Intel Atom N455 socket: BGA 559
The Intel Atom N455 uses BGA 559, the 559-ball soldered package for Pineview netbook processors. It is a single core Bonnell processor with two threads at 1.667 GHz and a 6.5 W TDP with GMA3150 graphics.
- Socket
- BGA 559
- Launched
- June 1, 2010
- Cores and threads
- 1 and 2
- Base power
- 6.5 W
- Codename
- Pineview
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Atom
- Clocks
- 1.67 GHz
Intel Atom N455 specifications
| Cores | 1 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Pineview on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 1667 MHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 512 KB L2, no L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 6.5 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2-800 or DDR3-800, single channel, up to 2 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe from NM10 chipset |
| Integrated graphics | GMA3150 at 200 MHz |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FC-BGA 559 (soldered, 22 × 22 mm) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Atom N455 needs a motherboard with a BGA 559 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 559 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 559 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 559 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 22 × 22 mm |
| Introduced | December 2009 |
| Memory | DDR2-800 and DDR3-800 to 1066, single channel |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Atom N455 is
The Intel Atom N455 is a single core Pineview netbook processor on BGA 559. It runs one Bonnell core with Hyper-Threading for two threads at 1.667 GHz with no turbo, backed by 512 KB of L2 cache. Power is rated at 6.5 W on a 45 nm process. Intel lists June 1, 2010 as the launch date.
Against the N450 at the same 1.66 GHz it adds DDR3 support alongside DDR2, which lets vendors fit cheaper DDR3 modules. Against the N470 at 1.83 GHz it trails by about 160 MHz at the same 6.5 W. GMA3150 graphics at 200 MHz cover netbook displays without a discrete card.
Memory is single-channel DDR2-800 or DDR3-800 up to 2 GB fixed per design, with the NM10 companion for I/O.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Atom N455 is soldered to the board in BGA 559 and cannot be replaced. Netbook repair means board replacement.
The NM10 Express chipset pairs with Pineview over DMI, so firmware must list the exact sSpec. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide covers soldered rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is single-channel DDR2-800 or DDR3-800 up to 2 GB, fixed per design. DDR3 modules cut cost on late netbooks.
PCIe comes from the NM10 chipset rather than the CPU. Board wiring decides slot options.
Cooling is a small fan or passive spreader drawn for 6.5 W in the netbook chassis.
Upgrade paths
There is no CPU upgrade path on BGA 559 because the chip is soldered. A dual core N550 fits the same package class where the vendor offers that board, otherwise a new netbook is needed.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Atom N455 use?
BGA 559 (FC-BGA 559), the soldered 559-ball package. The chip cannot be removed.
How are the cores of the N455 arranged?
One Pineview core with Hyper-Threading for two threads at 1.667 GHz, with 512 KB of L2 cache.
What memory does the N455 need?
DDR2-800 or DDR3-800 single channel up to 2 GB, fixed per design.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .