Intel Atom Z550 socket: BGA 441
The Intel Atom Z550 uses BGA 441, the 441-ball soldered package for Silverthorne handheld processors. It is a single core Bonnell SoC with two threads at 2.0 GHz and a 2.4 W TDP.
- Socket
- BGA 441
- Launched
- April 8, 2009
- Cores and threads
- 1 and 2
- Base power
- 2.4 W
- Codename
- Silverthorne
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Atom
- Clocks
- 2.0 GHz
Intel Atom Z550 specifications
| Cores | 1 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Silverthorne on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.0 GHz (no turbo) |
| Front side bus | 533 MT/s |
| Cache | 512 KB L2, no L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 2.4 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 Z550 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 Z550 is
The Intel Atom Z550 is a single core Silverthorne handheld processor from April 2009. It runs one Bonnell core with Hyper-Threading for two threads at 2.0 GHz with no turbo, backed by 512 KB of L2 cache. Power is rated at 2.4 W on a 45 nm process. The task list shows 2 W while the specification update shows 2.4 W, which is noted below.
Intel announced the Z550 alongside the Z515 as the fastest MID part with Hyper-Threading under 3 W. The front side bus runs at 533 MT/s to Poulsbo. Against the Z540 at 1.86 GHz it adds speed at the same 2.4 W.
Memory is DDR2 single channel through the companion.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Atom Z550 is soldered to the board in BGA 441 and cannot be replaced.
The Poulsbo companion pairs over the 533 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 for 2.4 W.
Upgrade paths
There is no CPU upgrade path on BGA 441 because the chip is soldered. A Z560 adds speed in the same package where offered.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Atom Z550 use?
BGA 441, the soldered 441-ball small package. The chip cannot be removed.
How are the cores of the Z550 arranged?
One Silverthorne core with Hyper-Threading for two threads at 2.0 GHz, with 512 KB of L2 cache.
What memory does the Z550 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 .