Intel goes aggressive at low-end

IN A MOVE TO FURTHER HURT VIA and AMD'S low-end, Intel is marketing an extended range of low end parts to target the C7 and Geode LX/NX range.

These chips are clearly not destined for desktop computers, but rather the sorts of things that Mini ITX Boards have increasingly become successful in, such as web kiosks, medical instruments and in-vehicle applications, which generally like low power and fanless operation for the sake of reliability.

VIA and AMD have enjoyed significant success in these growing markets, where PC compatibility is seen as a strength for adding computer functionality without the stress of coders having to learn a new processor architecture.

Earlier, Intel pushed out a 600MHz zero cache version of the Celeron M, known as Shelton, however, as we showed the performance of this was a bit of a mixed bag, particularly relative to the K7-based NX.

The Geode LX has seen a very high number of design wins since its release, and VIA may actually be in a position to make C7s in reasonable volumes one day, so Intel is retaliating for 2007 with a re-release of its greatest hits from older days in the laptop market.

• ULV Celeron M 600MHz (Banias, 512KB L2 cache) - 7W (fanless)
• Celeron M 800, 900MHz, 1GHz (Shelton, 0KB L2 cache) - around 13W (not fanless)
• Mobile Celeron 1.2GHz (Northwood, 256KB L2 cache) - around 20W (not fanless)

Yes, you read that right - a 1.2GHz Northwood. This must be the lowest speed Netburst release ever?

Chipset of choice for these remains the old school 852GM + ICH4 combination, and prices for the package of chipset and processor are targeted spot on at VIA and AMD's range at around $50 to 55.

Of course, Chipzilla reckons that these chips will easily beat out the 1.5GHz VIA competition. We're left wondering what has happened to the 64-bit Isaiah which was supposed to be with us in H1 2006. µ

L'INQ
VIA announces 64-bit next generation core

See also
Shelton performance analysed