Intel unveils next generation Atom processors

Intel has launched the new Intel Atom platform, which is said to be coming soon to a netbook and entry-level desktop near you! This includes:
– Intel Atom processor N450 for netbooks.
– Intel Atom processor D410 and D510 for entry-level desktops.
– Intel NM10 Express chipset.

With these next generation of Atom processors, Intel has extended leadership in netbooks. These processors deliver features that consumers desire in netbooks and entry-level desktops, such as lower power, sleeker form factors, enhanced performance and continued affordability. Further, the announcements indicates that Intel remains committed to its Atom roadmap and continued investment and innovation in this category.

Features include the integration of graphics and memory controller into processor and lower power, enhanced performance and enhanced battery life. All of the new chips run at 1.66GHz. Pricing and availability will be announced in January as systems become available from OEMs.

According to David McCloskey, Client Platform Marketing Manager, Intel Asia Pacific, there has been a strong growth in the netbooks category, and these are expected to show continued strong growth, and are likely to grow at a CAGR of 47 percent during 2008-2013.

Likewise, netbooks and service providers have been growing together as well. In fact, strong growth is visible among service providers offering netbooks. Service providers are likely to sell nearly 18 percent of all netbooks sold in 2013.

So, where is the growth occurring in desktops? As per Intel, desktop growth is being forecasted strong in small form factor and all-in-one devices. Intel already has over 80 design wins for netbooks and over 50 design wins for entry-level desktops.

The announcements indicate platform integration for netbooks and entry-level desktops. According to Intel, the Atom processor was designed from the ground up 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, which means smaller, more compact system designs, lower costs for OEMs and improved performance.

Another feature is the move from three-chip to two-chip solution, thereby facilitating lower power and enhanced performance via higher integration. Intel adds that next generation purpose-built Atom architecture enables lower power and increased form factor flexibility.

For netbooks, it means 20 percent lower power and 60 percent reduction in package size. For entry-level desktops, it translates into 50 percent lower power and 70 percent reduction in package size.

Intel is also providing the OS of choice for OEMs and consumers. They can either opt for Windows 7 Starter & Home Basic, Windows XP Home or Moblin.