Intel Atom D2550 planned for Q1 2012

In September Intel introduced Cedar Trail platform, along with Atom D2500 and D2700 "CedarView-D" microprocessors for nettops and ultra-low power desktops. Compared to previous Atoms, new processors were manufactured on more modern 32nm process, which allowed higher frequencies and lower power consumption. Also, the CPUs featured improved graphics, that was supposed to be DX10.1 compatible, although this never realized. According to recently leaked Intel roadmap, the company plans another Atom processor, dubbed as D2550. We previously reported that this model was referenced in OEM hardware specifications for "Windows Get Genuine for Academic" program, but at the time none of the processor characteristics were known.

Atom D2550 takes features from both Intel 2500 and D2700. The microprocessor has two CPU cores and 1 MB L2 cache. Like the D2500, the D2550 operates at 1.86 GHz. Similar to D2700, the upcoming Atom comes with Hyper-Threading technology, and boasts higher clocked on-chip graphics controller with support of Blu-Ray 2.0. Atom D2550 has the same 10 Watt TDP as other CedarView-D processors. The CPU will be launched in the first quarter 2011.