Intel Launches Dual-Core and Ultra-Low Voltage Ivy Bridge Processors

[MacRumors]

The Verge reports that Intel has formally announced its next batch of Ivy Bridge processors, adding 14 new chips including four 17-watt ultra-low voltage processors that could appear in revamped MacBook Air models and several dual-core mobile chips that could be included in updated Mac mini and 13-inch MacBook Pro machines. Engadget has the full details on the new chips, which also include six new desktop processors.

Intel's four new 17-watt Ivy Bridge mobile chips likely to appear in MacBook Air update​

Intel's announcement comes in line with the previously leaked timeline that saw the first batch of quad-core desktop and mobile processors launch in late April, with the second round focused on dual-core and low-voltage chips coming in early June.

With over 25 new Ivy Bridge chips now available, Apple now appears to have a number of options to upgrade its entire Mac product line. Apple is expected to use Ivy Bridge throughout its Mac lineup with the exception of the Mac Pro, which would take advantage of Sandy Bridge E server chips released in early March should Apple choose to issue an update to that line.

Apple is expected to introduce a redesigned MacBook Pro at next month's Worldwide Developers Conference, and it seems likely that updates to other lines will come either at the same or soon after, as the new Ivy Bridge chips put Apple in a prime position to update its aging Mac lineup.

Article Link: Intel Launches Dual-Core and Ultra-Low Voltage Ivy Bridge Processors

 

[Dr McKay]

Are these better all round than Sandy-Bridge? Or just for things like integrated Graphics? Is it much of a benefit in a machine with a dedicated video card?

 

[Inakto]

Intel HD 4000 has been getting decent reviews.. should be good for MBA

 

[SmileyBlast!]

I wonder if this means that we can expect way more battery life between charges?

 

[goobot]

Is it possible for the 13 inch pro to have quad core? I remember hearing a reason but was hoping that was no longer the case after all this time.

 

[Small White Car]

In what way does the announcement of Ivy Bridge processors have anything to do with the Mac Pro either coming out or not coming out?

It's entirely unrelated.

As for me, I'm putting faith in this.

 

[MarkBubba]

Is it possible for the 13 inch pro to have quad core? I remember hearing a reason but was hoping that was no longer the case after all this time.

I HOPE so, a 13" quad core MBP with a retina display would be awesome and I'd order one immediately!!

 

[MacSince1990]

Is it possible for the 13 inch pro to have quad core? I remember hearing a reason but was hoping that was no longer the case after all this time.

No. Voltages are unchanged.

 

[azentropy]

Is it possible for the 13 inch pro to have quad core? I remember hearing a reason but was hoping that was no longer the case after all this time.

Yes it is possible as the i7-3612QM processor, released earlier, fits the current 13 MBP 35W requirements.

 

[MarkBubba]

No. Voltages are unchanged.

It has little to do with voltage, more to do with lowering the watts to cut heat.

 

[Eidorian]

Still waiting for that new laptop. It is almost June too! So we get WWDC and Windows 8 Release Preview.

No. Voltages are unchanged.

The Core i7 3612QM comes in at a cool 35W.

 

[bawbac]

Wow.
Dual Core in 2012 in Apple laptops when other manufactures are going quad or higher on their laptops.

 

[akm3]

Wow.
Dual Core in 2012 in Apple laptops when other manufactures are going quad or higher on their laptops. Image

Wow, Apple giving certain consumers what they actually need instead of chasing specs that are irrelevant to them and sacrificing size, weight and battery life to do it (the specs that ARE important to them...)

 

[3282868]

As for me, I'm putting faith in this.

Thanks for the link, I hope it's true, would be nice. A friend at Pixar who worked with Apple had a great idea for a Mac Pro redesign. A smaller form, akin to the ill-fated "cube", with processor(s), RAM, room for two SATA III HDD's, maybe 2 PCIe card slots, and Thunderbolt for connecting an external graphics box, HDD's, and one Thunderbolt cable running to your work area for HID's, display, etc. Could keep the system in a closet, etc. Would be pretty sweet.

 

[mobi]

Well timed release don't you think?

 

[Eidorian]

Well timed release don't you think?

Ivy Bridge Dual Core's delay until June has been known for some time now. Quite a few sites of ULV "previews" today.

 

[Capt Underpants]

These are going to make for some badass Macbook Air's. I'm holding off on upgrading my '07 Macbook 'til I can get a quad core MBA, though. Crossing my fingers for Haswell next year.

 

[Eidorian]

These are going to make for some badass Macbook Air's. I'm holding off on upgrading my '07 Macbook 'til I can get a quad core MBA, though. Crossing my fingers for Haswell next year.

You might be seeing a lighter, smaller (or cooler) MacBook Air instead with a SoC style ULV dual core. The PCH components will be moving at least on package if not on-die.

 

[dbit]

Are these better all round than Sandy-Bridge? Or just for things like integrated Graphics? Is it much of a benefit in a machine with a dedicated video card?

Sandy Bridge-E cpu's are still at the top of intel's desktop performance roadmap into 2013. These current ivy bridge cpu's improve performance and heat issues in mid range desktops and mobile computers, and improve integrated graphics processing.

 

[Piggie]

Are these better all round than Sandy-Bridge? Or just for things like integrated Graphics? Is it much of a benefit in a machine with a dedicated video card?

No they are worse.
Rather than use proper decent soldered on heat spreaders on the CPU's that Sandybridge has/has they are using cheap and nasty thermal compound so the chips are being found to run hotter due to the worse cooling of this change.



http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2171299/intel-admits-ivy-bridge-chips-run-hotter

http://www.geek.com/articles/chips/...-due-to-intels-thermal-paste-choice-20120514/

http://www.overclockers.com/ivy-bridge-temperatures

I guess the "Managers" thought they could save a few cents per chip by doing this, and hence ruin them

To make it even worse and even more unforgivable, it appears from one of those articles, replacing the cheap heat sink compound with a higher quality one, drops loads off the CPU temps.
Now only have they switched to compound rather than solder them on (Sandybridge) but they appear to have used really cheap and poor performing compound.



/

(Why vote this posting down, I'm only reporting FACTS, don't dislike "my post" due to Intels poor decision on how the new CPU'd are built.) Don't shoot the messenger just because you don't like the message!


/

 

[57004]

An i5 and an i7 without AES-NI?? What is intel thinking.

vPro and TXT are useless on a Mac but AES-NI can really help performance when using Firevault.

 

[Small White Car]

Logically, Apple seems less interested in updating said device. I didn't state an opinion, just an observation so I don't understand the hate ?

I didn't down-vote you so I can't really explain it either.

Also, about your friend, I have recently come to hate the old Apple cube because I am convinced that Apple would have made your friend's idea by now were there not this past failure hanging over their heads. I think Apple is sensitive to that and doesn't want to make something that reminds people of the cube. But he's right, just because it didn't work then doesn't mean it wouldn't work now.

 

[Marx55]

Where are the ULV quad-core? Intel should move to 4 nm and even nanotechnology now and wipe away ARM. The key point it TDP.

 

[Rocketman]

I presume the chips that intentionally do not support Intel AES/TXT/vPro Technology are for export.

Rocketman

 

[3282868]

I didn't down-vote you so I can't really explain it either.

Also, about your friend, I have recently come to hate the old Apple cube because I am convinced that Apple would have made your friend's idea by now were there not this past failure hanging over their heads. I think Apple is sensitive to that and doesn't want to make something that reminds people of the cube. But he's right, just because it didn't work then doesn't mean it wouldn't work now.

Thanks, I appreciate the comment, it's refreshing having civil discourse on MacRumors

Good point about the cube lol. I liked his idea's, would be interesting to see if/how Apple might implement it.