VIA Nano U2250 socket: VIA NanoBGA2

The VIA Nano U2250 uses the VIA NanoBGA2 socket. It is an 8 W soldered 65 nm single core part at 1.3 GHz with burst to 1.6 GHz and cannot be replaced.

Launched
January 2011
Cores and threads
1 and 1
Base power
8 W
Codename
CNA
Segment
Mobile (soldered)
Clocks
1.3 / 1.6 GHz

VIA Nano U2250 specifications

Cores1
Threads1
Core architectureIsaiah cores on 65 nm
Clocks1.3 GHz base, 1.6 GHz burst
Cache1 MB L2
Processor base power (TDP)8 W
Manufacturing process65 nm
Memory supportDDR2 and DDR3, single channel
VIA V4 bus800 MHz to the companion chipset
Integrated graphicsNone on package (chipset feature)
MultiplierLocked
PackagenanoBGA2 (FCBGA, 400 balls, 21 × 21 mm, soldered)

Motherboard compatibility

VIA Nano U2250 needs a motherboard with a VIA NanoBGA2 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the VIA NanoBGA2 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.

VIA NanoBGA2 at a glance

TypeBGA, 400 contacts
Package size21.0 × 21.0 mm
IntroducedMay 2008
MemoryDDR2 through the board chipset
Cooler mounting holesNot applicable (soldered)

Read the full VIA NanoBGA2 socket guide

What the Nano U2250 is

VIA Nano U2250 is a single core CNA mobile processor that VIA released in January 2011 for soldered thin boards. It runs at 1.3 GHz base with burst to 1.6 GHz where thermal headroom allows, so 1 core gives 1 thread. Cache is 1 MB of L2. Power is 8 W on 65 nm silicon.

The burst range from 13x to 16x multiplier lifts single threaded tasks above the base clock. Lenovo shipped it in the IdeaPad S12 laptop and a small IdeaCentre desktop for Windows 7 with 1080p video through the VX900 chipset. Office documents and browsing fit the budget.

There is no on-die graphics on this package. Display and I/O hang off the companion chipset over the 800 MHz V4 bus. PadLock AES ships on die.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Nano U2250 solders to VIA NanoBGA2 with 400 balls in a 21 by 21 mm footprint and cannot be moved. It stays pin compatible with Eden and C7 parts for board reuse. A faster system means a new board.

The processor talks to its companion chipset over the V4 bus. The VX900 pairing covers 1080p video with HDMI output on mini boards.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory support is DDR2 and DDR3 over a single 64 bit channel. Single channel operation is a hard limit, so size the memory once. ECC is not offered.

The V4 bus runs at 800 MHz to the companion chipset. PCIe, display and storage I/O all hang off that chip.

Cooling uses a low profile heatsink under the 8 W envelope. Fanless thin builds are the norm with chassis airflow.

Upgrade paths

There is no CPU upgrade path on soldered nanoBGA2. The U2250 cannot be removed, so more speed means a new board. A nearby fixed-clock single core reference is the U2225 class at 1.3 GHz.

A platform move means a new embedded board on a current package. Keep the old board for control duty after a wipe.

Frequently asked questions

What socket does the VIA Nano U2250 use?

It uses VIA NanoBGA2, a soldered package. The chip cannot be removed.

How is the Nano U2250 different from the U2225?

Base is 1.3 GHz with burst to 1.6 GHz instead of a fixed 1.3 GHz.

What memory does the Nano U2250 use?

DDR2 and DDR3 over a single 64 bit channel.

Can the Nano U2250 be upgraded?

No. A faster system means a new board.

Sources and verification

  1. List of VIA Nano microprocessors (Wikipedia, U2250 1.3 to 1.6 GHz 8W nanoBGA2)
  2. Lenovo Nano IdeaCentre (PCWorld, U2250 1.3 GHz, VX900, Jun 2010)

Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .