X-bit labs

Intel Targets Embedded Systems with Shelton Chip [UPDATED].

Category: CPU

by Anton Shilov

[ 09/02/2004 | 03:53 PM ]

UPDATE: The Shelton chip appears to be based on the P6/Intel Pentium M architecture and is made using 130nm.

Intel Corp. may target low-cost low-power systems with its processor code-named Shelton, according to reports from Asian press. The new chip is said to be based on Intel Pentium M architecture and target all possible market segments demanding low-cost personal computers, including embedded systems, low-power systems and other.

Intel Shelton processor is made using Intel’s 130nm process technology and is based on the Intel Pentium M “Banias” architecture, HKEPC.com web-site reported on Thursday. The chip does not have L2 cache, unlike the majority of today’s central processing units, and works at a core-clock in the range on 1.00GHz, sources said. While the product cannot boast with really high performance compared to typical desktop central processing units, the chip is reportedly still faster compared to rivaling VIA C3 chips.

Intel Corp. has apparently also developed a special platform for the chip. According to the report, the mainboard for the Shelton is based on the i845GV core-logic and comes in micro-ITX form-factor. Intel Shelton chip is an embedded processor, which means it cannot be replaced from the mainboard, not allowing system makers or end-users to upgrade or downgrade it.

The D845GVSH mainboard reportedly promoted by Intel for the Shelton chip is based on i845GV and ICH4 chips, offers 1 Parallel ATA-33/66/100 channel, PCI slot, 1 DDR SDRAM DIMM slot and 1 FDD connector. The mainboard sports on-board audio, video and network controllers.

The web-site did not note pricing and availability details on the new Intel’s chips and mainboard.

Intel's representatives declined to comment on the Shelton product for the news-story.