So I am on the verge of buying a new MacBook Pro.
My question is should I wait for Arrandale? I have being about the new chip and it looks like it could be very interesting.
From what I have read it looks like Arrandale will have a combined 32nm CPU, but also an on-package GPU that will still be manufactured using Intels 45nm process.
The on-package GPU could be very interesting, however considering Apple recently made the shift to use the nVidia chipset/GPU where would this new chip from Intel fit in the Apple lineup? Is it possible to get an Arrandale chip without the integrated GPU? From what I read it does not look likely as Intel have actually moved the memory controller of the CPU to the GPU and therefore to remove the GPU from the package would require a significant redesign and a change to the manufacturing process. (Does not seem cost effective for them).
If Apple decides to use the new Intel chip then that might mean they are also forced to use the on-package GPU (based on Intel's history of GPU's that worries me). I assume a dedicated solution from nVidia can still be used, however that does not seem like an efficient use of silicon.
Finally it looks like we might finally see Arrandale in the test labs in Q4/09, but not available at retail until Q1/10. Thats still over six months away and therefore pushes me towards making a purchase now.
I would love to hear other people thoughts? Also feel free to correct me if any of the information above is incorrect
My question is should I wait for Arrandale? I have being about the new chip and it looks like it could be very interesting.
From what I have read it looks like Arrandale will have a combined 32nm CPU, but also an on-package GPU that will still be manufactured using Intels 45nm process.
The on-package GPU could be very interesting, however considering Apple recently made the shift to use the nVidia chipset/GPU where would this new chip from Intel fit in the Apple lineup? Is it possible to get an Arrandale chip without the integrated GPU? From what I read it does not look likely as Intel have actually moved the memory controller of the CPU to the GPU and therefore to remove the GPU from the package would require a significant redesign and a change to the manufacturing process. (Does not seem cost effective for them).
If Apple decides to use the new Intel chip then that might mean they are also forced to use the on-package GPU (based on Intel's history of GPU's that worries me). I assume a dedicated solution from nVidia can still be used, however that does not seem like an efficient use of silicon.
Finally it looks like we might finally see Arrandale in the test labs in Q4/09, but not available at retail until Q1/10. Thats still over six months away and therefore pushes me towards making a purchase now.
I would love to hear other people thoughts? Also feel free to correct me if any of the information above is incorrect
