Intel Atom 230 socket: BGA 437
The Intel Atom 230 uses the BGA 437 socket. It is a 4 W single-core Diamondville soldered part at 1.6 GHz with Hyper-Threading and 512 KB of L2 cache for nettops.
- Socket
- BGA 437
- Launched
- June 2008
- Cores and threads
- 1 and 2
- Base power
- 4 W
- Codename
- Diamondville
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Atom
- Clocks
- 1.6 GHz
Intel Atom 230 specifications
| Cores | 1 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Diamondville cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 1.6 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 512 KB L2 |
| Default TDP | 4 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2 through the companion chipset |
| Front side bus | 533 MT/s |
| PCI Express | PCIe from the companion chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (companion graphics where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | BGA 437-ball (22 × 22 mm) |
| Core voltage | 0.9 to 1.1625 V |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Atom 230 needs a motherboard with a BGA 437 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 437 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 437 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 437 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 22 × 22 mm |
| Introduced | March 2009 |
| Memory | DDR2 single channel via the Poulsbo companion |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Atom 230 is
The Intel Atom 230 is a 1.6 GHz nettop single core with Hyper-Threading from June 3, 2008. It runs one Bonnell core at 1.6 GHz with no turbo, and Hyper-Threading gives 2 threads. Cache is 512 KB of L2 on a 45 nm process with 47 million transistors. Power is rated at 4 W on BGA 437.
The 230 brings Diamondville to small desktops, part SLB6Z in stepping C0 at up to 1.1625 V with a locked 12x multiplier. It pairs a 533 MT/s bus with Intel 64 support for fanless nettops, working with Intel chipsets as well as SiS companion parts. The chip is soldered and cannot be replaced.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 230 ships soldered on BGA 437 nettop boards with a companion chipset, so there is no socket upgrade and no board swap without replacing the whole machine. Display and I/O come from the companion chipset. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR2 through the companion chipset.
A 533 MT/s front side bus ties the CPU to the companion chipset. PCIe lanes hang off the chipset.
Cooling is the device maker heat spreader for the 4 W envelope, with Enhanced SpeedStep trimming draw at idle.
Upgrade paths
On BGA 437 there is no CPU upgrade path because the chip is soldered, so a faster machine means replacing the whole nettop. The Intel Atom 330 at 1.6 GHz adds a second core for nettops, and the Intel Atom N270 is the netbook equivalent.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Atom 230 use?
BGA 437, soldered, so it cannot be replaced or upgraded.
How many cores does the Atom 230 have?
One core and 2 threads at 1.6 GHz with 512 KB of L2 cache.
Can the Atom 230 be replaced?
No, the 230 is soldered on BGA 437 with no socket upgrade path.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .