Intel Unveils Next-Generation Atom Details

[DevilSlayer1298]

Anandtech has an article detailing Intel's next generation of Atom processors.

Today Intel unveiled a few details about its next-generation Atom platform for netbooks and nettops. The current Atom platform for netbooks/nettops is composed of three chips: the Intel Atom processor, Intel’s 945GC GMCH and the ICH7 I/O hub. The UMPC version of the Atom platform is a two chip solution that uses the US15 chipset in addition to the Atom processor.

The CPU in this case is the next version of the Atom core. Still based on Intel’s 45nm process, this new Atom (codenamed Pineview...yes, confusing) brings both the memory controller and GPU core on-die. The current Atom for netbooks/nettops is codenamed Diamondville.

Bringing the graphics core on-die will help significantly reduce thermal output. Intel is expecting many more fanless netbook/nettop designs thanks to the change. Another side effect is that the new Atom platform will be easier to implement using a 4 layer motherboard. Currently many Atom designs use 6-layer motherboards, which are more costly to manufacture.

Read more at Anandtech.

[Ridewithme38]

But how will it play Crysis?

[Maniac]

I guess Intel really doesn't like the ION?

[DevilSlayer1298]

Originally Posted by Maniac

I guess Intel really doesn't like the ION?

Nope. After I saw the first article about Ion back in December/January, Intel released some details about their new chipset (which were similar to the Ion) shortly after. Intel doesn't like Nvidia stealing their thunder.

[Timeset]

Intel should team up with AMD and crush the ION. I despise intel graphics.

[DevilSlayer1298]

Originally Posted by Timeset

Intel should team up with AMD and crush the ION. I despise intel graphics.

...I'm confused...You hate Intel graphics but WANT Intel to team up with AMD to crush the Nvidia Ion?

[ELItheICEman]

Intel? Teaming up with anyone? HAH!

[Timeset]

Yeah some onboard ATI graphics.

[AruisDante]

Originally Posted by DevilSlayer1298

Nope. After I saw the first article about Ion back in December/January, Intel released some details about their new chipset (which were similar to the Ion) shortly after. Intel doesn't like Nvidia stealing their thunder.

They also price fix to make Ion less fesable. An Atom 270 processor by itself cost $45. A chipset bundle (Atom+Northbridge+Southbridge) costs $25. Intel really, REALLY doesn't like nVidia moving in on the IGP market, because Intel is the world leader in graphics processors thanks to IGP's.

[DevilSlayer1298]

Originally Posted by AruisDante

They also price fix to make Ion less fesable. An Atom 270 processor by itself cost $45. A chipset bundle (Atom+Northbridge+Southbridge) costs $25. Intel really, REALLY doesn't like nVidia moving in on the IGP market, because Intel is the world leader in graphics processors thanks to IGP's.

As much as I like Intel processors, they can suck my balls.

And I highly doubt that Intel and AMD will get along. They are mortal enemies.

[Timeset]

Intel still offers crossfire on their motherboards. Actually if they didn't they would never be able to sell crossfire.

[AruisDante]

Intel offers crossfire because it sells their motherboards. Not the other way around.

[Timeset]

Your probably right.

[Nathan L.]

well they are making it almost like AMD's chip design because of the on-die memory controller, but they took an even bigger jump, and added on-die graphics controller... Well this is good(especially for netbooks), b-cuz then its not such a bandwith hog like the other Intel chips...

[AruisDante]

They're also integrating the graphics core because it effectively shuts nVidia out from making Atom based chipsets. In fact, I'd hazard that that is more the driving reason, not the power savings and efficiency gained.

[Timeset]

One thread allready got shutdown.

[Milkman]

They're also integrating the graphics core because it effectively shuts nVidia out from making Atom based chipsets. In fact, I'd hazard that that is more the driving reason, not the power savings and efficiency gained.

You're not probably right, you are certainly right. Wether or not Intel would admit it they must love the fact that nVIDIA cannot release an Atom (pinetrail) chipset with on die nVIDIA parts (unless they cut a really profitable licensing agreement that benefits Intel and engineer it into their own package). Pinetrail as a package has Intel graphics incorperated... so very smart. Discrete graphics if even available/possible would never be as efficient.

Additional Comment:
I actually doubt Intel would even consider putting the effort into making a seperate graphics processor possible in a netbook (would require way too much extra engineering for the communication between pinetrail and a seperate GPU option, its just a flippin' netbook)... Intel just forced nVIDIA to make their own processing solution or use different company if they wana play in the netbook market..

[Timeset]

Ok im confused? Is pinveiw a good product or is it total trash? Would you be able to use this thing as a decent workstation platfom? The atom still wont touch a true core 2 laptop in terms of preformance, right?

Additional Comment:

It would work great if they could get it into a cell phone.

[Milkman]

Pineview is the acting northbridge/GPU/CPU... Pinetrail is the whole package with SB. It is a good solution in the sense that it is efficient. Bad for nVIDIA who cannot use the Intel NB and CPU, with their own GPU, but who cares about nVIDIA?...

[Timeset]

nVidia would be best to stick with what they know anyway. I would love to have GPU that is closer to the power usage of my CPU. Ghz to Ghz they dont seem very very efficent. That would turn the market around. I mean psu's can only get so big.