Intel Atom Z540 socket: BGA 441
The Intel Atom Z540 uses the BGA 441 socket. It is a 2.4 W single-core Silverthorne soldered part at 1.86 GHz with Hyper-Threading and 512 KB of L2 cache, the fastest Silverthorne.
- Socket
- BGA 441
- Launched
- April 2008
- Cores and threads
- 1 and 2
- Base power
- 2.4 W
- Codename
- Silverthorne
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Atom
- Clocks
- 1.86 GHz
Intel Atom Z540 specifications
| Cores | 1 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Silverthorne cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 1.86 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 512 KB L2 |
| Default TDP | 2.4 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2 through the Poulsbo SCH companion |
| Front side bus | 533 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) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Atom Z540 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 Z540 is
The Intel Atom Z540 is the fastest Silverthorne, a 1.86 GHz mobile single core with Hyper-Threading from April 2, 2008. It runs one Bonnell core at 1.86 GHz with no turbo, and Hyper-Threading gives 2 threads. Cache is 512 KB of L2 on a 45 nm process with 47 million transistors. Power is rated at 2.4 W on BGA 441, rising toward 2.64 W on fully threaded loads.
The Z540 tops the Silverthorne line for premium mobile internet devices, pairing a 533 MT/s bus with VT-x virtualization. It is a 32-bit-only part with no Intel 64. The chip is soldered and cannot be replaced.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Z540 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 533 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 2.4 W envelope, with Enhanced SpeedStep and deep C-states trimming draw at idle.
Upgrade paths
On BGA 441 the Z540 is the ceiling and the chip is soldered, so a faster device means replacing the whole board. The Intel Atom Z530 at 1.6 GHz is the lower-power threaded option for device makers, and the Intel Atom Z520 at 1.33 GHz drops further down the line.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Atom Z540 use?
BGA 441, soldered, so it cannot be replaced or upgraded.
How many cores does the Atom Z540 have?
One core and 2 threads at 1.86 GHz with 512 KB of L2 cache.
Can the Atom Z540 be replaced?
No, the Z540 is soldered on BGA 441 with no socket upgrade path.
Sources and verification
- Intel Atom Z5xx series specification update (Intel)
- Intel microprocessor quick reference guide (Intel)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .