Intel plans Montevina CPU update in spring

Intel will release a significant update to its current Montevina-era Core 2 mobile processors in the spring as a final push before the switch to Core i7 technology, according to a leaked roadmap. The chipmaker is expected to launch a 3.06GHz, regular power Core 2 Duo known as the T9900 and give users an alternative to the same-speed but more power hungry Core 2 Extreme; a 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo P8800 would give users a faster, low-power (25W) alternative to the 2.53GHz model available today.

Separately, a rumor exists of a faster Core 2 Quad Q9600 that would consume regular amounts of power, though its clock speed isn't known. The series of new processors is believed to be shipping in April.

Multiple small-package Core 2 Duo chips are already known to be launching earlier in 2009, including a full performance 2.53GHz SP9600, a low voltage 2GHz SL9600 meant for systems like the MacBook Air and a sub-2GHz, ultra-low voltage SU9600 targeted at the smallest ultraportable notebooks. The company has likewise already planned a new entry-level mobile mainboard chipset known as the GM47 that will upgrade integrated graphics to the GMA 4700MHD, a functionally similar part to the GMA 4500MHD that ups the clock speed from 533MHz to 640MHz.

Pricing for the processors hasn't been set, but Intel typically phases out older equivalent models while keeping prices the same; its highest non-Extreme mobile chip is usually priced at about $530.

Filed under: computers, industry
Other story tags: Intel, Core 2, MacBook Air, Centrino 2, Montevina