SAN FRANCISCO -- Intel today announced three new Atom processors for netbooks and entry-level desktop computers along with a new chipset. While Intel is still targeting the low end of the performance scale, these new Atoms borrow a design idea from Intel's new high-performance "Nehalem" family of processors.

The newest Atom for netbooks is the single-core N450, which is paired with the new low-power NM10 Express chipset. For small-form-factor desktops, Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) has the single-core D410 and dual-core D510 processors, both of which are also paired with the NM10.

The first Atom platform was a three-chip design with the CPU, the 945GSE chip that had memory and graphics controllers, and a third chip to handle I/O. With this new line of processors, the middle chip is eliminated and the graphics and memory controllers move onto the CPU die.

This is the same design concept as Intel's new Core i3 and i5 processors, except those are for mainstream desktop and notebook processors. The new Atoms add these features without changing the size of the die or the thermal envelope, according to Anil Nanduri, director of netbook marketing for Intel.

The processors all run at 1.66GHz, the same clock speed as the previous generation. Nanduri said this trio is "primarily about integration." Fewer chips means that the Atom platform can find its way into new, smaller-form-factor devices.

But why not just absorb I/O into the processor and be done with it? Nanduri said that a system-on-a-chip (SoC) design, which is what it would be if Atom absorbed the I/O controller as well, is not always the best choice. "We've hit the right cost points for partners and they have some room at the platform level. An SoC may not always be the most cost-effective solution for them," he said at a briefing for media here before the official rollout of the new chips.

Between the integration of the memory and graphics controllers and new manufacturing processes, the netbook platform has a 20 percent improvement in average power draw and a 60 percent smaller footprint. Entry-level desktop PCs such as fanless systems and low-cost all-in-one designs see a 50 percent power reduction and 70 percent footprint reduction.

The three Atoms all draw much less power than their big brothers in the Core i3/i5 family. The N450 draws just 5.5 watts; the D410 draws 10 watts; and the D510 a dozen, with total (including chipset) draws of 7, 12, and 15 watts, respectively. The chips support Windows 7, Windows XP and Moblin, Intel's Linux derivative.

Nanduri said Intel has landed 80 design wins for netbooks and 50 for desktops, some of which are unannounced. Despite coming out with a dual-core Atom with integrated graphics and memory controllers, Intel is not worried that the Atom will take business from the Core family.

Designed For Companion Devices

More details will be announced next month at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, when Intel CEO Paul Otellini delivers a keynote address.