History of Intel Atom processors. Why we like the Intel Atom processor What is intel atom

In the 80s, when the first laptops appeared, they differed little from personal computers- it was a large box with a built-in keyboard, motherboard, screen and carrying handle, even the battery was not always there. And this was understandable - there was no point in developing special processors for laptops, since the existing solutions on the market did not even require 1 watt. By the end of the 90s, processors already required at least radiators for cooling, but by the beginning of the 2000s, Intel realized that they needed to produce separate processors for laptops with reduced energy consumption - this is how the line appeared Intel Pentium M: such processors had a thermal package of 20-25 watts, which was quite suitable for installation in laptops. Essentially, these processors are heavily redesigned Intel Pentium III with lower frequencies:


However, a couple of years later, when Microsoft introduced Windows XP Tablet Edition, the question arose about even further reducing heat generation - and thus the line was born Intel Celeron ULV (great-great-grandfather of all modern Intel Core i ULV): these processors represented even more stripped-down Pentium M - if the latter operated at frequencies of 1.5-2 GHz, then the Celeron frequencies were often less than a gigahertz! In principle, this was enough to run XP (it required a processor with a frequency of at least 233 MHz), but the system worked quite thoughtfully.

In 2007, Intel introduced the “father” of Intel Atom - the A100 and A110 processors, which were stripped-down single-core 90 nm Pentium M with frequencies of about 600-800 MHz. Perhaps their only advantage was that their heat dissipation did not exceed 3 W, that is, they could be cooled passively. However, the performance was also passive - even worse than that of the Celeron M, so such processors did not find popularity on the market. Intel realized that, firstly, it was time to transfer processors to a new technological process, and secondly, it was still too early to make solutions with a passive cooling system - and in 2008 they introduced Intel Atom.

Intel Atom Bonnel

The first generation of Intel Atom was a Pentium M core on a 45 nm process technology with integrated graphics from PowerVR, L2 cache up to 1 MB and a DDR2 memory controller. Perhaps the most popular processor found in most netbooks of that time was the Atom N450. It was a single-core, two-threaded processor with a frequency of about 1.5 GHz, an integrated video card called Intel GMA 3150, and it came with 1-2 GB of RAM. Its heat output did not exceed 6.5 W, so a small cooler was required for cooling.

The performance of such a processor was, of course, low - in 3Dmark 06 the processor scored only 500 points, and the video card 150. For example, the processor in the original Macbook Air 2008, Intel Core 2 Duo T7500, scored 1900 points, and its video card, GMA X3100, 430 points. As a result, on a netbook with such a processor, you could open documents, surf the Internet, but nothing more - even 720p from YouTube was slow, and you could forget about games altogether. But nevertheless, netbooks with such processors were extremely popular - firstly, they were very compact and light (10-11", 1-1.2 kg), secondly, cheap - generally no more than 200-300 dollars, and - thirdly, long-lived - 6 hours with a mixed load were easily achieved, which was rare in 2010. As a result, such devices were bought up en masse by students and schoolchildren, because it was an ideal typewriter with the ability to connect to the Internet.

Intel Atom Saltwell

Time passed, processors based on the 32 nm process technology began to appear, and Intel, of course, decided to update the Atom line. The main problem was not so much in the weak video card, where the DX 9 support was hastily screwed on, but in the processor, which categorically refused to run normally new Windows 8, and the lack of the ability to view at least 720p in 2012 already looked ridiculous.


Therefore, Intel stepped up and released the Atom Z2xxx line - most often tablets and netbooks on Windows were equipped with the Z2760, so we’ll look at it. This is a dual-core, four-thread processor with a frequency of about 1.8 GHz, built using a 32 nm process technology, with the same graphics from PowerVR (though slightly modified), 1 MB L2 and support for up to 2 GB LPDDR2 memory. In terms of processor performance, this was already a completely different level - in 3Dmark 06 it already scored 1000 points, and the video card - about 350. At the same time, the thermal package was reduced to only 2 watts, that is, the processor was cooled passively perfectly. Its performance was already enough for the system to operate fairly quickly, and the slightly improved graphics (they now had 6 computing units instead of 2 in the first generation Atom) already made it possible, at the very least, to do even the simplest photo processing in Photoshop. Well, of course, there were no problems with playing 720p and even some 1080p formats. However, in two years, from 2010 to 2012, user requests grew significantly, and the Z2760, which could only handle 768p resolution, faded somewhat in comparison with the iPad 4, which was capable of 2048x1536, so Intel had room to grow.

Intel Atom Silvermont

In 2013, Intel finally completely figured out the 22 nm process technology, releasing the still relevant Haswell, and finally turned its attention to Atom: the Z2760 worked, of course, tolerably, but nothing more, and it needed a replacement. And Intel released the third generation of Atom on the 22 nm process technology, Bay Trail.

I must say, Intel made simply excellent processors: firstly, they were able to “stuff” 4 cores into a thermal package of 2-3 W, secondly, the processors learned to work with DDR3, and thirdly, they are now equipped with a full-fledged Intel HD Graphics generation Ivy Bridge, so now there is support for DX11, SSE 4 and other modern instructions, which allowed, in theory, to run almost any modern game. The final processor performance in 3Dmark 06 was as much as 1800 points - the level of the 2nd generation Intel Core i ULV, which was easy excellent result- Windows started up and ran quickly, and with 4 GB of RAM there were no problems with multitasking. Tablets with such hardware easily processed not only 1080p, but also 1440p video. The result of the video card was no worse - 1900 points: yes, a full-fledged HD 4000 scores about 4000 points in 3Dmark 06, but there are 16 computing units with a frequency of about 1000 MHz, and here there are only 4, with a frequency of about 600 MHz. Nevertheless, Civilization 5 performed tolerably well on such a schedule - in comparison with the cut-down mobile Civilization, it was a breakthrough. The same applies to other games - there are still no analogues of the same Dirt 3 for mobile OS, but it’s on minimum settings I ran vigorously on these Atoms.

Intel Atom Cherry Trail

After the release of the third Intel generation We relaxed, and this is understandable - Bay Trail coped well with tablet tasks, there was a reserve for the future. The only thing that was not very good was the graphics - the processor could have pulled out a more powerful solution. And in the end, only Intel graphics and concentrated, releasing processors of the Z8xxx line in 2015 (it would be logical to call them Z4xxx, but Intel has its own logic).

Let's take perhaps the most popular representative of the new line - the Z8300. This processor is built on a 14 nm process technology, has the same 4 cores with frequencies of about 2 GHz, but a much better video card - now, firstly, it is based on the integrated graphics of the new Broadwell generation at that time, and secondly, it has or 12 (as in this processor), or 16 (as in the Z8700) computing units with a frequency of about 500 MHz. It would seem that the increase in graphics should be 3-4 times, but in reality everything came down to the thermal package: while Bay Trail 2-3 W was sufficient in principle, then for the graphics to fully work, at least 2-3 times more was required. Therefore, in the end, the video card became only 30-50% more powerful, while the processor generally remained at the same level. So there is no particular point in changing tablets from Z3740 to Z8300 - the system will work the same, programs will start at the same time. The only increase is observed in games, but in general, if the game did not run on Bay Trail, then it will most likely be unplayable on Cherry.

Further development of the Intel Atom line

At the moment, the Intel Atom line, like the Core i, is fully debugged, and Intel will update it in the style of “+5-10% per generation” - and, in principle, nothing more is required: no one considers tablets with Atom as high-performance devices, and they cope with their direct responsibilities well. For those who need to not only surf the Internet and watch movies, there is the Core M line, which is one and a half times more powerful in terms of processor and 3-4 times more powerful in graphics. Well, for those who need a portable hi-end, it makes sense to look at the line Core processors i ULV, the capabilities of which are sufficient for most user tasks.

In the 80s, when the first laptops appeared, they differed little from personal computers - it was a large box with a built-in keyboard, motherboard, screen and carrying handle; there was not always even a battery. And this was understandable - there was no point in developing special processors for laptops, since the existing solutions on the market did not even require 1 watt. By the end of the 90s, processors already required at least radiators for cooling, but by the beginning of the 2000s, Intel realized that they needed to produce separate processors for laptops with reduced energy consumption - this is how the Intel Pentium M line appeared: such processors had a thermal package of 20-25 watts, which quite suitable for installing them in laptops. Essentially, these processors are heavily redesigned Intel Pentium III with lower frequencies:


However, a couple of years later, when Microsoft introduced Windows XP Tablet Edition, the question arose about even further reducing heat dissipation - and thus the Intel Celeron ULV line was born (the great-great-grandfather of all modern Intel Core i ULVs): these processors represented even more stripped-down Pentium M - if the latter operated at frequencies of 1.5-2 GHz, while Celeron frequencies were often less than a gigahertz! In principle, this was enough to run XP (it required a processor with a frequency of at least 233 MHz), but the system worked quite thoughtfully.

In 2007, Intel introduced the “father” of Intel Atom - the A100 and A110 processors, which were stripped-down single-core 90 nm Pentium M with frequencies of about 600-800 MHz. Perhaps their only advantage was that their heat dissipation did not exceed 3 W, that is, they could be cooled passively. However, the performance was also passive - even worse than that of the Celeron M, so such processors did not find popularity on the market. Intel realized that, firstly, it was time to transfer processors to a new technological process, and secondly, it was still too early to make solutions with a passive cooling system - and in 2008 they introduced Intel Atom.

Intel Atom Bonnel

The first generation of Intel Atom was a Pentium M core on a 45 nm process technology with integrated graphics from PowerVR, L2 cache up to 1 MB and a DDR2 memory controller. Perhaps the most popular processor found in most netbooks of that time was the Atom N450. It was a single-core, two-threaded processor with a frequency of about 1.5 GHz, an integrated video card called Intel GMA 3150, and it came with 1-2 GB of RAM. Its heat output did not exceed 6.5 W, so a small cooler was required for cooling.

The performance of such a processor was, of course, low - in 3Dmark 06 the processor scored only 500 points, and the video card 150. For example, the processor in the original Macbook Air 2008, Intel Core 2 Duo T7500, scored 1900 points, and its video card, GMA X3100, 430 points. As a result, on a netbook with such a processor, you could open documents, surf the Internet, but nothing more - even 720p from YouTube was slow, and you could forget about games altogether. But nevertheless, netbooks with such processors were extremely popular - firstly, they were very compact and light (10-11", 1-1.2 kg), secondly, cheap - generally no more than 200-300 dollars, and - thirdly, long-lived - 6 hours with a mixed load were easily achieved, which was rare in 2010. As a result, such devices were bought up en masse by students and schoolchildren, because it was an ideal typewriter with the ability to connect to the Internet.

Intel Atom Saltwell

Time passed, processors based on the 32 nm process technology began to appear, and Intel, of course, decided to update the Atom line. The main problem was not so much in the weak video card, where the DX 9 support was screwed on hastily, but in the processor, which categorically refused to run the new Windows 8 normally, and the lack of the ability to view at least 720p in 2012 already looked ridiculous.


Therefore, Intel stepped up and released the Atom Z2xxx line - most often tablets and netbooks on Windows were equipped with the Z2760, so we’ll look at it. This is a dual-core, four-thread processor with a frequency of about 1.8 GHz, built using a 32 nm process technology, with the same graphics from PowerVR (though slightly modified), 1 MB L2 and support for up to 2 GB LPDDR2 memory. In terms of processor performance, this was already a completely different level - in 3Dmark 06 it already scored 1000 points, and the video card - about 350. At the same time, the thermal package was reduced to only 2 watts, that is, the processor was cooled passively perfectly. Its performance was already enough for the system to operate fairly quickly, and the slightly improved graphics (they now had 6 computing units instead of 2 in the first generation Atom) already made it possible, at the very least, to do even the simplest photo processing in Photoshop. Well, of course, there were no problems with playing 720p and even some 1080p formats. However, in two years, from 2010 to 2012, user requests grew significantly, and the Z2760, which could only handle 768p resolution, faded somewhat in comparison with the iPad 4, which was capable of 2048x1536, so Intel had room to grow.

Intel Atom Silvermont

In 2013, Intel finally completely figured out the 22 nm process technology, releasing the still relevant Haswell, and finally turned its attention to Atom: the Z2760 worked, of course, tolerably, but nothing more, and it needed a replacement. And Intel released the third generation of Atom on the 22 nm process technology, Bay Trail.

I must say, Intel made simply excellent processors: firstly, they were able to “stuff” 4 cores into a thermal package of 2-3 W, secondly, the processors learned to work with DDR3, and thirdly, they are now equipped with full-fledged Intel HD Graphics of the Ivy Bridge generation , so now there is support for DX11, SSE 4 and other modern instructions, which allowed, in theory, to run almost any modern game on such a graphics. The final processor performance in 3Dmark 06 was as much as 1800 points - the level of the 2nd generation Intel Core i ULV, which was simply an excellent result - Windows started and ran quickly, and with 4 GB of RAM there were no problems with multitasking. Tablets with such hardware easily processed not only 1080p, but also 1440p video. The result of the video card was no worse - 1900 points: yes, a full-fledged HD 4000 scores about 4000 points in 3Dmark 06, but there are 16 computing units with a frequency of about 1000 MHz, and here there are only 4, with a frequency of about 600 MHz. Nevertheless, Civilization 5 performed tolerably well on such a schedule - in comparison with the cut-down mobile Civilization, it was a breakthrough. The same applies to other games - there are still no analogues of the same Dirt 3 for mobile OS, but it ran briskly on these Atoms at minimum settings.

Intel Atom Cherry Trail

After the release of the third generation, Intel relaxed, and this is understandable - Bay Trail coped well with tablet tasks, and there was room for the future. The only thing that was not very good was the graphics - the processor could have pulled out a more powerful solution. And in the end, they concentrated only on Intel graphics, releasing processors of the Z8xxx line in 2015 (it would be logical to call them Z4xxx, but Intel has its own logic).

Let's take perhaps the most popular representative of the new line - the Z8300. This processor is built on a 14 nm process technology, has the same 4 cores with frequencies of about 2 GHz, but a much better video card - now, firstly, it is based on the integrated graphics of the new Broadwell generation at that time, and secondly, it has or 12 (as in this processor), or 16 (as in the Z8700) computing units with a frequency of about 500 MHz. It would seem that the increase in graphics should be 3-4 times, but in reality everything came down to the thermal package: while Bay Trail 2-3 W was sufficient in principle, then for the graphics to fully work, at least 2-3 times more was required. Therefore, in the end, the video card became only 30-50% more powerful, while the processor generally remained at the same level. So there is no particular point in changing tablets from Z3740 to Z8300 - the system will work the same, programs will start at the same time. The only increase is observed in games, but in general, if the game did not run on Bay Trail, then it will most likely be unplayable on Cherry.

Further development of the Intel Atom line

At the moment, the Intel Atom line, like the Core i, is fully debugged, and Intel will update it in the style of “+5-10% per generation” - and, in principle, nothing more is required: no one considers tablets with Atom as High-performance devices, and they cope with their direct responsibilities well. For those who need to not only surf the Internet and watch movies, there is the Core M line, which is one and a half times more powerful in terms of processor and 3-4 times more powerful in graphics. Well, for those who need a portable hi-end, it makes sense to look at the line of Core i ULV processors, the capabilities of which are sufficient for most user tasks.

A year ago Intel company announced the release of a new series of processors - Atom. The new CPUs are intended exclusively for mobile computers, and their characteristics fully comply with all the requirements of this type of device. This primarily applies to power consumption, which does not exceed 4 W (TDP). Such low performance is achieved due to the new architecture, which is not similar to any of the previous ones Intel architectures, although it includes their individual features. The core consists of 47 million transistors, and since they are manufactured using a 45-nm process technology, it becomes clear why the Atom is such a compact and cost-effective processor. Currently, Intel has two series of Atom processors. The first is called Z (Z500-Z540 processors), it is based on the Silverthorne core and is intended for mobile systems class MID (Mobile Internet Devices). The second series based on the Diamondville core was announced relatively recently (in March of this year) and includes two models (N270 and 230). It is intended for desktop systems(Nettops) and budget laptops (Netbooks).

All Atom processors have a 56 KB L1 cache, of which 32 KB is allocated for instruction cache and 24 KB for data. All processors can also execute 32-bit code and support additional instruction sets MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3 and SSSE3. As for 64-bit code (x86-64), it is supported only by the Diamondville core and only in the Atom 230 model. Currently, all Atom processors are single-core. At the same time, they support Hyper-Threading technology, which allows you to execute two parallel threads of commands. Towards the end of 2008 Intel of the Year plans to release the first dual-core Atom processors. Rumors are circulating online about the Atom 330 model, which will operate at a frequency of 1.6 GHz (FSB frequency - 533 MHz), and each core will have 512 KB of L2 cache. Atom Z series processors support virtualization technology as well as C1E Speedstep power saving technology. In addition to the Z series, the C1E Speedstep supports the Atom N270 processor, built on the Diamondville core. The range of Atom processors is quite large, and includes two cores for different systems. To avoid confusion, it is important to note that processors work with specific chipsets, and these are what determine the purpose of the final product. Along with the new processors, Intel has released a series of chipsets - UL11L, US15L, US15W - which are also designed to work with the Atom Z series (Silverthorne core).

The chipsets have similar characteristics, and each consists of one chip that implements the functionality, and a “north” and “south bridge”. The new chipsets support Intel Atom processors with a system bus frequency of 100 or 133 MHz (400/533 MHz QPB), and have a built-in single-channel controller for 400- or 533-MHz DDR2 memory (maximum memory capacity is 1 GB). Also, the new series chipsets have a built-in graphics core Intel GMA500, which in addition to 3D graphics provides hardware decoding of video formats H.264, MPEG2, VC1 and WMV9. D-SUB and DVI-I outputs, as well as TV-Out, are supported. In addition, a controller is provided PCI buses Express spec 1.0. A few words about the expansion capabilities of UL and US chipsets - they support one IDE channel, eight USB 2.0 ports, as well as an HD audio subsystem. Chipsets UL11L, US15L, US15W are integral part Centrino Atom 2 platform, which also includes Atom processors and modules wireless communication Wi-Fi, WiMAX and 3G. It should be noted that the heat dissipation of the UL11L chipset is 1.6 W, and the US series chipsets are no more than 2.3 W. As a result, the total heat dissipation between the UL11L chipset and the Atom processor is 2.25 W! This is exactly what you need mobile devices, because it is unprecedented low level energy consumption ensures long operating time. As for the Atom N270 and Atom 230 processors based on the Diamondville core, they are designed for cheap, economical and small-sized systems (Nettops and Netbooks) with the 945GC chipset. It is precisely such a system, or rather, motherboard Today we will test:

Please note that a massive heatsink with a fan is designed to cool the chipset, while the processor itself is content with a modest low-profile heatsink (in the background). Externally, the processor looks like this:

You will notice that the Atom 230 is directly soldered onto the board, so it will not be possible to upgrade the system. And if you “burn out” the processor during overclocking (more on this a little later), then you will have to replace the entire motherboard. The CPU-Z utility provides the following information:

This version of the utility incorrectly detects the processor core (Silverthorne instead of the correct Diamondville). Below are the system specifications Gigabyte boards GC230D:

Intel Atom are processors for inexpensive and small laptops, netbooks, nettops and tablets/smartphones. Their architecture made them energy efficient and not at all expensive.

The Atom series initially includes two families: the Z series (codenamed Silverthorne) for tablets and some nettops, and the N series (codenamed Diamondville) for more traditional netbooks and nettops. Both families are manufactured on the 45nm process and include support for MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, Intel 64, XD-Bit and IVT. High-end models also support Hyper-Threading.

Performance of the fastest Intel processors Atom is better than Celeron. For example, Atom 1.6 GHz is quite comparable to Pentium M 1.2 GHz.

Towards the end of 2009, Intel introduced the second generation of Atom processors - Pineview. They were equipped with GMA 3150 graphics and a DDR2 memory controller. The 45nm Atom N450 and N470 were very popular back in the day, as was the N280 before it. The latest models in the line include support for DDR3 memory (such as N455) and dual-core options.

The Oak Trail platform (32nm process) was introduced in 2011 and is directly descended from Silverthorne. It is intended for tablets and netbooks, its index is Z600. The core is very similar to the Pineview series, but the system-on-chip now includes GMA 600 graphics from PowerVR.

Modern Intel Atom processors

Saltwell (32 nm), 2012-2013

Penwell (32 nm), 2013-2014

Cloverview (32 nm), 2013

Cloverview (32 nm), 2013

Cedarview (32 nm), 2011-1012

They are part of the Cedar Trail platform. Built-in graphics provide 1080p video playback, screen resolution up to 2560x1600 pixels.

Cedarview-M (32 nm), 2011

Supports up to 2 GB RAM DDR3-800.

Merrifield (22 nm), 2014

Energy consumption is 4.7 times less than Saltwell. Two Silvermont cores, graphics core - PowerVR G6400. Memory controller LPDDR3-533 up to 4 GB.

Bay Trail-T (22 nm), 2014

The performance increase compared to Clover Trail is 50-60%. Have low power consumption. Graphics (Gen 7) in chips without the D index support a resolution of 2560x1600 pixels, with a D index - 1920x1200. Memory controller - LPDDR3-1066 up to 4 GB. All processors are quad-core. No Hyper-Threading support.

Any modern device, capable of performing various calculations, is equipped with a processor. Their range on the market is so large that it is very easy for an untrained user to get lost among the multitude of performance characteristics, sockets and additional instructions. How can you choose a reliable processor from among them that could quickly cope with the assigned tasks and at the same time guarantee long and stable operation? This article is about the Intel Atom CPU N450.

Processors

In the English IT segment there is a definition of CPU, which means central processing unit. It is responsible for executing machine instructions and is the most important part of a personal computer. The power of the system as a whole depends on the performance of the processor.

The main characteristics of the processors include:

• clock frequency;
• performance;
• energy consumption;
• type of technical process;
• architecture.

• Clock frequency characterizes the number of operations that a processor can perform in one clock cycle. This parameter is used most often when describing this type of computing device.
• The performance parameter is quite controversial and can sometimes reflect the totality of all product capabilities, and sometimes show a specific value expressed in flops/sec.
• Energy consumption is one of the key parameters. It is he who influences work autonomy like no other. How smaller laptop or the netbook will consume energy, the longer it can work. And this directly depends on the performance of the processor.
• Technical process. Doesn't directly affect performance. However, it reflects how the processor is manufactured. Based on this alone, one can judge how long ago it was made. In fact, it shows that in a smaller area you can place more electronic components.
• Processor architecture. For personal computers, two types are mainly used - 32 and 64-bit. You should not expect a large increase when moving from a lower value to a larger one. You can really notice something only when working with databases or modeling tools.

Atom processor line

Intel's Atom family of processors is designed to be energy efficient. These models are aimed at portable devices for which energy costs are very critical. A striking example is newfangled netbooks. They are easy to carry, have a small screen size and an optimized energy efficiency system. They can be used to produce simple work, such as typing or surfing the Internet.

Since 2012, Intel began producing “Atoms” using a single-chip system. That is, now memory controllers and graphics adapters are located on the same chip. This made it possible to significantly reduce the installation costs of individual components. As a result, the final product became cheaper.

Atom N450 Processor: Brief Review

This CPU was a continuation of the N450 series and was released in 2010. A DDR2 controller and a built-in GMA 3150 video card are located on one chip. Its power is quite enough to conduct optimal computing activities on nettops and netbooks. Available GPU copes well with watching videos regular format, visiting web pages and office work. But with HD, editing graphics and running several programs at the same time, difficulties may arise. One of the significant advantages of the N450 device is its very low power consumption.

Characteristics of Atom N450

The internal code name of the processor is PineView. Its technology involves the use of a single core with a frequency of 1.66 GHz. But this happens with the distribution of tasks into two threads. Atom N450 has a second level cache of 512 KB. And the estimated power consumption does not exceed 5.5 W.

The processor cannot boast of having technology Turbo Boost, although it is not so necessary for portable devices. There is also no ability to work with virtualization like VT-x. Hyper-Threading technology, as mentioned above, implements support for the kernel to operate with two threads. This will be relevant in applications optimized for multithreading, the number of which is growing every year. It is possible to support memory volumes greater than 4 GB due to the implementation of a 64-bit architecture. The technological process used in production is 45 Nm.

Tests and comparison with the closest analogues

The closest in relationship and characteristics can be considered its predecessor - Atom N270. At the same frequency, the Atom N450 shows itself to be more profitable, but at the same time it is more expensive and consumes twice as much energy. But, as tests say, this device has a much higher watt-to-performance ratio.

Interestingly, a comparison of performance with the N2600, which uses two cores, showed a significant loss for the Atom N450. The N2600 is manufactured using 32 Nm technology, which means that many more transistors can be placed on the chip. Moreover, it has a total of 4 threads, and the second level cache is twice as large as the Atom CPU N450. But tests are tests, and they reflect the actual state of affairs, in isolation from the stated characteristics.

Comparison with products from AMD

AMD and Intel are constantly waging an invisible war for user loyalty. This is expressed in competition for the production of productive products. The closest in spirit are processors from AMD C60, C50 and A4 1200.

AMD C60

The C60 has two cores, unlike the N450 processor. Its memory controller is capable of operating at a frequency of 1066 and is of DDR3 type. The L2 cache level is twice as high. At the same time, the frequency is slightly lower - from 1000 to 1333 MHz in Turbo mode. At the same time, the Atom N450 has 1.66.

As a result, the potential frequency obtained when overclocking the Atom N450 is higher than that of the C60 and can be 1.9 GHz. In terms of data reading speed, Atom is inferior to its AMD counterpart - 38550 versus 25700 MB/s. The N450 is also unable to support virtualization, while its competitor does a great job with it. Process C60 is 5 NM smaller and more advanced. As a result, the Atom N450 shows the worst results in most tests.

AMD C50

The C50 is also a dual-core processor that has the same memory controller as its brother. Its frequency is 0.6 GHz lower than the N450. At the same time, the overall performance is per watt higher. The C50 has 2 MB of L2 cache, while the 450 has only 512 KB. This greatly speeds up access to frequently used data. By the way, the 450 also loses in their transfer speed - 32500 instead of 25700 MB/s. Virtualization is again available on this model. In general, the Atom N450 loses a little here too.

AMD A4 1200

This processor is not of particular interest for overclocking, since its nominal frequency of 1 GHz will remain so. The Atom N450 has potential for this. However, this is where the advantages of the 450 over the A4 end.

It’s worth starting with the fact that the A4 1200 has two cores. Each is capable of operating in dual-thread mode. The size of the second level cache memory is higher and is 1 MB. The maximum power consumption is 4 W, while the 450 has 5.5. The memory controller is DDR3 type, which means that this model more technologically advanced and capable of operating at a frequency of 1066 MHz. Also, the production process for 1200 is 1.5 times less. In this AMD comparison The A4 1200 is a clear favorite, as confirmed by tests on popular calculations.