MacBook Pro with Core i7 tested; old models low on stock?
updated 11:35 am EST, Sat February 6, 2010
Core i7 MBP could be 32pc faster
A newly discovered Geekbench test appears to have confirmed the upcoming launch of MacBook Pros running Intel's Arrandale platform. The system carries the same MacBookPro 6,1 identifier as seen in a pre-release Mac OS X 10.6.2 build and is listed as running a 2.66GHz Core i7-620M with 4GB of RAM. The processor is Intel's fastest dual-core processor and would be Apple's logical choice for a mid- to high-end MacBook Pro.
The test itself is consistent with the upgraded performance and produces a score of 5,260, or just over 32 percent faster than the better scores with a Core 2 Duo. Apple would be helped by Turbo Boost, which can clock the Core i7 as high as 3.33GHz when only one core is needed; Hyperthreading may also play a part, as the feature can at times mimic the performance of a quad-core processor. Our Core i5 iMac with a true 2.66GHz quad-core processor scored 6,547 but was also helped by its use of desktop-level parts.
The testing suggests that Apple is close to an expected refresh of its high-end portables now that Intel's Arrandale lineup is more widely available and could include the Core i5 as well. Although Intel has since claimed it was a mistake, one of its dealer newsletters alluded to a Core i5 MacBook Pro that would occupy the lower end of the range. These processors peak at 2.53GHz and have slightly less L2 cache (3MB versus 4MB) but have the same Turbo Boost and Hyperthreading features.
In addition to the new benchmarks, non-US resellers have also begun to mention tightened supply constraints. While Apple's own European online stores still show a regular 24-hour ship date, and other issues can create supply problems, third-party shortages are usually the first sign of a new model as Apple clears out stock to make room for replacement models. [via MacRumors]
Time to recall and redirect
02/06, 12:18pm reply
Who know when the production stopped, but one thing we know is that Apple will recall all existing products and redirect them to the educational channels and mark them down anywhere between $300 and $800.
Paul Huang
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 1999
Wait and See
02/06, 12:37pm reply
Read the Geekbench posting and wasn't clear if this was true. I thought that I read somewhere that MBP might bypass the Arrandale platform because of the graphic chip issue that the current MBP use. Although you do see the iCore chips appearing in the desktops it appears that the MacPro is due for an upgrade. If there are software issues between the DuoCore and iCore chips, hope that Apple and third party providers will still support the old Duo--Just bought a 17" uMBP 2.93 GHz and i was hoping to be able to keep this one for at least 5 years.
FineTunes
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2010
Once again, behind HP and Dell
02/06, 04:26pm reply
Once again, Apple is months behind Hewlett in incorporating new
chips into the laptop. And when Apple comes out with a touchscreen
quad all-in-one, everyone will think it is so AMAZING, but HP has had it
for ages. True, you do pay more -- for the Mac! But on the plus
side, you can't get a Blu-Ray on your new Mac. Less is more. Go Apple!
ggirton
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
comment title
02/06, 08:40pm reply
>>Our Core i5 iMac with a true 2.66GHz quad-core processor scored 6,547 but was also helped by its use of desktop-level parts.
Geekbench only tests cpu and memory performance. Having a faster drive or better graphics won't factor into the final result. Still, 5260 is a nice score for a dual core cpu.
revco
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2005
UCLA is ready to mark down...
02/06, 08:43pm reply
In 48 hours, the current (as of now) MacBook Pros will be marked down anywhere from $200 to $400. After Tuesday, who knows.
Paul Huang
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 1999
Re: Time to recall
02/07, 10:08am reply
Maybe Apple pulls them from the Apple stores, but you can be sure that other resellers, like Best Buy, will still be selling them for weeks to come. Partly because they're stuck with stock, and partly because they won't get new ones anytime soon.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Core i7 620M vs Core i7 820QM batter life
02/07, 02:40pm reply
The Core i7 620M should provide longer battery life based on only using 35 watts compared to the Core i7 820QM that uses 45 watts. It will be interesting to see how it stacks up in a MacBook Pro against competitor laptops from Dell and HP that are running the Core i7 820QM. In the home I have a Dell Studio 15 running Windows 7 Ultimate, Core i7 820QM, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570 and a 9 cell battery. While the Core i7 820QM on the Dell laptop offers 4 cores (8 virtual with hyperthreading) which makes it ideal for high-end applications (ie: Maya, Zbrush, video editing) the battery life is abysmal at 3 hours and 30 minutes. The battery life can be extending by turning off hyperthreading and limiting Windows 7 features and eye candy but even then the user is lucky to get 6 hours. So while I would like the additional cores for use with Maya, Mudbox and Final Cut Studio on my MacBook Pro I don't want to have to suffer with abysmal battery life when travelling. My hope is that if Apple opts for the Core i7 620M that they give customers the option of choosing between two different processors with battery life comparison. Also by providing dual GPU graphics configuration in the MacBook Pro where the user can use both or just one GPU it would help to boost the overall performance.
imagine engine
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2007