Intel Atom 230

The Intel Atom 230 is a single-core, dual-thread mobile processor built on Intel's 45 nm Diamondville architecture, released on June 2, 2008. With a base clock of 1600 MHz, a 4 W TDP, and a 50th-percentile standing among all CPUs in the database, it represents a low-power, entry-level part that has long since reached end-of-life. Its benchmark profile is essentially blank, the average benchmark score is 0, so its performance must be inferred from its specifications and historical context.

Who Should Consider It

The Atom 230 targets workloads that prioritize energy efficiency over raw throughput. Its single core with two threads (via Hyper-Threading) and 1.6 GHz base clock make it suitable for lightweight, sequential tasks such as basic document editing, web browsing, and simple data entry. The integrated graphics, available "on certain motherboards (Chipset feature)," enables basic display output, but it is not designed for gaming, video editing, or any graphics-intensive creation work. The 4 W TDP suggests the processor can operate in passively cooled systems or those with minimal airflow, making it a candidate for embedded applications, thin clients, or low-power home servers, provided the workload remains modest. However, the lack of any boost clock and the single physical core mean that even moderately parallel applications will see limited scaling. The mobile market segment classification reinforces its intended use in compact, battery-conscious devices rather than desktop workstations. For modern users, the 45 nm process node and 47 million transistors point to an aging design that cannot compete with contemporary chips, so it is only worth considering for legacy systems or specialized low-power projects where its exact specifications are required.

Power and Thermals

The Atom 230 is rated at a TDP of 4 W, an extremely low figure that places it in the lowest power class of processors. This thermal envelope implies that a simple heatsink or even a passive cooling solution is sufficient; no active fan is necessary under typical operating conditions. The 45 nm manufacturing process, produced by Intel, contributes to this efficiency, while the die size of 25.96 mm² and transistor count of 47 million reflect the compact, low-complexity design. The absence of a boost clock means power draw remains constant at the base frequency, simplifying thermal management. For system builders, the 4 W TDP allows for fanless enclosures, small form factors, and designs where heat dissipation is a primary constraint. The socket is Intel BGA 437, which is a ball-grid array, meaning the processor is soldered directly to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded or replaced by the user. This integration further reduces the thermal interface requirements but also limits repairability. Overall, the power and thermal profile is the Atom 230's defining characteristic: it is a part that sips energy and generates negligible heat, at the cost of computational capability.

How It Compares

The FACT PACK lists no nearest rivals for the Intel Atom 230, so direct comparisons to specific competing processors are not available. However, its percentile rank of 50 against all CPUs in the database provides a general reference point: it sits exactly at the median, meaning half of all recorded processors perform better and half perform worse. This is a neutral position, but it must be interpreted with caution because the database likely contains many modern, high-performance parts, making a 50th-percentile rank for a 2008 single-core chip surprisingly high, possibly due to the inclusion of many low-end embedded or legacy CPUs. The average benchmark score of 0 further indicates that no meaningful performance data has been recorded for this part, so any comparison based on scores is impossible. Without rival data, the only quantitative comparison is the percentile figure, which suggests a mid-tier standing in a broad historical context. In practical terms, the Atom 230 would be outclassed by virtually any multi-core processor released in the last decade, but its low power consumption gives it a niche advantage in battery- or thermally-constrained environments.

FAQ

Q: What is the socket type of the Intel Atom 230?

A: It uses the Intel BGA 437 socket, which is a ball-grid array package soldered to the motherboard.

Q: Does the Atom 230 have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, integrated graphics are available on certain motherboards as a chipset feature, but they are not part of the CPU die itself.

Q: What is the TDP of this processor?

A: The thermal design power is 4 W, making it one of the lowest-power CPUs ever produced.

Q: Is the Atom 230 still in production?

A: No, its production status is end-of-life, and it was released on June 2, 2008.

Q: How much cache does the Atom 230 have?

A: It has 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 512 KB of L2 cache per core, totaling 1 MB of combined cache.

Q: What is the part number for this processor?

A: The part number is SLB6Z.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark data for the Intel Atom 230 is essentially nonexistent. The average benchmark score is 0, which likely indicates that no standardized performance tests have been run or recorded for this part in the database. Consequently, there are no exact percentage deltas to report against any rival. The only quantitative performance indicator is the percentile rank of 50, which places the processor at the median of all CPUs in the database. This is a relative measure, not an absolute score, and it suggests that the Atom 230 performs better than half of all processors tracked, but worse than the other half. Given its release in 2008, its 1.6 GHz base clock, and single-core design, this median standing is plausible only if the database includes many other low-power or embedded parts from the same era. In the absence of rival scores, we cannot quantify how far ahead or behind it is from any specific competitor. What can be said is that the Atom 230's performance is constrained by its single physical core and lack of turbo capabilities; any workload that benefits from parallel execution will see limited gains. The 4 W TDP does not translate into high clock speeds, and the 45 nm process, while efficient for its time, is far behind modern nodes. For anyone relying on benchmark metrics, the Atom 230 is a blank slate, its performance must be extrapolated from its specifications rather than measured results.