We've all known that Intel will add to its single-core Atom (Diamondville) with a dual-core derivative, we just didn't expect it to be as soon as Q3.
According to reports, that's when Intel will launch a dual-core Atom processor, named the Atom N330.
The Atom N330 is said to feature two hyper-threading-capable cores, and will clock at 1.6GHz, slightly lower than the 1.87GHz that previous roadmaps had suggested. Reports indicate a 533MHz FSB, 1MiB of L2 cache and a TDP rating of 8W.
The chip will be aimed at Netbooks and Nettops (low-cost laptops and desktops) and shouldn't be confused with Intel's imminent Silverthorne Atom CPUs, aimed at MIDs and UMPCs. To help ease confusion, Silverthorne will be called the Atom Z series and Diamondville will be called the Atom N series.
Confused? Here's a little table to breakdown the current known Atom line-up:
| Model | Speed | Cores | HT | TDP | FSB | L2 cache | Price (per 1,000) | Launch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Silverthorne (for MIDs and UMPCs) |
||||||||
| Z500 | 800Mhz | 1 | No | 0.65W | 400MHz | 512K | $45 | April 2008 |
| Z510 | 1.1GHz | 1 | No | 2.0W | 400MHz | 512K | $45 | April 2008 |
| Z520 | 1.33GHz | 1 | Yes | 2.0W | 533MHz | 512K | $65 | April 2008 |
| Z530 | 1.6GHz | 1 | Yes | 2.0W | 533MHz | 512K | $95 | April 2008 |
| Z540 | 1.86GHz | 1 | Yes | 2.4W | 533MHz | 512K | $160 | April 2008 |
Diamondville (for laptops and desktops) |
||||||||
| N230 | 1.6GHz | 1 | Yes | 2.0W | 533MHz | 512K | N/A | June 2008 |
| N330 | 1.6GHz | 2 | Yes | 8.0W | 533MHz | 1MiB | N/A | Q3 2008 |
Intel's Z series of Atom processors, codenamed Silverthorne, are already available to mobile device manufacturers. The Atom processors we consumers will come to know, code-named Diamondville, will be available in low-cost laptops such as the ASUS Eee and MSI Wind starting next month, with a dual-core desktop model following later this year.
Related reading
Intel nettops to have dual-core Atom processors soon
Atom-powered MIDs slowly cropping up, but at exorbitant prices
Confirmed: MSI's Wind is atom-powered
Atom-powered Eee PC revealed
Intel details first Atom CPU speeds and prices
