One month after Intel debuted the desktop version of its all-new-architecture Core 2 Duo processor, the chipmaker has launched a mobile version.
The dual-core processor formerly known by the codename "Merom" (as the desktop
Core 2 Duo was "Conroe") replaces the original Core Duo in notebook PC designs
bearing Intel's Centrino Duo label, the marketing tag for laptop platforms that
combine Intel CPU, chipset, and wireless networking silicon.
Intel Core 2 Duo processors have two processing cores ? or computing ?brains? ?
that can handle multiple tasks in less time while consuming less power. These
processors also deliver improved performance for videos, gaming and multimedia
activities ? especially when running multiple applications simultaneously.
The mobile Core 2 Duos combine support for Intel's virtualization, IT management,
and EM64T technologies with Advanced Smart Cache -- Level 2 cache shared by and
dynamically allocated to the twin processor cores -- and Wide Dynamic Execution
that lets each core handle as many as four instructions at once. The main
difference between the 65-nanometer-process product lines is that the mobile CPUs
feature a 667MHz front-side bus and more battery-friendly thermal design power of
34 watts (three more than the Core Duo), versus Conroe's 1066MHz bus and 65 watts.
Laptops based on Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology with the Intel Core 2 Duo
processor also include the current Intel 945 Express chipset family and the Intel
PRO/Wireless 3945ABG network connection.
Intel Viiv technology-based entertainment PCs with the Intel Core 2 Duo processor,
which started shipping earlier this month, also include the new Intel 965 Express
Chipset family with support for high-definition playback and up to 7.1 surround
sound.
Mobile Core 2 Duo processors with 2MB of Level 2 cache include the 1.66GHz model
T5500 and 1.83GHz model T5600, with 1,000-unit OEM prices of $209 and $241,
respectively. Processors with 4MB of L2 cache are the Mobile Core 2 Duo T7200
(2.0GHz), T7400 (2.16GHz), and T7600 (2.33GHz), with respective prices of $294,
$423, and $637.
Laptop vendors are racing to deliver systems using the new CPUs. Dell is selling
Core 2 Duo versions of its XPS M1210, M1710, and M2010, Inspiron E1705, and
Precision M65 and M90 portables, with more Inspiron and Latitude models coming
next week. Eight Gateway business and consumer notebooks will offer Core 2 Duo
configurations starting at $1,000 starting August 31. Velocity Micro's 6-pound,
15.4-inch-screened NoteMagix L80 Ultra starts at $1,695. The Toshiba Qosmio
G35-AV660 pairs the Core 2 Duo T7200 with a 17-inch LCD, Nvidia GeForce Go 7600
graphics, and DVD±RW and HD DVD-ROM drives for $3,500. Alienware offers Merom
systems with 14.1-, 15.4-, and 17-inch screens.
New High-End Server Processors
Intel has also revealed today eight new Dual-Core Intel Xeon 7100 series
processors designed for multi-processor servers. Previously codenamed ?Tulsa,? the
Dual-Core Intel Xeon processor 7100 series promise top performance and
reliability. The processor family also includes ower-power, 95 watt options that
reduce associated energy costs.
The Dual-Core Intel Xeon 7100 processor series offers up to twice the performance
and nearly three times better performance per watt over previous Intel Xeon MP
processors. These processors are also socket compatible with the currently
shipping platform.
Using the SPECjbb 2005 benchmark, the Fujitsu-Siemens PRIMERGY RX630 S3 server
based on the Dual-Core Intel Xeon 7140M processor broke the previous record with a
score of 178,201 business operations per second, accoding to Intel.
Servers based on the Dual-Core Xeon 7100 series processors are expected to be
available from more than 40 system manufacturers worldwide starting today.
Built on Intel?s 65nm manufacturing process, the Dual-Core Intel Xeon 7100 series
processors boast more than 1.3 billion transistors and 16MB of shared cache in an
innovative architecture that features Intel Cache Safe Technology. Systems scaling
to 32 processors will be available.
The Dual-Core Intel Xeon Processor 7100 series feature Intel Virtualization
Technology (originally introduced last year) that can help lower the total cost of
ownership by assisting with consolidation of different software applications.
The Dual-Core Intel Xeon Processor 7100 series is compatible with the existing
Intel E8501 chipset that was introduced last year and designed for dual-core
processors. The 95 watt dual core option offers up to 40 percent less power
consumption than the previous generation processor, providing increased power
efficiency and lower energy costs.
The Dual-Core Intel Xeon 7140M 3.40GHz 16MB 800MHz as well as the Dual-Core Intel
Xeon 7140N processor 3.33GHz 16MB 667MHz cost $1,980.00. The Dual-Core Intel Xeon
7130M processor 3.20GHz 8MB 800MHz and the Dual-Core Intel Xeon 7130N processor
3.16GHz 8MB 667MHz are available for $1,391.00. The Dual-Core Intel Xeon 7120M
processor (3.GHz 4Mb 800MHz) and the Dual-Core Intel Xeon 7120N processor
(3.GHz 4MB 667MHz) are available for $1,177.00. Last, the Dual-Core Intel Xeon
7110M processor 2.60GHz 4MB 800MHz and the Dual-Core Intel Xeon 7110N processor
2.50GHz 4MB 667MHz cost $856.00.