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The Atom N2600 and N2800 were mobile processors used in the Cedar Trail generation of netbooks; the D2700 was a desktop-segment chip, despite its appearance in comparisons of the era’s small computers. All three are dual-core, four-thread Cedarview processors, but their clock speeds, thermal design power (TDP), memory limits, and intended system classes differ.
How the three Atom processors compare
Intel’s specifications show the N2600 and N2800 as mobile parts and the D2700 as a desktop part. Their launch quarters refer to the processors, not the retail release dates of individual computers.
| Processor | Intel segment | Launch quarter | Cores / threads | Base frequency | L2 cache | TDP | Maximum memory listed by Intel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atom N2600 | Mobile | Q4 2011 | 2 / 4 | 1.60 GHz | 1 MB | 3.5 W | 2.44 GB |
| Atom N2800 | Mobile | Q4 2011 | 2 / 4 | 1.86 GHz | 1 MB | 6.5 W | 4.88 GB |
| Atom D2700 | Desktop | Q3 2011 | 2 / 4 | 2.13 GHz | 1 MB | 10 W | 4 GB |
These values come from Intel’s ARK processor comparison and individual N2600, N2800, and D2700 specification pages. Intel lists all three as 32 nm processors with a 2.5 GT/s bus, DDR3 single-channel memory, and an FCBGA559 package.
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What the clock and TDP numbers do—and do not—tell you
The N2800’s listed base frequency is higher than the N2600’s, and the D2700’s is higher still. That comparison alone does not establish how quickly a particular computer will handle a real workload. The cited Intel pages provide specifications, not comparative benchmarks for specific systems or current applications.
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TDP is also not a direct reading of power consumed in ordinary use or a battery-life rating. Intel’s archived D2000/N2000 datasheet explains that TDP is used to design the processor’s thermal solution and is not the maximum theoretical power the processor can generate. The figures are useful for distinguishing the parts’ thermal-design classes, but they cannot predict runtime or user experience by themselves.
How Cedar Trail fit the 2012 netbook era
In December 2011, Intel announced shipment of the N2600 and N2800 as part of its Cedar Trail platform. Intel described the mobile processors as paired with the Intel NM10 Express Chipset and integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3600/3650. The company said graphics performance improved “up to 2X compared to the previous generation platform.” That is Intel’s period platform claim, not an independently established benchmark for every computer using these chips. See Intel’s December 2011 announcement.
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- Quad-Core Intel Atom x5-Z8300 Processor
- Windows 10 (32-bit)
- Intel HD graphics
- 2 GB DDR3L 1600 MHz soldered down single-channel memory
- Integrated Wireless 802.11ac (Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265)
The D2700’s desktop classification is consistent with Intel’s announcement that it would be used in NCR point-of-sale systems. That example illustrates a different intended system class; it does not mean every D2700 system was a nettop, or that the chip powered a particular netbook.
Can you upgrade an N2600 or N2800 netbook?
The processor model by itself does not establish whether a specific computer can be upgraded. Intel lists an FCBGA559 package for these processors, but package information alone is not proof of a practical, supported replacement path in a given system. Before considering a replacement, check that computer’s board specifications and service documentation for CPU compatibility and serviceability.
Rank #3
- SSE2 / Streaming SIMD Extensions 2
- SSSE3 / Supplemental Streaming SIMD Extensions 3
- SSE4 / SSE4.1 + SSE4.2 / Streaming SIMD Extensions 4
What to expect from these processors today
Intel currently lists the N2600, N2800, and D2700 as discontinued. The cited specifications do not establish performance in modern workloads, compatibility with a current operating system, battery runtime, or availability of compatible parts for any particular computer. Those questions depend on the complete system and cannot be answered from the processor’s clock speed or model name alone.
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- CPU (Included): Intel Atom C2558 Processor; Supports up to 15W TDP (Quad-Core)
- Memory: 4x 240pin DDR3-1600/1333 SODIMM Slots, ECC/Non-ECC, Max Capacity of 64GB
- Slots: 1x PCI-Express 2.0 x8 Slot, 1x PCI-Express 2.0 x4 Slot
- SATA: 2x SATA3 Ports, 4x SATA2 Ports
- Form Factor: MicroATX
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- 10 cores (6 P-cores plus 4 E-cores) and 16 threads
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- Up to 4.7 GHz unlocked. 20MB Cache
- Compatible with Intel 600-series (with potential BIOS update) and 700-series chipset-based motherboards
- PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support. DDR4 and DDR5 Memory support. RM1 thermal solution included. Discrete graphics required.
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