Intel Atom N280 socket: BGA 437
The Intel Atom N280 uses the BGA 437 socket. It is a 2.5 W single-core Diamondville soldered part at 1.67 GHz with Hyper-Threading and 512 KB of L2 cache for netbooks.
- Socket
- BGA 437
- Launched
- February 2009
- Cores and threads
- 1 and 2
- Base power
- 2.5 W
- Codename
- Diamondville
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Atom
- Clocks
- 1.67 GHz
Intel Atom N280 specifications
| Cores | 1 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Diamondville cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 1.67 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 512 KB L2 |
| Default TDP | 2.5 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2 through the companion chipset |
| Front side bus | 667 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 N280 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 N280 is
The Intel Atom N280 is a faster 1.67 GHz netbook single core with Hyper-Threading from February 6, 2009. It runs one Bonnell core at 1.67 GHz with no turbo, and Hyper-Threading gives 2 threads. Cache is 512 KB of L2 on a 45 nm process. Power is rated at 2.5 W on BGA 437.
The N280 refreshes the N270 with a faster 667 MT/s bus at the same power, part SLGL9 in stepping C0 at 0.9 to 1.1625 V with a locked 10x multiplier. The task list dates it to June 2008 with the N270, but processor tables and the database put retail availability in February 2009, which this page uses. The chip is soldered and cannot be replaced.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The N280 ships soldered on BGA 437 netbook 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, with up to 4 GB addressable.
A 667 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 2.5 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 netbook. The Intel Atom N270 at 1.6 GHz is the cheaper netbook option, and the Intel Atom 330 adds a second core for nettops.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Atom N280 use?
BGA 437, soldered, so it cannot be replaced or upgraded.
How many cores does the Atom N280 have?
One core and 2 threads at 1.67 GHz with 512 KB of L2 cache.
When did the Atom N280 launch?
February 2009 per processor tables; the task list groups it with the June 2008 N270 wave.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .