Intel's Atom processor has almost been forgotten in the midst of a tablet craze, but Chipzilla's low-power part still has plenty to offer - particularly in low-power desktops.
And that's precisely where the company's latest offerings are headed. The Atom D2700 and D2500, shipping this week, are Intel's first 32nm Atom processors and claim to deliver "an incredible entry-level desktop experience for everyday computing".
The new processors, previously codenamed Cedarview, run at speeds of up to 2.13GHz and offer an improved integrated graphics processor dubbed the Intel GMA 3650.
Integrated into the same die as the CPU, Intel's refreshed graphics are reported to be DX10.1 compatible and are accompanied by an integrated hardware-accelerated decoder that enables full-HD video playback.
Intel Atom Processor comparison |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | Cedar Trail | Pine Trail | ||
| Processor | Intel Atom D2700 | Intel Atom D2500 | Intel Atom D525 | Intel Atom D510 |
| Processor Frequency | 2.13GHz | 1.86GHz | 1.80GHz | 1.66GHz |
| Number of Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Intel Smart Cache | 1MB | 1MB | 1MB | 1MB |
| Graphics | Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3650 |
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3600 |
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3150 |
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3150 |
| Intel 64 Architecture | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Integrated Memory Controller | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Memory Support | Single-Channel DDR3 SO-DIMM 1066 MHz, up to 4 GB | Single-Channel DDR3 SO-DIMM 1066 MHz, up to 4 GB | Single-Channel DDR3 SO-DIMM 800 MHz, up to 4 GB | Single-Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM 800 MHz, up to 4 GB |
| Manufacturing Process | 32nm | 32nm | 45nm | 45nm |
| Processor Package Size | 22mm x 22mm | 22mm x 22mm | 22mm x 22mm | 22mm x 22mm |
| Processor TDP | 10W | 10W | 13W | 13W |
| Intel Express Chipset | NM10 | NM10 | NM10 | NM10 |
| Chipset Package Size | 17mm x 17mm | 17mm x 17mm | 17mm x 17mm | 17mm x 17mm |
| Pricing in 1Ku Tray Unit (as of Sept 25, 2011) |
$52 | $42 | $63 | $63 |
Intel has yet to divulge the finer details of the integrated GPU, but the third-generation "Cedar Trail" platform clearly has the edge over second-generation "Pine Trail".
As illustrated by the above table, the 32nm die shrink has enabled Intel to increase the core clock speed of its top-end Atom processors and lower the maximum thermal design point from 13W to 10W. Enough to tackle AMD's Fusion APUs? That remains to be seen, but Intel's throwing in another incentive; lower pricing.
At launch, the Intel Atom D2700 and D2500 will be priced at $52 and $42, respectively , representing a price drop of up to 17 per cent over the incumbent. Both chips are expected to appear in low-power desktops in the coming months, and will be joined in Q4 by the release of Intel's first 32nm Atom processors for netbooks; the N2600 and N2800.
