MSI X340 to get Intel's CULV processors
updated 11:25 pm EST, Thu February 26, 2009
MSI X340 with Intel CULV
MSI is set to follow up its ultra-slim X320 notebook with an X340 model that will integrate Intel's new Consumer Ultra Low Voltage (CULV) processors. The notebook initially will be available with either the Celeron M 725 processor, running at 1.2GHz with 1MB of L2Cache, or the Core 2 Solo SU 3500 CPU offering a clock speed of 1.4GHz with 3MB of L2Cache.
“We expect to be one of the first with the CULV solutions," MSI’s Director of U.S. Sales Andy Tung told LAPTOP. "We tried to put the Montevina solution into this form factor, but there were potential thermal issues and battery life concerns."
The available processors will give customers a choice between higher performance with the CULV platform or improved battery life with the Atom-based variant.
“The pricing is a little bit touchy right now,” Tung said. “We expect the x340 to start at $750. That will be one of the ones using a lower end CULV processor. We expect it to go up to $999.” He also noted that the Atom-based X320 would launch with a price around $700.
The X340 models are expected to ship in the U.S. sometime in April, while two more processor options will be added to the line sometime in May, including the 1.3GHz Core 2 Solo SU2700 with 2MB of cache and the Core 2 Solo SU9600. Additional specs, such as the clock speed, have yet to be announced for the latter CPU.
