Rumor: Intel Preparing Dual-Core Netbook Atom Processors

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While Intel has had dual-core processors in their Atom D-series, they have yet to expand beyond a single core for the N-series. The D-series consume more power and are intended for use in nettops and other desktop settings while the N-series processors are for mobility, like netbooks. While we heard early reports that Intel wasn’t fond of the Atom series because they make so little money on every chip sold, they’re apparently going to keep up in the mobile processor arms (or ARM – tech pun) race.

A rumor coming out today says that Intel is working on a dual core mobile Atom processor. It will allegedly be called the “Atom N500″ which makes sense, since the Atom D510 is the dual-core desktop processor in the Atom series. Intel could go about this two routes, either attempting to lower the clockspeed and voltage of the D510 to make it work with a netbook’s power requirements, or they could be attempting to come up with a whole new architecture.

If they’re coming up with a new architecture, we won’t see this new chip for months. Unfortunately, the rumors reporting this news didn’t give any hints to either possibility. What can we expect from a dual-core Atom processor? Sorry, don’t expect any improvements in HD decoding. The second core will add some slight overall performance, and it should help in multi-tasking performance.

For those worried about the validity of the rumors, website PC inPACT broke the news and they claim it comes from one of Intel’s sales partners. As mentioned, nothing on when we can expect these dual-core N-series Atom processors.