Ivy Bridge Mobile CPUs for Next MacBook Air and Pro Models Due around May

[Crunch]

Will Apple ever offer Extreme Edition Intel CPUs in a MBP (or any other mac) or is the power draw too high and performance benefit too marginal to justify the increased cost?

No and No. The current Extreme Edition Sandy Bridge CPU's are all about marketing and only offer incremental benefits (and bragging rights, of course), unless you count the just-released Sandy Bridge-E (E=Enthusiast) CPU's, which are enormous in size and will never make it into any Mac.

Take the Late-2011 MBP "refresh": The Extreme Edition chip above the 2.4 (2760QM) and 2.5GHz (2860QM) quad Core i7's is the 2.7GHz 2960XM. You not only don't get any more L3 cache (over the 2860QM) and Intel might as well have called it a 2960QM, because it's also "only" a quad core chip.

 

[ModestForumName]

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So if the architecture in the chips is getting smaller, does that mean we're using less raw material to produce them?

 

[oiuh151]

I expect the 13" MBP to be dead next refresh what with the lack of 35W quad cores unless Apple manages to pack a discrete GPU in it.

The next MacBook Pro refresh will likely stay the same thickness as the current models at the top of it to accommodate the 45W CPU and discrete GPU while tapering down to the bottom of the machine like the MBA. The optical drive removal and perhaps flash memory placed on the logic board will provide big enough spacial gains to make it possible without sacrificing the battery.

 

[Hellhammer]

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So if the architecture in the chips is getting smaller, does that mean we're using less raw material to produce them?

Not necessarily. When more cores are added (the EU count of the GPU will increase in IVB) and other additions are made, the shrink in process node is often eaten up. IVB die seems to be a bit smaller than SNB though, so in theory less raw materials will be used.

 

[Eidorian]

If I remember correctly he said they wouldn't consider it until it was supported by the chipset.

There is no reason TB and USB3 can't coexist. They are similar but not the same.

Apple was apparently more than happy to cough up the board space and money to include a Thunderbolt controller though. USB 3.0 on Panther Point will not cost them a penny more.

USB 3.0 will be included with the Intel 7 Series chipsets while Thunderbolt will be another add-on chip on the PCB.

 

[reallynotnick]

I expect the 13" MBP to be dead next refresh what with the lack of 35W quad cores unless Apple manages to pack a discrete GPU in it.

They do have 35W Quad core chips though.

 

[hyungsup]

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So if the architecture in the chips is getting smaller, does that mean we're using less raw material to produce them?

RAW material is pretty cheap anyways...
It's just sand.......

 

[oiuh151]

They do have 35W Quad core chips though.

Not according to this leaked launch lineup.

 

[Val-kyrie]

...The problem is, the leaked roadmaps have no mention of 35W quad core. It's possible that we will see one as OEM-only model, though, hence it would be missing from the roadmaps. I'm trying to get my hand on the actual roadmaps to see if VR-Zone missed anything.

I expect the 13" MBP to be dead next refresh what with the lack of 35W quad cores unless Apple manages to pack a discrete GPU in it....

There is still a sliver of hope for 35W CPUs and a 13" MBP:
(1) OEM CPUs were not listed
(2) According to VR-Zone, "Intel now offers programmable TDP on its mobile CPUs ...." This would allow Apple to lower the frequency, if need be, and as VR-Zone also speculates, "this is likely part of the reason as to why Intel has killed of the 25W TDP models."

Otherwise, this information is very troubling. Frying eggs on a MBP, anyone?

 

[emaja]

Macbook pro IS DUE FOR REDESIGN. It has been same since 2008. By 2012, it needs redesign.

What is so terrible about the current physical design that needs updating? It still looks more advanced - and better - than anything else on the market.

New internals, yes but I see no pressing and urgent need for a new casing.

 

[macbook pro i5]

I expect the 13" MBP to be dead next refresh what with the lack of 35W quad cores unless Apple manages to pack a discrete GPU in it.

The next MacBook Pro refresh will likely stay the same thickness as the current models at the top of it to accommodate the 45W CPU and discrete GPU while tapering down to the bottom of the machine like the MBA. The optical drive removal and perhaps flash memory placed on the logic board will provide big enough spacial gains to make it possible without sacrificing the battery.

+1 but flash memory would significantly cut down hard drive space wouldn't it????like as in from 750 HDD to 500 GB flash??

 

[cube]

The MBP should not be undervolted/underclocked.

 

[mcarling]

Thunderbolt and USB 3.0 will coexist. Why would Intel provide USB 3.0 support in IVB in the first place if they believed in TB? TB is their technology after all.

Unless TB technology is changed by a big hand, it will never be mainstream. Seriously, 50 bucks for a cable? And it's not only because it's new, it's the way it was designed. Both ends of the cable have a chip in them. Both devices need a separate TB chip in them. TB needs to be integrated into all SoCs like USB until it has some really use at a reasonable price.

If Apple had interest in promoting TB, then there would be some actual TB devices, not just a display and a couple ridiculously priced external HDs.

Intel and Apple have different strategic interests. The chips at the cable ends are very simple and will cost less than a dollar once the quantities ramp up. Thunderbolt is still new. For now, Apple are just trying to get as many Thunderbolt-equipped computers into the market as they can. Only once that number is high enough will Apple even consider leaning on 3rd party vendors. By that time, Apple won't need to lean on them.

 

[blue22]

USB 3.0 support is a "maybe" depending on what Apple decides...

I'm excited to see USB 3.0 in the MacBook Pro. Mainly so I can have a fast port for external drives to be shared between my PCs and Macs

I don't expect Apple to adopt USB 3.0. Increasing the network value of USB 3.0 runs counter to Apple's strategic interest in pushing Thunderbolt.

Completely agree with that last statement.

USB 3.0 in any Mac is very unlikely to be supported directly by Apple, i.e. through a visible I/O port designed exclusively to take advantage of it on the computer. However, if there is an expansion slot on any revamped MBP's then most likely one could access it there through a 3rd party device, or potentially you'd be able to use an expansion bay slot on a refreshed Mac Pro with Ivy Bridge to use USB 3.0 since it'll be natively supported by IB.

Am I also correct that it will have USB 3.0 ?

"Intel has committed to Thunderbolt support alongside USB 3.0 in the platform. "

If so, seems Apple is flip-flopping on something.... Steve definiatly stated that they would never have USB 3.0 as Thunderbolt is "next-generation".

We shall see.....

See above comment.

 

[mcarling]

What is so terrible about the current physical design that needs updating?

Getting rid of the 20th century optical brick will result in an all-new case design.

 

[cube]

Getting rid of the 20th century optical brick will result in an all-new case design.

To replace it with 21st century Blu Ray.

 

[emaja]

Getting rid of the 20th century optical brick will result in an all-new case design.

Not necessarily. Just look to the mini for proof. They just removed the slot.

Besides, there are still plenty of people who buy CDs and encode them losslessly instead of settling for sub-par offerings from the iTunes store.

 

[Fandongo]

The Performance Quad-Core chips still carry a 45W TDP so i dunno how they're going to break the laws of physics and pack that as well as a discrete GPU into an Air style frame.

Either way i doubt i'll be getting the first revision of the revamped models. Maybe the refreshed iterations in Q4...or even Haswell.

Physics Shmysics...

It's magic.

 

[rutledjw]

Nooooo!

Why May? I want January!

I will be up for a new laptop in Febuary, and the wait is killing me... my xmas wish will be that intel and apple work out an early release for IB on the new MBP

Lets sign an online petition LOL

I"m with ya. I still have my Black MacBook from, well, a REALLY long time ago. He just keeps on cranking, no complaints despite a user who travels a LOT and isn't as gentle as ought to be - despite best efforts. I'm really looking forward to an upgrade.

Although I *AM* a little nostalgic, have to admit...

 

[cube]

What is so terrible about the current physical design that needs updating? It still looks more advanced - and better - than anything else on the market.

New internals, yes but I see no pressing and urgent need for a new casing.

Other vendors know how to make quality hardware with optical drives that weighs less / has thin bezels.

 

[blue22]

Apple maximizes profits by keeping 4GB RAM standard?

I think there is a very real possibility of 8GB as a BTO option by next June. The price of both 2Gbit and 4Gbit DDR3 chips has been falling dramatically. The 2GB entry-level option will certainly go away with the next revision.

Considering that 8GB SDRAM chip pairs (2x 4GB) are selling for only $50 these days I don't see why Apple couldn't offer it as the standard configuration in the next refresh/redesign of the MBP's.

But then again I wouldn't be surprised at all if they stick with the current 4GB set-up just so they can make some extra money off those who foolishly elect to buy the RAM from Apple directly.

 

[JAT]

Completely agree with that last statement.

USB 3.0 in any Mac is very unlikely to be supported directly by Apple, i.e. through a visible I/O port designed exclusively to take advantage of it on the computer. However, if there is an expansion slot on any revamped MBP's then most likely one could access it there through a 3rd party device, or potentially you'd be able to use an expansion bay slot on a refreshed Mac Pro with Ivy Bridge to use USB 3.0 since it'll be natively supported by IB.

So...you guys think Apple will include zero keyboard ports on their computers with the next range of cpus? That makes little sense. They will have USB, and there is little sense in them adding a downgrade from the Intel chipset. They said they were not adding USB3, not that they would never include it.

It can be run through TB, also.

 

[Fandongo]

What is so terrible about the current physical design that needs updating? It still looks more advanced - and better - than anything else on the market.

New internals, yes but I see no pressing and urgent need for a new casing.

After seeing the 'shopped "Liquid Metal" MBPs, i think we all realized darker is cooler.

It still is thinner and cooler looking than anything HP + Dell, etc.
Have you ever sat at a strange angle or laid down/back while using the MBP?

The edge digs straight into your wrist.
Silly for a laptop to be uncomfortable to use in positions other than a desk.

2x sata III compliant drives.
Other than that, all i really want to see is the expresscard to port make a triumphant return to the 15"

Highly unlikely, most people stare at their SD slot as if to say "wtf?"
Making it easy for them to remove it altogether with little backlash, citing thunderbolt periphs.

Which leads to the awesome image of an 11" MBA (or 15" MBP) with a big stupid ilok USB sticking out + a big TB to expresscard adapter to a simple audio interface, still in need of external power.

 

[milo]

and go look at the Mac Pro threads. there are no CPU's and therefore nothing to update.

Not the next generation of chips but, there are higher clock speed CPUs from intel that Apple isn't using. Plus over a period more than a year, prices have dropped as well so apple could either lower prices (which they never do) or up the specs of the base models.

 

[dylin]

The MBP should not be undervolted/underclocked.

i couldnt agree more