Abaco announces the production of Europe's 'first' Atom dual-core desktop

Italian Engadget readers, take note: Abaco Computers of Milan just announced the production of Europe's 'first' Intel Atom dual-core PC. Measuring up to a mere 27 x 20 x 10 cm (just under 11 x 8 x 4 inches) in the classic and classy "box" configuration, what appears to be a Betamax VCR at first glance is actually a reasonably stacked PC. The machine boasts a 1.6 GHz Atom CPU and up to 2GB RAM; oddly, the site says it sports a "generous" six USB ports, while the pictures clearly show only four and a single firewire jack (which they failed to mention altogether). The Abaco comes loaded with Ubuntu 8.04. Available in Desktop, Thin Client and Solid State flavors, according to your needs. Price varies by configuration, and needless to say, this isn't available Stateside.

Update: According to an email from Abaco, we weren't seeing things when we noted a firewire port in those pictures on the site: they were promo shots from a different unit, albeit one with the same case.

[ArcticFox @ Sep 15th 2008 12:14PM]

Are you sure that it is actually Dual Core and they are not mistaking the Hyperthreading showing 2 threads for a Dual Core processor?

Because as far as im aware there are no Dual Core Atom mobos out yet.

[stillen @ Sep 15th 2008 12:27PM]

Intel announces dual-core Atom, chains it to 945C chipset

By Joel Hruska | Published: August 20, 2008 - 07:15PM CT

It looks like we'll be seing Intel's new dual-core Atom 330 on the market sooner rather than later. The chip will launch in September accompanied by a refreshed D945GCLF2 motherboard, and is targeted at entry-level computer users, users in emerging markets, PC enthusiasts who want a basic home PC, and customized point-of-sale terminals.

Atom 330 is expected to be a 1.6GHz part with HyperThreading support on each processor, for a total of four virtual cores, as far as the OS is concerned. Total on-die L2 cache is 1MB (512K per processor), and the chip runs on the same 533MHz bus as the N/270. As far as projected performance, Atom 330 should be significantly faster than the 230 in any application that's capable of taking advantage of the chip's multiple cores. The desktop iteration of the platform could definitely use the boost; the single-core Atom 230 lagged well behind the VIA Nano when we benchmarked the two against each other.

-via ARS Technica


So maybe this is what they are talking about??? I didn't know about it either til i did some research...

[Slick @ Sep 15th 2008 12:20PM]

I want that for my Home Theater NAS box- bad

[ethana2 @ Sep 15th 2008 1:07PM]

Gahh, do I have to switch my avatar now?

[whoa! @ Sep 15th 2008 12:31PM]

It may not be available in the states, but I'm sure you can get most parts from Newegg.com and build your own. Including that case.

[Jonathan Roberts @ Sep 15th 2008 12:33PM]

Heh, I built a box using this exact case (minus the abaco logo), with an Intel Atom, 1 Gb ram and a 320 Gb hard drive for £170. The site isn't loading, for me now, but I'd be interested to see prices. Maybe I should go into business and start churning these out

[Slick @ Sep 15th 2008 12:38PM]

You wanna spec that out for me? Components at least, where i am i'll be using the un-mighty dollar to purchase

[Jonathan Roberts @ Sep 15th 2008 12:48PM]

Sure, it's:

* Intel D945GCLF Atom Motherboard, which comes with the 1.6Ghz chip;
* Noah 3988 Mini-ITX Case
* RAM is DDR2 667 RAM
* Hard drive is 3.5 inch SATA (Seagate Baracuda in my particular case)

[Jurassic Socks @ Sep 15th 2008 2:06PM]

@Jonathan: I think the site was: http://www.mini-itx.com/store/?c=44

[simone @ Sep 15th 2008 12:41PM]

finalmente qualche italiano!!!........era ora!!!

[sparty @ Sep 15th 2008 12:58PM]

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=33303&vpn=BOXD945GCLF2&manufacture=Intel

Dual core mobo

[sparty @ Sep 15th 2008 1:01PM]

@Jonathan Roberts

D945GCLF2

[PK @ Sep 15th 2008 1:01PM]

I placed an order on Friday for a dual core Atom motherboard. The US-based company is showing that the motherboards are in stock (http://www.mini-box.com/Intel-D945GCLF2-Mini-ITX-Motherboard?sc=8&category=100). I've ordered from them before with no issues.

[Sascha @ Sep 15th 2008 2:02PM]

Aehm,

this is just the More or Procase Noah enclosure and they will combine it with any mini-itx mainboard that sports the dualcore atom.
So this is more a system assembler than a manufacturer ;)

[Dee @ Sep 15th 2008 2:13PM]

The case is an iStarUSA S3 incase anyone was wondering. Unless Abaco sells it at a lower price than building it your self then the extra price will just be a convenience fee.

[roger @ Sep 15th 2008 2:22PM]

349 €

[amd_h4x0r @ Sep 15th 2008 2:54PM]

I can count 6 usb connectors. 2 in the front, 4 in the rear.

[Samboini @ Sep 15th 2008 3:32PM]

Looks lovely; it'd be nice to have an option to remove the company's logo and keep it super clean looking.

[FuzzyCat @ Sep 15th 2008 4:45PM]

It's just a Noah case, http://linitx.com/viewproduct.php?prodid=11124

[CubeGuy @ Sep 15th 2008 4:27PM]

That blue dot on the front looked like a handicapped emblem at first glance. D=

[Al @ Sep 15th 2008 7:56PM]

I want Eee Box dual core.. This is ugly.