Intel Atom N550 socket: BGA 559
The Intel Atom N550 uses BGA 559, the 559-ball soldered package for Pineview netbook processors. It is a dual core Bonnell processor with four threads at 1.5 GHz and an 8.5 W TDP with GMA3150 graphics.
- Socket
- BGA 559
- Launched
- August 23, 2010
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 4
- Base power
- 8.5 W
- Codename
- Pineview
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Atom
- Clocks
- 1.5 GHz
Intel Atom N550 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Pineview on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 1.5 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 1 MB L2 (2 × 512 KB), no L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 8.5 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3, single channel, up to 2 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe from NM10 chipset |
| Integrated graphics | GMA3150 |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FC-BGA 559 (soldered, 22 × 22 mm) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Atom N550 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 N550 is
The Intel Atom N550 is a dual core Pineview netbook processor on BGA 559. It runs two Bonnell cores with Hyper-Threading for four threads at 1.5 GHz with no turbo, backed by 2 by 512 KB of L2 cache. Power is rated at 8.5 W on a 45 nm process. Intel lists August 2010 as the launch window.
The N550 is the first dual core netbook Atom, about 64 percent faster than the single core N455 in aggregate measures per Technical City. Against single core N475 it trades lower clocks for twice the threads, which shows in multitasking. Memory is DDR3 only on this SKU, unlike the DDR2 and DDR3 N455. GMA3150 graphics cover netbook displays.
The 8.5 W envelope needs a small fan in most netbook chassis.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Atom N550 is soldered to the board in BGA 559 and cannot be replaced.
The NM10 Express chipset pairs over DMI, so firmware must list the sSpec. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide covers soldered rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is single-channel DDR3 fixed per design up to 2 GB. DDR2 modules do not fit these boards.
PCIe comes from the NM10 chipset. Board wiring decides options.
Cooling is a small fan drawn for 8.5 W.
Upgrade paths
There is no CPU upgrade path on BGA 559 because the chip is soldered. Keep the N550 where dual threads cover netbook work, and change netbooks where more speed is needed.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Atom N550 use?
BGA 559 (FC-BGA 559), the soldered 559-ball package. The chip cannot be removed.
How are the cores of the N550 arranged?
Two Pineview cores with Hyper-Threading for four threads at 1.5 GHz, with 512 KB of L2 per core.
What memory does the N550 need?
DDR3 single channel up to 2 GB, fixed per design.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .