Intel Details dual-core Atom chip

Other details of the processor itself are still unknown, though past leaks have pointed to a continued use of Hyperthreading that would let each core handle as many as two code threads at one time and create up to four effective cores with optimized apps. A doubled Level 2 cache of 1MB should also help improve performance.

The semiconductor firm has already confirmed that its initial implementation will include at least a desktop version for nettops and other very low-power, budget systems. A new mainboard, the D945GCLF2, will fit into any mini-ITX case and will include both GMA 950 integrated graphics as well as support for up to 2GB of memory in a single slot, gigabit Ethernet, as well as equal pairs of Parallel and Serial ATA connections for storage.

A launch for the new mainboard is scheduled for September and should be accompanied by the Atom 330 itself; an N330 for netbooks and other very small mobile systems hasn't been confirmed but is possible given a predicted power consumption of just eight watts, or less than half the energy needed for most of Intel's low-voltage Core 2 Duo processors.