Intel shows 2.6GHz mobile Core 2 Extreme

Intel today confirmed the launch of the mobile Core 2 Extreme, its first such chip for portable systems. The chip known as the X7800 is designed for desktop replacement notebooks and other larger systems and is clocked by default at 2.6GHz at 44 watts, higher than the 2.4GHz and 35 watts of the fastest regular CPUs. While bus speed is rated at 800MHz, the processor is multiplier-unlocked, Intel says: this lets enthusiasts with access to the right tools ramp speeds even further if the notebook can handle the extra power and thermal loads.

Like the QX6850 and other processors also announced today, the X7800 should be available immediately for resellers and system builders that offer portable systems at a price of $851 per chip in batches of 1,000 chips. Intel also plans to announce a 2.8GHz chip, the X7900, later in the year and will ship its first mobile quad-core CPU in early 2008.