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Intel Launches Low Cost Quad-Core Mobile Processor and New Core 2 Duos

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Apr 12, 2001
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Over the weekend, Intel added five new mobile CPUs to their product line. The most notable addition is a Core 2 Quad Q9000 processor which is a quad-core processor that runs at a speed of 2.0GHz and is available for only $348 in 1000 unit lots. The cost of this quad-core chip is significantly less than its earlier counterparts. Acer has already announced a new Quad-core notebook based on the chip. Meanwhile, at least one site has suggested that Apple could do the same with a new 17" MacBook Pro model which is due for an update.

Even if Apple does not adopt this new mobile quad-core processor, Intel has also added four new dual-core options that would be suitable for either Apple's notebook or iMac product line. The new processors include a 2.53GHz, two 2.66GHz and a 2.93GHz model. Apple's current notebook offerings top out at 2.8GHz as a build-to-order option. Apple could also use these processors in the expected iMac updates.

Article Link: Intel Launches Low Cost Quad-Core Mobile Processor and New Core 2 Duos
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2008/12/30/intel-launches-low-cost-quad-core-mobile-processor-and-new-core-2-duos/
Hmm… Quad core at 2.0 GHz or dual core at 2.93 GHz. Not sure which Apple will use. Maybe both, w/ one as BTO. But I think I'll wait until Nehalem comes to the Mac before buying a new Mac.
 
So I would guess that the Macbook Pro gets refreshed in April or May with an update of 2.53 standard and 2.66 for the higher end.
 
svndmvn said:
what about slightly updated Macbooks and Pros? Still around april/may/june?
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They were the most recent lines updated, so they will probably be mid-late '09 before the next updates.

Abstract said:
For now, I'd rather have either the fastest dual core.
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+1

A fast dual core with the Nvidia chipset along with OpenCL and Grand Central should be a good combination for years to come :)
 
Ok somebody has to ask it, so it might as well be me. Quad core 2.0Ghz vs 3.06Ghz Duo? Discuss.
 
ditzy said:
Ok somebody has to ask it, so it might as well be me. Quad core 2.0Ghz vs 3.06Ghz Duo? Discuss.
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Depends on what you are using the Mac for. Video encoding, more cores will be used (if using Compressor, or other multi threaded apps). For normal use, a lot of the time, multi cores are not used to their best potential - at least until Snow Leopard comes out with Grand Central technology. So as things stand for the time being for the next 6-12 months, faster clock speeds for dual-core would be the best choice - for most people.

Given enough time for Grand Central to mature, more cores will be utilised more effectivly, so then it'll be a case of more cores the better - generally speaking. I'd expect there will be a lot of benchmarks during this time and lots of arguments... ;)
 
ditzy said:
Ok somebody has to ask it, so it might as well be me. Quad core 2.0Ghz vs 3.06Ghz Duo? Discuss.
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traditionally, unless you are doing very specific multi-core optimized tasks, it's dual 3.0ghz.

But... Snow Leopard could change that equation a bit if all the promises are true and developers take advantage of it.

arn
 
Tallest Skil said:
If you don't want a Mac Pro, you'll be waiting until Q1 2010.
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i7 mobile is due q3/4 2009, I can't see apple wanting to drag on upping it's line to i7, it's not like penryn/santa rosa transitions where the chip is still called a core2duo, it's a whole new line, that the average consumer will see and want updates quickly, as well as more technical people/
 
arn said:
traditionally, unless you are doing very specific multi-core optimized tasks, it's dual 3.0ghz.

But... Snow Leopard could change that equation a bit if all the promises are true and developers take advantage of it.

arn
Click to expand...

So basically in Leopard it's best to have 3.0Ghz Duo, in Snow Leopard it will be best to have 2.0Ghz Quad?
 
A quick look here [newegg.com] makes me think the $348 for the quad core isn't such a great deal...

I know they probably use newer technology and all, but is that still really a good deal?
 
I think it is more likely that Apple will use the rumoured 65W TDP versions of the Q8200, Q9400 and Q9550 than a mobile quad core. The mobile quad cores just can't replace the current chips being use in the iMac.
 
ditzy said:
So basically in Leopard it's best to have 3.0Ghz Duo, in Snow Leopard it will be best to have 2.0Ghz Quad?
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you just considerably over-simplified what arn posted. In leopard it's best to have a 3.0 duo unless you heavily use multi-core-aware apps. In snow leopard it will be best to have the 2.0 quad if Grand Central is as good as advertised and developers take advantage of it.
 
How are people arriving at quad core iMacs when the announcement was for a quad core processor that is slower than the current iMac offerings. :confused:
 
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