Intel Atom Z515 socket: BGA 441
The Intel Atom Z515 uses BGA 441, the 441-ball soldered package for Silverthorne handheld processors. It is a single core Bonnell SoC at 800 MHz with Burst to 1.2 GHz and a 1.4 W TDP.
- Socket
- BGA 441
- Launched
- April 8, 2009
- Cores and threads
- 1 and 1
- Base power
- 1.4 W
- Codename
- Silverthorne
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Atom
- Clocks
- 0.8 / 1.2 GHz
Intel Atom Z515 specifications
| Cores | 1 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 1 |
| Core architecture | Silverthorne on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 800 MHz base, 1.2 GHz Burst |
| Front side bus | 400 MT/s |
| Cache | 512 KB L2, no L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 1.4 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2 single channel via Poulsbo |
| PCI Express | No PCIe from CPU; expansion from Poulsbo |
| Integrated graphics | None on CPU (GMA500 via Poulsbo) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | BGA441 (soldered, 13 × 14 mm) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Atom Z515 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 Z515 is
The Intel Atom Z515 is a single core Silverthorne handheld processor from April 2009. It runs one Bonnell core at 800 MHz base with Burst Performance Technology to 1.2 GHz on demand, with no Hyper-Threading, so 1 core gives 1 thread. Cache is 512 KB of L2 on a 45 nm process. Power is rated at 1.4 W. The task list clock of 1200 MHz reflects the Burst peak.
The Z515 is the only Silverthorne in this batch with Burst instead of Hyper-Threading, which suits bursty phone tasks that idle most of the time. Intel announced it alongside the Z550 with Burst and Turbo class features. The front side bus runs at 400 MT/s to Poulsbo.
Memory is DDR2 single channel through the companion.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Atom Z515 is soldered to the board in BGA 441 and cannot be replaced.
The Poulsbo companion pairs over the 400 MT/s bus, so firmware must list the sSpec stepping. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide covers soldered rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR2 single channel through the Poulsbo companion, fixed per design.
No PCIe comes from the CPU. Expansion and display run through Poulsbo.
Cooling is passive by design. The 1.4 W envelope suits sealed phones.
Upgrade paths
There is no CPU upgrade path on BGA 441 because the chip is soldered. A Z520 adds threaded speed in the small package where offered.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Atom Z515 use?
BGA 441, the soldered 441-ball small package. The chip cannot be removed.
How are the cores of the Z515 arranged?
One Silverthorne core at 800 MHz base with Burst to 1.2 GHz and no Hyper-Threading, with 512 KB of L2 cache.
What memory does the Z515 need?
DDR2 single channel through the Poulsbo companion, fixed per design.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .