Intel 'breaks' Moore's Law with new Atom chips

Not boosting Pineview's performance may vex customers hoping to watch HD movies or play shooter games on their netbook or net-top PCs. It's unclear how many consumers will demand HD and gaming capabilities.

Intel's bet: not many. That will help it of Intel's more powerful, pricier CPUs.

"Intel wants Atom to be successful, but not too successful," McCarron said.

For consumers demanding HD video, Intel video decoder chip as an optional add-on.