Intel Atom - Cost vs. Capability

The low cost Intel Atom processor has created a lot of buzz along with a host of compact products from a variety of vendors. Intel's smallest processor boasts the world smallest transistors. It offers very low energy consumption and throws off very little heat compared to Intel's more powerful Core Duo processors. But these benefits come at the cost of capabilities that are apparent by Intel's own description of it's targeted purpose:

"Great for Internet, these devices are an affordable option for education, photo and video viewing, social networking, voice over IP, e-mail, messaging, browsing, and numerous other Internet activities and basic applications."

Asus has packaged the Atom processor into it's compact EeeBox B206 Entertainment mini-PC running Window XP. Designed as a media center it includes a HD hardware decoder, HDMI output, bundled media player, and a remote control. The entire unit measures approximately 7x9 inches and consumes only 20watts of power. It retails for about $350. However, even basic peripherals such as a CD must be connected using the single USB port.

The Atom also comes package with a mini board. The Intel BOXD945GCLF Intel Atom processor 230 Intel 945GC Mini ITX Motherboard combo provides additional options. The memory slot allows up to 2GB of memory, an open PCI slot, 2 PS2 ports and 4 USB ports. The bare processor with mini-board combo is available for only $65. But you get what you pay for and this single core processor could hardly be expected to match the performance of Intel's Core Duo or Quad Core processors. While they might be ideal for an inexpensive Internet system it's doubtful they could stand up to any rigorous multi-media use.