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Intel's Custom Processor for MacBook Air

It's good to hear that Intel is giving Apple their attention and resources. This stands in considerable contrast to Motorola/IBM and the PPC architecture.

Apple really is becoming a force to be reckoned with, and that's also a good thing.

Just wish Apple would have put that to better use than this. Oh well, the future's always ahead of us.
 
generally when they downsize something, it runs cooler than its larger counterpart.
 
PCMag is suggesting it's a type of Penryn

"Furthermore, the processor is using a new miniaturized packaging technology, operating at 20W TDP (Thermal Design Power), according to Intel. All fingers point to Intel's latest low-voltage (not ULV) Penryn processors, announced earlier at CES 2008, but nothing has been confirmed."

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,2249835,00.asp
 
When you look at that tiny motherboard in the Air, consider that with the Xeon version of the shrunk chip. Running at lower Ghz, yes, but all other factors at full pipe. Now imagine a MB with 4 of those. That MB fits in the envelope of an X-serve HD. Now imagine a 2U blade version of that. Apple revenue squared.

Cooling issues on the server version would be real, but the compute density would be emmense as well.

All with no software changes and really minimal technology changes, given what has already been made.

Rocketman
 
andrewag said:
Intel seem to do anything to please Apple these days. It's somewhat strange...

Maybe they just want to make sure Apple don't move to AMD since Apple's brand is helping push Intel?
Click to expand...

Apple is pushing innovation to its commercial limits and Intel also benefits from that, other PC makers needs to be helped with prototypes and other stuff.
 
Already posted here :p

But yeah, it is interesting.

It cannot be a Penryn because of the cache size. I doubt it has SSE4 instructions on the die.
 
MacRumors said:


Anandtech pieces together what processor Apple is using from Intel for the new MacBook Air, and concludes that Intel did provide Apple with a custom solution to be able to launch the thin laptop.

The details of the processor technology may not be of interest to most, but that Intel would take special steps to accommodate Apple is interesting. In the past, Apple has previously gained early access to certain Intel processors for use in its Mac Pro.

Article Link
Click to expand...

Um well yes. Isn't that what was said in the Stevenote?
Didn't Mr IntelChip come on and hand Steve a specially dinky custom made processor?
What am I missing here?
 
Nice!

I'm glad that Intel is so accomodating. In the past, Apple just had to take what ever Motorolla or IBM dished out. This is great. Who in the hell rated this story negative??? :eek:
 
I wish I had a clue how hot this thing will get. Re-watching the keynote, the chip is almost dead center rear with perhaps a graphics card to the left?
I don't use these things on desks so I'm wondering.....
 
No way there's a graphics card in there

meagain said:
I wish I had a clue how hot this thing will get. Re-watching the keynote, the chip is almost dead center rear with perhaps a graphics card to the left?
I don't use these things on desks so I'm wondering.....
Click to expand...

I'm sure it has to use a chipset with onboard graphics, just like the MB and Mini.
 
Bonte said:
Apple is pushing innovation to its commercial limits and Intel also benefits from that, other PC makers needs to be helped with prototypes and other stuff.
Click to expand...

Apple makes the whole widget.
So they can work with intel to push things knowing they can make and tweaks needed to the OS or other software.

Until other PC makers take on an OS (a linux or similar) of there own then Apple is going to have a massive advantage, when dealling with suppliers who want to be seen on the lead edge.
 
exactly

""Interesting?" This is a no-brainer for Intel:

1. Apple innovates (with new more expensive, higher margin CPUs)
2. Everyone copies Apple
3. Intel sells high-margin CPUs and earnings grow."

which is why i have to chuckle at people saying that Apple paid out the *** to get this chip. intel looked and saw a partner willing to do their own share of the work and take on their own risk and likely jumped through hoops to get Apple to make this thing. they see a way to bury companies like AMD forever.

....and drag the rest of the industry into the future. kicking and screaming if need be.
 
Cooperation between Apple and Intel can be nothing but good. Each can contribute its own technical knowledge and innovative ideas.
 
Indeed, as many posters have said, one of the main reason why intel accommodates Apple is probably that Apple is currently the hottest tech company around. Look at iPhone and the manufacturer who produce the screens for it.
 
angelneo said:
Indeed, as many posters have said, one of the main reason why intel accommodates Apple is probably that Apple is currently the hottest tech company around. Look at iPhone and the manufacturer who produce the screens for it.
Click to expand...

Intel may be eyeing the iPhone on its roadmap. AMD is in the rearview mirror. Samsung may be the next speed bump.
 
Barely Warm

meagain said:
I wish I had a clue how hot this thing will get. Re-watching the keynote, the chip is almost dead center rear with perhaps a graphics card to the left?
I don't use these things on desks so I'm wondering.....
Click to expand...

I was at the show today and got to play with the new macbook air. Flipped it over to see how hot it might be -- barely warm -- and it had been running for a few hours already. One sweet little machine -- I might be in love....

cw
 
The Air is neat, but priced too closely to the 15" MBP... I'll bet it drops $200 within 3 months. In the meantime, bring out a 17" MBP with LED backlighting, swanky Air-style keyboard, and larger trackpad!
 
behold

behold the power of steve jobs and apple . . . for thine mighty eyes have never before seen such a giant wield such incredible power . . .

intel knows who butter's their bread. yes, apple is not their top customer by volume, not even close. but they are the customer who makes the biggest splash and gets everyone in the pool to notice them. making apple happy turns heads and sells chips everywhere else.
 
happydude said:
behold the power of steve jobs and apple . . . for thine mighty eyes have never before seen such a giant wield such incredible power . . .

intel knows who butter's their bread. yes, apple is not their top customer by volume, not even close. but they are the customer who makes the biggest splash and gets everyone in the pool to notice them. making apple happy turns heads and sells chips everywhere else.
Click to expand...

Naw, it's nothing like that at all. SJ just has some compromising photos of the intel CEO.
 
Question

"...mobile Penryn due out in the second half of 2008"

Really???!!! So no updates on MBP's in about 6 months??? I've been waiting like a year for these guys to update them... Couldn't be any angrier...

So, is this for real?? Anyone who know something??

Thanx
 
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