Intel Atom Z500 socket: BGA 441
The Intel Atom Z500 uses the BGA 441 socket. It is a 0.65 W single-core Silverthorne soldered part at 800 MHz with 512 KB of L2 cache for mobile internet devices.
- Socket
- BGA 441
- Launched
- April 2008
- Cores and threads
- 1 and 1
- Base power
- 0.65 W
- Codename
- Silverthorne
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Atom
- Clocks
- 0.8 GHz
Intel Atom Z500 specifications
| Cores | 1 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 1 |
| Core architecture | Silverthorne cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 800 MHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 512 KB L2 |
| Default TDP | 0.65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2 through the Poulsbo SCH companion |
| Front side bus | 400 MT/s |
| PCI Express | PCIe from the companion chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (companion graphics where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | BGA 441-ball (13 × 14 mm) |
| Core voltage | 0.712 to 1.1 V |
| Launch price | $45 manufacturer tray price at launch |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Atom Z500 needs a motherboard with a BGA 441 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 441 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 441 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 441 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | April 2008 |
| Memory | DDR2 single channel via the Poulsbo companion |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Atom Z500 is
The Intel Atom Z500 is an ultra-low-power 800 MHz mobile single core from April 2, 2008. It runs one Bonnell core at 800 MHz with no turbo and no Hyper-Threading, so 1 core gives 1 thread. Cache is 512 KB of L2 over 56 KB of L1 on a 45 nm process with 47 million transistors. Power is rated at 0.65 W on BGA 441.
The Z500 is the lowest-power Silverthorne, part SLB6Q in stepping C0 at 0.712 to 1.1 V with a locked 8x multiplier. It is a 32-bit-only part with no Intel 64 and no VT-x, aimed at mobile internet devices where standby time matters more than speed. The chip is soldered and cannot be replaced.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Z500 ships soldered on BGA 441 boards with the Poulsbo system controller hub, so there is no socket upgrade and no board swap without replacing the whole device. 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 Poulsbo SCH companion, with up to 4 GB addressable.
A 400 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 sub-1 W envelope, with Enhanced SpeedStep and deep C-states trimming draw at idle.
Upgrade paths
On BGA 441 there is no CPU upgrade path because the chip is soldered, so a faster device means replacing the whole board. The Intel Atom Z510 at 1.1 GHz is the next Silverthorne up for device makers, and the Intel Atom Z530 at 1.6 GHz adds Hyper-Threading.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Atom Z500 use?
BGA 441, soldered, so it cannot be replaced or upgraded.
How many cores does the Atom Z500 have?
One core and 1 thread at 800 MHz with 512 KB of L2 cache.
Can the Atom Z500 be replaced?
No, the Z500 is soldered on BGA 441 with no socket upgrade path.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .