Intel Embedded Processors

[DallasDad]

Looking up processors on Intel's site, some are listed as "Embedded", while others are not. Does anyone have a clue what they mean by "Embedded"??
Is "embedded" better for some reason?

 

[clifford_cooley]

Hi DallasDad

Embedded mean the processor is connected to the motherboard and cannot be removed because of the lack of socket design. This is usually the case with the atom processors mounted on the ITX (small form factor) motherboards but there are others that are embedded.

 

[DallasDad]

Clifford, some of these are high performance processors. You mean if you buy a processor, it includes the mother board? There doesn't appear to be that much difference cost wise between models that specify "embedded" and those that don't.
I'm confused.

 

[clifford_cooley]

Can you link to one so I know exactly what you are referring too?

 

[DallasDad]

Can you link to one so I know exactly what you are referring too?

Sure. Here's two in particular, an i3-540 and i3-530 models. The i3-540 says embedded, the i3-530 doesn't.
http://ark.intel.com/ProductCollection.aspx?familyID=43129

 

[DallasDad]

Just to lend a bit of perspective,
the reason I'm asking is because I'm thinking about custom ordering a new computer this spring, and there are a few options available for the processor. There are a couple of processors that are somewhat similar, but one says it's embedded and the other doesn't.
Not sure about the difference in those two processors as far as the embedded thing goes.

 

[clifford_cooley]

I can only imagine those processors have a price on them for manufacturers that want to permanently mount the processors on their boards.

 

[DallasDad]

I posted in the wrong place, I should've posted the question in the Hardware thread.
Sorry about that.

Does that embedded business pose any advantage/disadvantage? Or does it make little or no difference?

 

[clifford_cooley]

I do hope I am not wrong by making this statement.
As far as standard CPU's the only difference would be the way the processor is mounted to the board

 

[pbcopter]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embedded_system

 

[Kougar]

When I've heard the term used previously, it was as Clifford had said earlier to refer to a processor hard-soldered to the motherboard.

That may have been a typo on their website, as you can buy the processor as a standalone chip just like the cheaper version. Here's both of them: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...escription=core i3&name=Processors - Desktops

 

[willmsbrg]

Just now getting to read thru this from the web page link those prices are if you buy 1 thousand processors if I read correctly...see pic~~

 

[GeorgeJetson]

Intel's website gives this definition at http://edc.intel.com/Step-by-Step/Glossary/

embedded

At Intel embedded computing refers to using Intel’s high performance platform solutions in non-traditional computing applications. In other words, embedded includes using Intel’s processor and chipsets in computing systems other than desktop, notebook, and typical server computers. Examples of embedded computing systems include gaming (such as casino lottery, arcade, and amusement games); in-vehicle infotainment (such as onboard entertainment devices in cars); retail point of sale devices (such as intelligent cash registers and ATM’s); industrial and home automation devices; energy management and control (such as smart grid technology); military, aerospace and government computing; telecommunications; medical (such as imaging, patient monitoring and portable devices); and digital signage.
Intel® Embedded architecture is the established leader in performance and innovation. Intel consistently offers a competitive roadmap of embedded products optimized for performance, power, and value with life cycle support up to 7 years. Some embedded platforms are also qualified for use conditions unique to embedded applications such as higher operating temperatures and lower power consumption. In addition Intel works within the embedded industry to drive standards-based computing systems. As a result equipment manufacturers are able to develop standards-based open architecture computing systems with lower overall costs. Developers can reduce expenses including minimizing capital and operating expenses and overall lower total cost of ownership. Platforms based on Intel® Embedded architecture enable you to simplify and standardize the IT environment and select from a broad range of industry standards-based platform solutions from multiple OEMs. Platform choices from multiple vendors provide the broadest range of innovative capabilities including support of multiple operating system environments.

 

[Digerati]

I can only imagine those processors have a price on them for manufacturers that want to permanently mount the processors on their boards.

Not sure what you mean here. As noted, these CPUs are typically used on microATX, ITX or mini ITX motherboards and are often used in home theater PCs and other computers where small size if of critical importance. Last year I built a very nice HTPC based on the ASUS ITX-220 which uses an embedded Intel Celeron 220 (which blows the doors off the Atoms, BTW).

A CPU socket takes up a lot of room and adds to the costs. Of course, you cannot upgrade the CPU, but these systems are generally special purpose and don't need upgrading. You don't need a powerful CPU for a HTPC. These systems also work great for kids computers.

 

[clifford_cooley]

Should I have quoted the post that my comment was linked to?

Sure. Here's two in particular, an i3-540 and i3-530 models. The i3-540 says embedded, the i3-530 doesn't.
http://ark.intel.com/ProductCollection.aspx?familyID=43129

I can only imagine those processors have a price on them for manufacturers that want to permanently mount the processors on their boards.

The processors within the link are sold in bulk not to mention they are also the embedded type. I was simply stating that the lower prices was probably for manufacturers to purchase cheaper in bulk for those (the ones listed within the link) permanently mounted CPU designs.