Intel has announced new Intel Atom processors today that feature integrated graphics built directly into the CPU, enabling a new generation of netbooks and Atom-based entry level desktop PCs. Major OEMs have committed to having systems on the new Intel Atom processors and a new companion chipset available within the next few weeks, the company said.
The newest Intel Atom platform for netbooks consists of a new Intel Atom processor, the N450, and a new 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 Intel Atom processor was designed for small devices and low power, and remains Intel’s smallest chip, built on the company’s 45nm high-k metal gate manufacturing process. The overall package, including chipset, just got smaller due to the increasing integration and 45nm manufacturing.
Intel stated it continues to see broad industry support for the Atom platform as netbooks in particular have been hot sellers during a recessionary year due to their affordability, function and small size (7- to 10.2-inch screens). Additionally, Intel is expecting to see broad channel adoption for Atom in a variety of small form factor entry-level desktop PCs at low price points, including ultra-small designs (less than 1-liter chassis), fanless designs, and low-cost all-in-one designs.
Since Intel announced the first Atom processors for netbooks and entry-level desktop PCs in June 2008, Intel has shipped over 40 million Atom chips for netbooks. In the same timeframe, netbooks ramped faster and sold more units than Apple’s iPhone or the Nintendo Wii. According to ABI Research, total Atom shipments for all segments are expected to continue to grow into the 100s of millions by 2011.
Intel has over 80 design wins to-date for the new Atom platform from such leading OEMs as Asustek Computer, Acer, Lenovo, Dell, MSI, Toshiba, Samsung and Fujitsu. While the bulk of the systems will feature the new Windows 7 Starter or Home Basic operating system, consumers will have a choice when it comes to selecting an operating system, with some OEMs offering Moblin Linux v2 as an alternative for customers who desire a customizable and differentiated user interface.
One of the most significant features of the new platform is the integration of memory controller and graphics into the CPU, a first in the industry on x86 chips. That means two chips (CPU+chipset) instead of the previous three (CPU, chipset, I/O controller hub), a lower TDP, and substantial reductions in cost, overall footprint and power. The netbook platform features a 20% improvement in average power and a smaller package size over the previous Atom platform. Because of the integration, the total footprint for the netbook platform has decreased by approximately 60%. For entry level desktop PCs, it’s a nearly 70% reduction in footprint and about 50% lower TDP than the previous generation.
The N450 is a single core Atom processor with 512k of L2 cache and a 7 watt 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 12-watt total kit TDP including chipset, and the D510 for entry-level desktop PCs is a dual core Atom processor with 1MB L2 cache and a 15-watt total kit TDP including chipset. The new chips all run at 1.66GHz. Pricing and availability will be announced in January as systems become available from OEMs.