14 DAY TRIAL // After a more than successful run with its netbook-friendly Atom processor, leading chip maker Intel is expected to unveil another version of the old Celeron M processor. The new model will be designed to take advantage of the latest technology, including the 45nm manufacturing process, which has already been adopted by almost every chip from the company's current lineup. The new model will provide a high performance level, capable of powering some of the upcoming fully-fledged laptops, but with a consumption level closer to that of the company's Atom CPU.
Details on this are rather scarce at this time but, according to leaked info posted on CHW, the Santa Clara, California-based chip maker is planning a 45nm version of its Celeron M processor. The new model, dubbed M 722, will presumably deliver a core speed of 1.2GHz, and will become one of the company's first budget notebook processor to be built using the latest process technology.
Aside from the 45nm technology, one of the most important features of the upcoming Celeron CPU is that it will consume just 5.5W of typical power, whereas Intel's N270 1.6GHz Atom processor has a TDP of 4W.
Unlike the Atom, the new Celeron M CPU will have a faster 800MHz system bus, compared with the 533MHz on the Atom, and twice as much Level 2 Cache, at 1MB. In addition, the 45nm Celeron M 722 will support a faster integrated GMA 4500MHD graphics, which will provide portable systems with HD video decoding capability. Also, this processor will use Intel's new small processor package size.
As mentioned above, particulars are too few at this point in time and no one can say for certain for which market the company plans to release the new product. However, if it comes out with an adequate price tag, it could possibly end up as an overall better solution, compared with what the Atom has to offer.