The Atom will soon have two separate cores

One of the things awaited for during the next quarter is the two core version of the Atom processors that Intel sells like hot cakes.
The first model of the genre will be the Atom 330 that will be equipped with 2 cores running at 1,6 GHz and which will consume only 8W. Even though this processor is nothing compared to the Core 2 duo, it will remain an elegant alternative in the small entry level machines or ultraportables.
However It should be noted that is no connection between these two cores. Rather than to create a specific architecture, Intel is satisfied by sticking these two cores on the same piece of silicon. In order to work together, they will have to thus forward the data using the bus system which is far from the ideal solution, in addition this Atom will be equipped with the Hyperthreading that allows it to manage 4 simultaneously threads. Thus they will have to fight to reach the data stored in memory!
The things should however be seen relatively. The goal of Intel with the Atom is to offer a product having an excellent price ratio/performances/consumption and not to compete with the remainder of the processors of the mobile range.