Intel 32nm Cedar Trail Atom CPUs to launch in Q4 2011

It's been three years since the launch of first Atom processors built on 45nm Bonnell microarchitecture. Over time, the Atoms added more features, such as two CPU cores, on-chip graphics, Intel 64 and Virtualization, and others, but the latest Atom chips still use the same 0.045 micron process. Last year it was rumored that the first 32nm Atom chips from Cedar Trail platform will launch in the second half 2011. Last Friday, Anandtech confirmed 4th quarter launch date for the platform, and disclosed details on two processors, D2500 and D2700. Fudzilla revealed today two other CPUs from the Cedar Trail platform - N2600 and N2800. We also have additional information on Atom N2600.

According to Anandtech, D2500 and D2700 processors will have two CPU cores with 1 MB L2 cache, and integrate DDR3 memory controller. Atom D2500 will be clocked at 1.86 GHz, while more powerful D2700 model will have 2.13 GHz frequency, and feature Hyper-Threading technology. Both CPUs will support Intel 64 (EM64T), and fit into 10 Watt thermal envelope. The D2500 / D2700 are planned as a replacement of Dxxx-series of Atom processors for nettops.

Atom N2800 will come with two Hyper-threaded CPU cores, operating at 1.86 GHz. On-chip memory controller will support DDR3-1066 memory, and integrated GMA 3650 graphics will run at 640 MHz. Confirmed on-chip features also include 64-bit instruction set. The N2800 has 6.5W Thermal Design Power.

Compared to N2800 model, dual-core Atom N2600 is going to have a bit weaker specifications. This Atom will operate at 1.6 GHz, and the clock rate of on-chip Intel GMA 3600 graphics will be lowered to 400 MHz. The N2600 will accommodate Hyper-Threading and Intel 64 technologies, and support DDR3-800 memory. The only advantage of this CPU over the N2800 is much lower, only 3.5 Watt, maximum average power consumption.

All four microprocessors are expected to launch in the 4th quarter 2011, priced lower than $55 for D2xxx chips, and less than $50 for N2xxx.

Known specifications of all upcoming Atom CPUs are provided in the table below:

Model	Cores	Threads	Frequency	L2 cache	TDP	Graphics
Atom D2500	2	2	1.86 GHz	1 MB	10 Watt
Atom D2700	2	4	2.13 GHz	1 MB	10 Watt
Atom N2600	2	4	1.6 GHz	1 MB	3.5 Watt	400 MHz
Atom N2800	2	4	1.86 GHz	1 MB	6.5 Watt	640 MHz