Intel did not re-design the Atom for the "Pinetrail" series. They simply took the DDR2 controller and graphics that were off-chip and put them on the same die. The Atom still has a latency-adding FSB running across the single chip!
For the in-order design of Atom (that can't fill its idle time with other work) latency is killing performance. The FSB is also taking up power while serving no needed role.
I think that when Intel gets this DDR3 memory controller on-chip, it will not be using the FSB. This will save power and increase performance by reducing latency. Do not expect much performance increase, due to the market notch that Intel is trying to keep safe and high-profit (full-price notebooks).
The Chromebooks are here, starting with Samsung's Series 5, a cute little number that promises instant-on access, 3G connectivity, and long enough battery life to web surf with the best of 'em.
The most commented posts on Engadget over the past 24 hours.
Now that we've thrown 'em off the trail, use the form below to get in touch with the people at Engadget. Please fill in all of the required fields because they're required.
Intel did not re-design the Atom for the "Pinetrail" series. They simply took the DDR2 controller and graphics that were off-chip and put them on the same die. The Atom still has a latency-adding FSB running across the single chip!
For the in-order design of Atom (that can't fill its idle time with other work) latency is killing performance. The FSB is also taking up power while serving no needed role.
I think that when Intel gets this DDR3 memory controller on-chip, it will not be using the FSB. This will save power and increase performance by reducing latency. Do not expect much performance increase, due to the market notch that Intel is trying to keep safe and high-profit (full-price notebooks).