Intel CEO Confirms Dual-core Atom for Netbooks

Last month, Intel was rumored for working on dual-core Atom chip for netbooks that are usually considered as low processing power carrying computers. And at a most recent conference call with financial analysts, Intel CEO Paul Otellini confirmed that Intel will bring dual-core Atom processors for the netbook segment. Intel stated that the Atom CPU and chipset revenue went down by 19 percent in second quarter of 2010 as compared to the previous one.

At the moment, Intel already has 1.6GHz Atom 330 microprocessor for the netbooks such as Asus Eee PC 1201N. It's being speculated that Intel's new dual-core processors will join the Atom 500 series family. These new dual-core Atom processors will have integrated memory controller and integrated graphics. No official confirmation came whether these chips will be made using the new 32nm fabrication process. Looks like Intel aims for 720p support with these dual-core Atom chips instead of pushing the Broadcom's Crystal HD solution.

At the conference call, Otellini said, "I think there will still be significant growth in the netbook business year-over-year. I think that there are rather than pricing, I think, we would look to features and integration as a technical novelty or twist here. The next innovation coming out on Atom is dual-core, which comes out in the second quarter, so that it will ramp for the holiday season this year and I think that will be a very attractive product."

More processing power for the low-cost and light weight netbooks is always welcome but two things will be crucial - thermal profile of chips and the power consumption. Intel didn't share more details about these dual-core Atom chips but we can expect netbooks with these chips before year-end at least.