New Intel Atoms still lack USB 3.0 support

The new Intel Atom processors are impressive, (N2800) offering 2 cores @ 1.9GHz and 1 MB of cache of a TDP of 6.5W is pretty impressive. The integrated graphics also run of the same unit providing HD playback support and can support wireless display technology.

However, the NM10 SouthBridge on these processors is an ageing unit, no native support for USB 3.0 or SATA III 6GB/s means they will rely on third party controllers to provide such features which adds cost to the process of manufacturing computers based on these CPU’s.

AMD’s E-350 and upcoming E-450 both offer native USB 3.0 and SATA III 6GB/s support so clearly AMD now have an advantage, Intel is not planning to bring native USB 3.0 or SATA III support until some point during 2012 so until then its going to be third party controllers and higher prices.