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

MacRumors · Dec 30, 2008, 11:44 AM

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

OCraised · Dec 30, 2008, 11:47 AM

Put it in the iMac!!

guzhogi · Dec 30, 2008, 11:47 AM

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.

Tallest Skil · Dec 30, 2008, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guzhogi

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.

If you don't want a Mac Pro, you'll be waiting until Q1 2010.

alexbates · Dec 30, 2008, 11:48 AM

I would love to have one on my iPhone nano!

derek1984 · Dec 30, 2008, 11:51 AM

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.

Abstract · Dec 30, 2008, 11:54 AM

For now, I'd rather have either the fastest dual core.

sk8mash · Dec 30, 2008, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tallest Skil

If you don't want a Mac Pro, you'll be waiting until Q1 2010.

The knower of all has spoken.

svndmvn · Dec 30, 2008, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tallest Skil

If you don't want a Mac Pro, you'll be waiting until Q1 2010.

what about slightly updated Macbooks and Pros? Still around april/may/june?

RemarkabLee · Dec 30, 2008, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svndmvn

what about slightly updated Macbooks and Pros? Still around april/may/june?

They were the most recent lines updated, so they will probably be mid-late '09 before the next updates.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abstract

For now, I'd rather have either the fastest dual core.

+1

A fast dual core with the Nvidia chipset along with OpenCL and Grand Central should be a good combination for years to come

ditzy · Dec 30, 2008, 12:01 PM

Ok somebody has to ask it, so it might as well be me. Quad core 2.0Ghz vs 3.06Ghz Duo? Discuss.

RemarkabLee · Dec 30, 2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ditzy

Ok somebody has to ask it, so it might as well be me. Quad core 2.0Ghz vs 3.06Ghz Duo? Discuss.

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...

arn · Dec 30, 2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ditzy

Ok somebody has to ask it, so it might as well be me. Quad core 2.0Ghz vs 3.06Ghz Duo? Discuss.

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

yetanotherdave · Dec 30, 2008, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tallest Skil

If you don't want a Mac Pro, you'll be waiting until Q1 2010.

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/

kastenbrust · Dec 30, 2008, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ditzy

Ok somebody has to ask it, so it might as well be me. Quad core 2.0Ghz vs 3.06Ghz Duo? Discuss.

The 3.06Ghz Duo is by far the superior option for a Macbook Pro at the moment, and therefore i doubt Apple will put it in their laptops

Tallest Skil · Dec 30, 2008, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk8mash

The knower of all has spoken.

Well, since mobile Nehalem chips won't go into production until Q4 2009...

ditzy · Dec 30, 2008, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arn

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

So basically in Leopard it's best to have 3.0Ghz Duo, in Snow Leopard it will be best to have 2.0Ghz Quad?

bmpwe · Dec 30, 2008, 12:11 PM

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?

talkingfuture · Dec 30, 2008, 12:11 PM

This would be great in the 17" MBP, maybe it has something to do with the delay.

Must be a shoe in for a future iMac as well.

SpaceMagic · Dec 30, 2008, 12:12 PM

Couldn't the QUAD basically go into the iMac? I thought it used mobile cores anyway. . .

ditzy · Dec 30, 2008, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpaceMagic

Couldn't the QUAD basically go into the iMac? I thought it used mobile cores anyway. . .

I suspect that it will happen, probably before it will on MBP's

fendol · Dec 30, 2008, 12:17 PM

This is a mobile CPU first and foremost. Acer is already taking the plunge and creating a new laptop with the Q9000, I wonder if Apple will follow suit. Me hopes for the 17" MBP

Umbongo · Dec 30, 2008, 12:25 PM

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.

QCassidy352 · Dec 30, 2008, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ditzy

So basically in Leopard it's best to have 3.0Ghz Duo, in Snow Leopard it will be best to have 2.0Ghz Quad?

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.

rockdog · Dec 30, 2008, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OCraised

Put it in the iMac!!

I might be wrong but I am starting to think the iMac update is going to be underwhelming for most

Dec 30, 2008, 11:44 AM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	Intel Launches Low Cost Quad-Core Mobile Processor and New Core 2 Duos 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

Dec 30, 2008, 11:48 AM	#5
alexbates macrumors 6502a Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Georgia, USA	I would love to have one on my iPhone nano! __________________ 13" 2.53GHz Unibody MacBook Pro: 250GB HD, 4GB RAM 10" MSi WIND Hackintosh: 1.6GHz Atom, 160GB HD, 2GB RAM, Leopard 10.5.7 15" 2.16GHz MacBook Pro: 320GB HD, 3GB RAM Twitter

Dec 30, 2008, 11:54 AM	#7
Abstract macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: It's classified.	For now, I'd rather have either the fastest dual core. __________________ "Oh, I've always wanted to touch Stanley," signs teacher Fran Zakoor, embracing the kids… ESPN Article, 04/09/2008

Dec 30, 2008, 12:01 PM	#11
ditzy macrumors 6502a Join Date: Sep 2007	Ok somebody has to ask it, so it might as well be me. Quad core 2.0Ghz vs 3.06Ghz Duo? Discuss. __________________ 2008 24" Alu iMac, 3.06 Ghz, 4 GB RAM 500 GB HD; 32 GB iPod touch, 8GB 3G iPhone

Dec 30, 2008, 12:11 PM	#18
bmpwe macrumors newbie Join Date: Jul 2006	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? __________________  MBP - 15" / Penryn / 2.4GHz / 4GB RAM  iPhone 3G - 16GB Nikon D90 - 50mm 1.4, Kit lense www.bmpwe.com

Dec 30, 2008, 11:47 AM	#2
OCraised macrumors newbie Join Date: Sep 2007	Put it in the iMac!!

Dec 30, 2008, 11:47 AM	#3
guzhogi macrumors 6502a Join Date: Aug 2003	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.

Dec 30, 2008, 11:51 AM	#6
derek1984 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Nov 2008	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.

Dec 30, 2008, 12:11 PM	#19
talkingfuture macrumors 6502a Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: The back of beyond.	This would be great in the 17" MBP, maybe it has something to do with the delay. Must be a shoe in for a future iMac as well. __________________ Futuristical bloggery with a twist.

Dec 30, 2008, 12:12 PM	#20
SpaceMagic macrumors 68000 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Munich, Germany	Couldn't the QUAD basically go into the iMac? I thought it used mobile cores anyway. . . __________________ MacBook 2Ghz Core2Duo, 320GB HD, 3.3GB RAM + 24" LG LCD

Dec 30, 2008, 12:17 PM	#22
fendol macrumors 6502 Join Date: Nov 2008	This is a mobile CPU first and foremost. Acer is already taking the plunge and creating a new laptop with the Q9000, I wonder if Apple will follow suit. Me hopes for the 17" MBP __________________ [...] the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do. - Steve Jobs

Dec 30, 2008, 12:25 PM	#23
Umbongo macrumors 68030 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: England	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.

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