Intel pushing Atom for low-power server applications

As netbooks are a dying market, Intel is increasingly pushing its Atom processor line for the low-power consumption server market. The chip giant hopes increased demand from this segment will help fill the gap created by collapsed netbook sales.

HP plans to launch Atom-based servers, and Quanta QCT, a subsidiary of Quanta Computer, recently revealed it will release an Atom-based microserver by the end of the year.

The micro-server product will adopt Atom-based processors codenamed Centerton, a CPU series specifically designed by Intel for the lower-power-consumption server market.

Compared to Intel, ARM, which has also been aggressive about the low-power-consumption server market, is at a disadvantage in the market due to its need to rely on chipmakers such as Marvell or Calxeda; however, the sources expect competition in the low-power-consumption server market to heat up in 2013 or 2014.