Intel Unveils Atom Processors for UMPCs

The low-power processors will be the smallest and most energy-efficient Intel has ever produced.

The Intel chips formerly known as Silverthorne and Diamondville during their earliest stages of development finally received a unified final name and official launch on Sunday. The newly dubbed Atom processor, intended for ultra-mobile PCs, will be Intel’s smallest chip ever produced, and also its lowest power processer ever.

“This small wonder is a fundamental new shift in design, small yet powerful enough to enable a big Internet experience on these new devices,” said Intel executive vice president Sean Maloney, in a statement.  “We believe it will unleash new innovation across the industry.”

Intel says the chip is based on entirely new microarchitecture, but will be able to execute the same instruction sets as standard Intel Core 2 Duo, allowing it to mimic the functionality of a desktop in a much smaller package. The chip measures just 25 mm², meaning 11 of the tiny chips could fit on the face of a U.S. penny.

The efficient new 45nm manufacturing process will allow the chips to hit power consumption of between 0.6 and 2.5 watts, compared to mainstream Core 2 Duo chips that usually hit consumption in the 35 watt range. While the Atom will come in a range of configurations and speeds, the fastest models will hit 1.8Ghz.

Intel also debuted the Centrino Atom processor on Sunday, although specifications were sparse. Formerly codenamed Menlow, the Centrino Atom will basically be an Atom processor with integrated graphics, a wireless radio, and thinner and lighter designs.