Intel Corp. plans to introduce a version of ultra low-power Atom processor with four processing engines. The chips will likely be aimed at the so-called micro-servers, but will also likely be used in nettops or ultra-portable notebooks that require more horse-power than dual-core Atom options have to offer.

The quad-core Intel Atom processors will support ECC memory for servers along with other improvements, according to a slide (presumably from an Intel's document) published by ComputerBase web-site. The Atom chips due in 2012 will belong to a brand new family of Intel's ultra low-voltage chips code-named Saltwell that are supposed to bring performance of Atom on a new level.

Back in May, 2011, the world's largest chipmaker announced that in the following 36 months it would release three major updates for its Atom family of solutions. The first one will be code-named Saltwell and will be made using 32nm process technology; the second is currently known as Silvermont and will be manufactured using 22nm/tri-gate fabrication processor; the third major improvement of the Atom is code-named Airmont and is designed 14nm fabrication process.

With four processing engines, new memory controller and probably new graphics adapter, Intel will be able to address higher-end systems with its Atom chips. Moreover, the company's recently established mobile and communications group (MCG) division will likely help the chipmaker to better address brand new markets of consumer electronics with its Saltwell and other Atom chips.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.

Tags: Intel, Atom, 32nm, 22nm, Saltwell, Airmont, Skymont