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Intel changes mind on netbooks: "Dual core Atom 330 is too hot"

"Intel has recently decided to restrict the use of the dual core Atom 330 processor from Netbook Computers, due to the thermal issues associated with the processor and need for an internal cooling system."

This disappointing news may well explain reported dumping of the N330 chip, and also Intel's rumoured "fast track" plans for the next generation of netbook processors.

The clamp-down on netbook use of the N330 emerged recently when original computer builder Haleron surprised the netbook world by launching a two-chip N270 model, instead of the dual-core 330, because benchmarks suggested it was not only better on power drain, but a match in speed for office tasks.

A white paper by "Kyle" at Haleron describes the speed tests they did before deciding to build the Swordfish range with two "old" Atom processors, and speed test figures show pretty clearly that for Microsoft Office applications, trying to speed things up with fast chips is futile. In the image [left] the green bar shows performance of a Via C7D processor. Below that is the Intel Atom N270, in red; and at the bottom, the N330, in blue. Both Atoms are clocked at the same 1.6 GHz; the Via at 2 GHz.

All results are relative to a Pendium D as a baseline 100%; the three processors all come in around 50% of that speed, with the single core Atom just faster than the Via, which is in turn just quicker than the N330 dual core. "In our combination of Office 2003 tests it (the 330)actually failed to match either the Atom N270 or the VIA," Kyle records.

"This is clearly the result that’s bringing the overall average down, but despite repeated retests it consistently occurred. More likely, it’s just the fact that Office 2003 is not a particularly processor-intensive benchmark, and doesn’t make efficient use of multiple threads," the benchmarker concluded.

The N330 only started shipping in September and already, there are suggestions that Intel's resellers were dumping the product within days of launch, discounting the price by £39.

As to whether Intel will encourage the sort of bench test reports on the new processors, remains to be seen. The Haleron paper has languished, apparently unnoticed, for a few weeks now; but cynics will probably want to download the PDF version now, in case (for some reason) Haleron decides to take it down.