We’ve been hearing about a dual-core Nano processor for some time now, and VIA has finally gone and built one. Currently in prototype form, VIA has been busy showing off its newest x86 part at this year’s Computex show.
The new dual-core part was shown chugging along at 1.6GHz per core. According to C.J. Holthaus, a member of VIA’s Centaur processor design team, it was manufactured on a 65nm process and is nearly ready for release.
"It’ll be a product in about six months. This is mainly a technology demonstration," Holthaus said.
A 65nm manufacturing process isn’t all that impressive at this stage in the processor game, and the final version will be built using something different. Holthaus declined to give specifics, saying only that it would use a "next-generation" technology.
This is good timing on VIA’s part. Intel just recently laid out its future Atom processor strategy, which will also consist of dual-core parts and be aimed at the tablet and ultra-thin netbook space.
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We’ve been hearing about a dual-core Nano processor for some time now, and VIA has finally gone and built one. Currently in prototype form, VIA has been busy showing off its newest x86 part at this year’s Computex show.
The new dual-core part was shown chugging along at 1.6GHz per core. According to C.J. Holthaus, a member of VIA’s Centaur processor design team, it was manufactured on a 65nm process and is nearly ready for release.
"It’ll be a product in about six months. This is mainly a technology demonstration," Holthaus said.
A 65nm manufacturing process isn’t all that impressive at this stage in the processor game, and the final version will be built using something different. Holthaus declined to give specifics, saying only that it would use a "next-generation" technology.
This is good timing on VIA’s part. Intel just recently laid out its future Atom processor strategy, which will also consist of dual-core parts and be aimed at the tablet and ultra-thin netbook space.
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Today being the first day of the Computex convention in Taipei, Intel wasted no time in discussing its Atom processor strategy and the Atom franchise in general.
"Intel believes the strength of the Atom franchise can help consumers realize the true potential for a common experience to enable the compute continuum," David Perlmutter, executive vice president and co-general manager, Intel Architecture Group, said during a keynote. "With platforms ranging from compact and portable netbooks, to Smart TV experiences and innovative tablets designs, Intel Architecture is driving innovative products based on a unique ‘port of choice’ software strategy."
In production now and expected to launch in time for the holiday shopping season are several mobile dual-core Atom chips, which Intel promises "will deliver a noticeably snappier, more responsive consumer experience" without sacrificing battery life. Intel Atom N455 and N475 parts with DDR3 support are already available, while D525 and D425 chips for entry-level desktops are on tap for a June 21 release date.
Looking further ahead, Intel said it will have its "Oak Trail" system-on-a-chip (SoC) platform ready for an early 2011 release. Oak Trail represents Intel’s Atom processor strategy for the tablet market and upcoming netbooks.
Image Credit: Intel
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