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Intel Atom vs. VIA Nano

Intel Atom vs. VIA Nano

Introduction

When we think of the CPU in our systems today, we think of high powered Core 2 processors or a cheaper Phenom in order to power our gaming systems of the day. These two processors are fighting it out for the top of the performance ladder and a battle it has become.

While we concentrate on this sector, the focus is now moving towards the lower end of the spectrum. VIA has really cornered this market in the past when it came to ultra compact PCs; EPIA has been VIA’s biggest success and with the evolution of the VIA processors, each generation has gotten just that little bit more capable. Now Intel has seen just how popular this is, we finally have some competition in this sector.

Until recently the C7 processor defined performance at lower power consumption, but not to be outdone, Intel released at Computex 2008 its introduction to take on VIA; the Atom series processor. However, VIA wasn’t going to let Intel win here, and at the same time announced its latest update to its processor range; the Nano.

Today we will be pitting the Atom platform against the Nano platform. Who has the best performance and energy savings? – Well, we don’t know yet, but by the end of this we will have an informative answer to that. Let’s move on and check out the platforms individually before we get into the testing phase.

Intel ATOM 230 versus VIA Nano L2100 - Battle of the Mini-ITX Platform

Intel ATOM 230 versus VIA Nano L2100 - Battle of the Mini-ITX Platforms

Manufacturer:	VIA Technologies, Inc.
Product:	Intel Atom Versus The VIA Nano
Date:	Fri, Aug 01, 2008 - 12:00 AM
Written By:	Nathan Kirsch - nate@legitreviews.com
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The Battle of Mini-ITX Platforms

The Intel Atom and VIA Nano processors have been making a ton of noise in the market place as they are inexpensive, energy efficient and fit into sleek and sexy devices that consumers are looking for today. The day the VIA Nano processor was announced I was actually at Centaur Technologies down in Austin, Texas meeting with Gleen Henry where I got to see some Nano processors being produced right before my eyes. I had to wait nearly a month to get a VIA reference board in my hands with a VIA Nano processor, but it has been worth the wait. Since I have already covered the basics and introduced the Nano processor in my Centaur Technologies Tour article we will jump straight into things.

Armed with the VIA Nano processor and the Intel Atom processor, I can now do a direct performance comparison against two of the most talked about processors for 2008. The VIA Nano reference platform we were sent isn't a retail product, so keep that in mind while reading the rest of the article. The Intel Atom was tested on the D945GCLF, which is a retail product you can purchase today for $66 plus shipping.

These two platforms might both be using Mini-ITX motherboards, but the features do differ between the very different processors. The VIA Nano processor is built using 65nm process technology (the Atom uses 45nm) and it's major claim to fame is the 64-bit Superscalar Speculative Out-Of-Order MicroArchitecture. Will this be enough to keep the Intel Atom processor at bay? Let's take a look a closer look at the test systems and find out which one is faster in the benchmarks!

VIA Nano Processor for Servers: Efficiently Hosting the Cloud

VIA Nano Processor for Servers: Efficiently Hosting the Cloud As the Internet and its software cloud continues to grow and evolve so does the demand for data centers, web hosting farms and dedicated hosting services. Today's data centers are seeking alternatives to traditional multi-core 1U rackmount server solutions, with particular focus on reducing TOC and environmental impact. Generational leaps of the last few years have lead to the widespread adoption of high performance multi-core processors in many traditional server applications. These applications often include less processor-intensive, single socket workloads where processing power is not the bottleneck. Today's hyperscale data center environments are excellent examples of server implementations that are better served by scalable, high-density, low powered solutions that dramatically reduce TOC and environmental footprint by requiring less space, power and cooling. Being adaptable in terms of power consumption, density, acquisition cost and manageability requires a unique set of specifications that most server platform vendors cannot meet; low power consumption, 64-bit architecture and support for the latest virtualization technologies. The VIA Nano processor is currently the only processor on the market that meets these requirements. Cutting the Cost of the Cloud Ultra-light, high density server products based on the VIA Nano processor can offer enterprise customers up to 34% lower TCO when compared to traditional server implementations. The VIA Nano processor is perfectly suited to address the power and cooling challenges associated with high density server environments. The lowest power draw of any 64-bit processor on the market, server systems based on the VIA Nano processor consume less than 30 watts.

VIA Nano Processor Platform: Key Features 64-bit Next Generation Architecture The superscalar, speculative out-of-order 'Isaiah, architecture of the VIA Nano processor family supports a full 64-bit instruction set and provides for macro-fusion and micro-fusion functionality, and sophisticated branch prediction for greater processor efficiency and performance. Performance Efficiency The VIA Nano processor has been designed from the ground up to offer excellent thermal management properties and superb power efficiency. With the lowest power draw in the industry, the VIA Nano processor is the only 64-bit, out-of-order architecture processor suited to low power, high density applications and environments. x86 Virtualization The VIA Nano processor has the advantage of supporting the most widely used virtualization architecture extensions. This is a massive advantage to data hosting enterprises that use modern virtualization technologies for data redundancy, back up. High-Performance Floating-Point Execution The VIA Nano processor has been designed with significant emphasis on high-performance floating-point execution, using a completely new algorithm for floating-point adds that results in the lowest floating-point add latency of any x86 processor. Similarly, the floating-point multiplier has the lowest latency of any x86 processor. The VIA Nano combines industry leading power efficiency with enterprise level features, making it perfectly positioned for next-generation server applications that drive down costs and improve overall efficiency.

VIA Nano Processor for Mobility

VIA Nano Processor for Mobility The 64-bit, superscalar VIA Nano processor has been specifically designed to revitalize traditional notebook PC markets, delivering truly optimized performance for the most demanding computing, entertainment and connectivity applications. A Balanced Mobile Platform The VIA Nano processor has been designed to bring unrivalled performance to mobile and ultra mobile segments, combining superb digital multimedia prowess with excellent power efficiency to allow extended battery life on a variety of mobile form factors. From ultra compact UMPCs and tablet form factor designs, to larger, traditional notebook products, the VIA Nano processor strikes the right balance between performance and energy efficiency. Consumers today demand a level of performance comparable to traditional mobile computer designs, without having impact on battery life or size. The VIA Nano processor has what it takes to take mobile computing to the next level; mobility, portability, performance and extended battery life on the road. HD Performance on the Road HD multimedia is now almost ubiquitous in our lives with most entertainment and image recording devices now shipping as HD Ready, producing content in higher resolutions and bitrates than ever before. HD quality user-generated content is now becoming the norm, placing an additional burden on the technology that drives our mobile lifestyle. The VIA Nano processor uses an entirely new floating point architecture that helps provide the smooth delivery of the latest entertainment including the latest HD video codecs, offering superb multimedia performance in compact mobile PC designs with impacting on battery life or portability. Thin and Light Products The VIA Nano processor is facilitating a new breed of mobile designs that bridge the gap between ultra-compact mini-note form factor designs and larger traditional notebook designs; the new thin and light segment. The VIA Nano processor has the computational smarts to offer full-sized notebook performance without placing restrictions on how thin the device can be. The thermal properties of the VIA Nano processor mean that designing devices that challenge the limitations of the past is easier than ever.

VIA Nano Processor Platform: Key Features 64-bit Next Generation Architecture The superscalar, speculative out-of-order 'Isaiah, architecture of the VIA Nano processor family supports a full 64-bit instruction set and provides for macro-fusion and micro-fusion functionality, and sophisticated branch prediction for greater processor efficiency and performance. Performance Efficiency The VIA Nano processor has been designed from the ground up to offer excellent thermal management properties and superb power efficiency. With the lowest power draw in the industry, the VIA Nano processor is the only 64-bit, out-of-order architecture processor suited to low power, high density applications and environments. Advanced Power and Thermal Management Aggressive management of active power includes support for the new "C6" power state, Adaptive PowerSaver™ Technology, new circuit techniques and mechanisms for managing the die temperature, reducing power draw and improving overall thermal management. These innovations in processor architecture mean that the VIA Nano processor is able to offer the significant performance improvements that come with the new superscalar architecture within a rigidly low power envelope. High-Performance Floating-Point Execution The VIA Nano processor has been designed with significant emphasis on high-performance floating-point execution, using a completely new algorithm for floating-point adds that results in the lowest floating-point add latency of any x86 processor. Similarly, the floating-point multiplier has the lowest latency of any x86 processors.

VIA Nano Processor: Re-inventing the Desktop

VIA Nano Processor: Re-inventing the Desktop The 64-bit, superscalar VIA Nano processor is specifically designed to revitalize traditional desktop PC markets, delivering truly optimized performance for the most demanding computing, entertainment and connectivity applications. The VIA Nano processor is ideally suited to this growing PC segment, where low power and performance are paramount in bringing to market products that redefine the desktop PC. Next-Generation Small Form Factor The traditional desktop PC market has is evolving in tandem with the demands of consumers who want PC designs that use less space and energy. The rise in energy costs is fueling demand for systems that typically use less than 40 watts, while the large full desktop tower is now largely considered as unacceptable. The VIA Nano processor is designed to facilitate non-intrusive, minimalist PC designs that are available at attractive price points and offer a full feature set on a par with bulkier PC systems. A Greener Desktop PC Systems based on the VIA Nano processor are excellent examples of green computing, using significantly less energy than traditional desktop PCs without sacrificing on performance or features. The next-generation power-management of VIA's uniquely efficient architecture means that VIA Nano processor-based systems consume considerably less energy, allowing for lower fuel bills and a reduced carbon footprint. Delivering the Power of the Cloud The VIA Nano processor offers a complete PC experience optimized for the most common internet-related tasks including modern cloud-based services. As the web browser becomes the primary application for most users, and access to Internet or cloud-based services becomes increasingly important, so too the desktop can be optimized to deliver these services without the added size and power consumption of traditional designs.

VIA Nano Processor Platform: Key Features 64-bit Next Generation Architecture The superscalar, speculative out-of-order 'Isaiah, architecture of the VIA Nano processor family supports a full 64-bit instruction set and provides for macro-fusion and micro-fusion functionality, and sophisticated branch prediction for greater processor efficiency and performance. Performance Efficiency The VIA Nano processor has been designed from the ground up to offer excellent thermal management properties and superb power efficiency. With the lowest power draw in the industry, the VIA Nano processor is the only 64-bit, out-of-order architecture processor suited to low power, high density applications and environments. High-Performance Computation and Media Processing A high-speed, low power VIA V4 Front Side Bus starting at 800MHz coupled with a high floating point unit, support for new SSE instructions, and two 64KB L1 caches and 1MB exclusive L2 cache with 16-way associativity offers huge gains in multimedia performance, including the latest multimedia and HD video codecs. High-Performance Floating-Point Execution The VIA Nano processor has been designed with significant emphasis on high-performance floating-point execution, using a completely new algorithm for floating-point adds that results in the lowest floating-point add latency of any x86 processor. Similarly, the floating-point multiplier has the lowest latency of any x86 processors.

VIA Nano™ Processor

VIA Nano™ Processor The first 64-bit, superscalar processors in VIA's x86 platform portfolio, VIA Nano processors have been specifically designed to revitalize traditional desktop and notebook PC markets, delivering truly optimized performance for the most demanding computing, entertainment and connectivity applications. Building on the market-leading energy efficiency of the VIA C7® processor family, the VIA Nano processor family offers as much as four times the performance within the same power range to extend VIA's performance per watt leadership, while pin compatibility with VIA C7 processors will ensure a smooth transition for OEMs and motherboard vendors, providing them with an easy upgrade path for current system or board designs. The VIA Nano processor family leverages advanced 65 nanometer process technology for the ideal blend of powerful performance and energy efficiency. Underscoring VIA's leadership in processor miniaturization, the VIA Nano processor comes with ultra compact dimensions, enabling a new generation of small form factor designs and new, smaller applications for the x86 platform. Package size: Compact VIA NanoBGA2 package (21mm x 21mm) Die size: 7.650mm x 8.275mm (63.3 square mm) VIA Nano Processor Family Processor Brand Model Number Speed VIA V4 FSB Package Type Process Technology Idle Power VIA Nano™ L2100 1.8GHz 800MHz NanoBGA2 65nm 500mW VIA Nano™ L2200 1.6GHz 800MHz NanoBGA2 65nm 200mW VIA Nano™ U2250 1.3+GHz 800MHz NanoBGA2 65nm 200mW VIA Nano™ U2225 1.3GHz 800MHz NanoBGA2 65nm 200mW VIA Nano™ U2500 1.2GHz 800MHz NanoBGA2 65nm 100mW VIA Nano™ U1700 1.0+GHz 800MHz NanoBGA2 65nm 200mW VIA Nano™ U2300 1.0GHz 533MHz NanoBGA2 65nm 100mW

Key Architectural Features 64-bit Next Generation Architecture The superscalar, speculative out-of-order 'Isaiah, architecture of the VIA Nano processor family supports a full 64-bit instruction set and provides for macro-fusion and micro-fusion functionality, and sophisticated branch prediction for greater processor efficiency and performance. High-Performance Computation and Media Processing VIA Nano processors utilize the high-speed, low power VIA V4 Front Side Bus up to 800MHz, while support for new SSE instructions and two 64KB L1 caches and 1MB exclusive L2 cache with 16-way associativity give a big boost to multimedia performance. In particular, the VIA Nano processor places significant emphasis on high-performance floating-point execution, using a completely new algorithm for floating-point adds that results in the lowest floating-point add latency of any x86 processor. Similarly, the floating-point multiplier has the lowest latency of any x86 processor. In practical terms, this means the VIA Nano processor provides exceptionally smooth play back of Blu-ray Disc™ and other HD video formats, which can have encrypted media streams of up to 40Mbps, and low latency rendering of 3D images for an excellent PC gaming experience. The following chart shows the VIA Nano processor's computational benefits over the popular VIA C7 processor: Advanced Power and Thermal Management Aggressive management of active power includes support for the new "C6" power state, Adaptive PowerSaver™ Technology, new circuit techniques and mechanisms for managing the die temperature, reducing power draw and improving thermal management. Through the above innovations in processor architecture, the VIA Nano processor is able to offer the significant performance improvements that come with the new superscalar architecture, within the same low power envelope of the VIA C7 processor. Initial production versions of the 1.0 GHz VIA Nano ULV processor will have a maximum Thermal Design Power (TDP) of just 5 watts (and an idle power of just 100mW), scaling up to 25 watts for the 1.8 GHz VIA Nano processor (500mW idle power). An increase in computational performance, coupled with maintenance of the power envelope has naturally resulted in a greatly improved performance per watt. The VIA Nano processor is easily the leading processor in terms of performance per watt on the market. Performance statistic based on overall score on OfficeBench 2007 TDP for 1.6GHz Celeron-M = 31 watts; TDP for 1.6GHz VIA Nano = 17 watts OS = Windows Vista Enterprise To find out more about the advanced thermal management of the VIA Nano processor, you can view an architectural overview here. Scalable Upgrade to VIA C7® Processor Pin-to-pin compatibility with current VIA C7 processors enables a smooth transition for OEMs and mainboard vendors, enabling them to offer a wider range of products for different markets with a single board or system design. Greener Technology In addition to full compliance with RoHS and WEEE regulations, product manufacturing will be halogen-free and lead-free at launch, helping to promote a cleaner environment and more sustainable computing. Enhanced VIA PadLock™ Security Engine The VIA Nano processor continues the VIA processor family's leadership in on-die hardware cryptographic acceleration and security features, and includes dual quantum random number generators, an AES Encryption Engine, NX bit, and SHA-1 and SHA-256 hashing. AMD Phenom Intel Core2 Intel Atom VIA C7 VIA Nano Secure Hash No No No Full SHA-1 & SHA-256 5Gb/s peak Full SHA-1 & SHA-256 5Gb/s peak Buffer Overflow NX Bit NX Bit NX Bit NX Bit NX Bit On-Die Encryption No No No Full AES en/decryption RSA acceleration CBC, CFB-M, AC, CTR modes 25Gb/s peak Full AES en/decryption RSA acceleration CBC, CFB-M, AC, CTR modes 25Gb/s peak Random Number Generation (RNG) No No No 2 Enhanced Hardware RNGs up to 12Mb/s Feeds output to SHA engine 2 Enhanced Hardware RNGs up to 12Mb/s Feeds output to SHA engine Learn more about the VIA PadLock Security Engine... Download the introductory white paper for a more in-depth look at the VIA Nano processor family