Intel reveals plans for forthcoming notebook chips

Intel Corp. has just released plans for its mobile computing platform through the second quarter of 2007, which will include a new notebook processor with an 800MHz front-side bus.

According to a report by the microchip hounds at DailyTech, the world's largest chipmaker will introduce its next-generation of its "Merom" notebook processor — the successor to the Yonah chip found in Apple Computer's current line of Intel Macs — in two waves or "refreshes."

The first is expected to appear in August as part of Intel's existing "Napa" Centrino platform. It will be based on the company's 65-nanometer process and run on a 667MHz front-side bus. Intel previously announced that it will market these chips under the "Core 2 Duo" brand.

A second refresh of the Core 2 Duo Merom chip will reportedly show up in the second quarter of 2007 as part of Santa Rosa Centrino, the successor to Intel's Napa Centrino platform. This chip is said to sport an 800MHz front-side bus and add a new socket design called "Socket P."

Merom will initially be made available in five different variants ranging from 1.66GHz dual-core to 2.33GHz dual-core. The low-end model will cost approximately $209 while the high-end 2.33GHz chip will initially fetch $637. A mid-range 2GHz model will come in just shy of $300.

The first wave of Merom chips are expected to begin making their way into Apple's high-end MacBook Pro notebooks this fall as part of a seasonal refresh just prior to the holiday shopping season.

Follow AppleInsider on Google News

37 Comments

tux kapono

said about 17 years ago

Now this is what I've long been waiting for, a true 64-bit processor to go with the existing OS it was designed for.

ascii

said about 17 years ago

"Intel partners have confirmed to us that the Merom processors will require a BIOS update for the notebook when upgrading from a Core Duo Yonah system."

So maybe iMac and Mac Mini owners won't be able to just drop them in after all?

aquatic

said about 17 years ago

What does this mean for the MacBook? When does everyone think the MacBook will have these new chips? (Core 2 Duo)

Knowing Apple they will artificially separate the MacBook Pro and MacBook, and make the MacBook wait half a year. Or perhaps not. Seems like they are updating quicker now, keeping in line with Intel. That would be awesome if they finally catch up with the rest of the industry and update more frequently, and keep up with Intel. New MacBooks in the Fall? Hmm to wait or not to wait...

hmurchison

said about 17 years ago

I think only the MBP will have merom in the initial launch. After the next refresh I see low end merom chips coming down into the MB.

Basically Apple has to keep the same clock speed or consumers get confused. Apple marketing is likely loathe to explain why a 1.66Ghz Merom is faster than a 1.83 Yonah based book. Thus they'll wait until they can get a 2Ghz or better merom at the right price and use it.

I hope the Macs don't require an update. I'd love to upgrade my mini to merom when the price is right.

I'm not overly concerned about the FSB increase either. That'll of course help memory performance but what's exciting is moving for a 3 issue core to 4 issue and doubling the L2 cache. Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet.