14 DAY TRIAL // Intel has definitely been putting effort into expanding the use of its x86 architecture to more than just personal computers, and it has now expanded the series of Atom processors specifically designed for NAS devices, by adding the Atom D425 and D525 models.
NAS (network-attached storage) devices are those electronics with a box-like form factor that accommodate one or more hard disk drives and allow them to be accessed by PCs via the network.
Such products often have performance and security features installed, along with technologies that enable a certain level of reliability.
These features need a suitable processing unit to manage them, and Intel's NAS Atom line was specifically created to play this role.
The Atom D425 and D525 are processors whose most notable advantage, over their predecessors, is their support for DDR3 memory.
The chips are also alike in their clock speed of 1.8 GHz, which makes their number of cores the only differing feature between them.
As one may have already guessed, the D425 is a single-core part, whereas the D525 holds performance leadership with two cores.
Finally, both come with the 82801 IR I/O Controller, which brings multiple input/output (I/O) connectivity options.
Companies such as Netgear, QNAP, Super Micro, Thecus, Acer, LaCie, LG, Cisco and Synolocy have already adopted the new platform.
"Networked storage appliances based on the Intel Atom processor platform enable consumers and businesses to organize, manage, protect and share documents, photos, videos and music throughout the home or office," said Dinesh Rao, product line manager, Intel Storage Group.
"The versatile Atom processor, which is at the heart of a growing variety of small, innovative, Internet-connected devices, makes it possible for storage vendors to develop low-power appliances that can innocuously sit on a desk or shelf while keeping digital content safe and available anytime, anywhere." he added.
"LaCie recently introduced two storage servers that leverage Intel's Atom processor technology to deliver enterprise-level storage capabilities to small and medium businesses that were previously only experienced in large, corporate environments," said Erwan Girard, LaCie Solutions business unit manager.