Intel releases next gen Atom platform
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Intel has announced its next generation Atom platform, which it says are the first to integrate graphics and a memory controller directly into the cpu. This could enable power reduction, smaller systems and performance improvements. A new companion chipset is said to be available within the next few weeks.
The Atom platform for netbooks consists of a new Intel Atom processor, the N450, and a new low power Intel NM10 Express Chipset. For entry level desktop PCs, it consists of either the Intel Atom processor D410 or the dual core D510, also paired with the Intel NM10 Express Chipset. The processor was designed for small devices and low power and, according to Intel is the company's smallest chip.
The package has been designed to address the increasing integration and 45nm manufacturing.
Intel says that the integration of memory controller and graphics into the cpu is a first in the industry on x-86 chips. According to Intel, it incorporates two chips (cpu and chipset) instead of the previous three (cpu, chipset, I/O controller hub), a lower TDP, and reductions in cost, footprint and power.
The netbook platform features a 20% improvement in average power and a smaller package size over the previous Atom platform., while the total footprint has decreased by approximately 60%.
The N450 is a single core Atom processor with 512k of L2 cache and a 7W total kit TDP including chipset. The D410 for entry level desktop PCs is a single core Atom processor with 512K of L2 cache and a 12W total kit TDP including chipset, and the D510 for entry level desktop PCs is a dual core Atom processor with a 15W total kit TDP including chipset. The new chips all run at 1.66GHz.
