPU usage (over 71%) is not something to be proud off.

Network Testing

Network testing was accomplished by copying a large number of install files ranging in size from 1kb to over 250MB, total file size was 565MB, as well as a separate run with just a 690MB ISO. Results were compiled using DUMeter to measure the bandwidth, and the windows task manager to view CPU Usage. The files were transferred from my A7N8X-Dlx system to the VIA EPIA, than reversed.

Various files totaling 565MB
	Download	Upload
Average Speed (mB/s)	6.57	7.84
CPU Usage (%)	42	50

Overclocking

Overclocking has always been a low point on the EPIA motherboards. Well not just a low point, it was pretty much nonexistent. The same goes with the EPIA MII 12000, besides running a lower latency memory; there isn't anything you can do to increase performance on the board.

Conclusion

The EPIA MII 12000 is yet another improvement to VIA's Mini-ITX motherboards. Performance wise I found the EPIA to be much improved. When looking at these boards you must release that these will not have the performance of a regular sized desktop system, but that is definitely not what they are designed for.

In Windows XP, everything loaded quickly and while surfing the Internet it was quick. Performance in all benchmarks was an improvement over the previous model. One area where the EPIA MII 12000 dominated the tests was in the security benchmark. Now given that VIA released the benchmark you obviously have to take the results with a grain of salt, but even so the EPIA killed its competition when it came to encryption. The VIA Padlock security suite is extremely effective, so if security is an issue for you, definitely look at this board.

Onboard integration was excellent on the EPIA. The onboard video is an obvious upgrade from previous versions. The EPIA II still isn't a gamer's board, it is slowly getting there. VIA's inclusion of a PCMCIA slot and a CF slot are a much welcomed addition. The EPIA line of motherboards have always lacked in the expandability area. With these new ports onboard it is very possible to have a wireless, TV-Tuner card installed and still have the ability to grab photos off of your CF card without the need for an external reader. The onboard network card worked well, and the VIA Vinyl Six-Trac audio sounded amazing.

BIOS wise the board had the standard options, nothing too special. There were no overclocking options at all, which may be a good thing seeing as the systems aren't designed to be run over specifications. Although it is very handy to have, the CF card reader is a major CPU hog, as is the built in NIC.

Overall if you are looking for a system to be an Internet surfer/word processor the VIA EPIA MII 12000 may be an affordable solution. If you are interested in security, the VIA Padlock security suite included in the C3 processor is an excellent option for extremely fast encryption/decryption. Many other options are available for uses of these boards which include a Carputer, HTPC box, home server, etc.… It is really up to you, the small form factor, low power requirements and adequate performance make this an excellent choice in many areas.

Pros
Small form factor, included PCMCIA and CF for increased expandability, near silent cooling, low power requirements, six-channel audio included

Cons
Still lacking CPU power and 3D performance, high CPU usage with CF card and Networking

Bottom Line
The VIA EPIA MII 12000 is definitely better than its predecessors. The faster processor, better onboard peripherals and increased expandability make it an excellent choice. This board will be perfect for security applications, cheap Internet boxes as well as endless mod projects.

If you have any comments, be sure to hit us up in our forums.

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