Intel rolls out speed updates to mobile Core i5, Core i7
updated 09:10 am EDT, Mon September 27, 2010
Intel adds Core i5 580M, Core i7 640M and ULV CPUs
Intel today unveiled its second wave of 32nm notebook processors today with a refresh of its Core i5 and Core i7 lines. Full-speed, dual-core processors have been upgraded across the board; the Core i7 640M upgrades to 2.8GHz (from 2.66GHz) for $349 in bulk; the Core i5 580M moves the top i5 chip to 2.66GHz (from 2.53GHz) for $266, and the slightly detuned but same-speed Core i5 560M costs $225.
Low- and ultra-low voltage processors have also undergone similar upgrades. The relatively full-speed, 2.26GHz Core i7 660LM costs $346. Ultra low voltage models for ultraportables top out at the 1.46GHz Core i7 680UM ($317) and also include the 1.33GHz i5 560UM ($250).
All models share Turbo Boost and clock considerably higher than their regular speeds when one of the cores isn't needed. Core i5 and i7 notebook models are separated only by cache, as i7 models have 4MB of Level 2 cache while i5 versions are pared down to 3MB.
Two Celeron models, the P4600 and T3500, are available and cost $86 and $80.
Computer builders are expected to start using the faster processors almost immediately and already include Sony but should cover most others, such as Apple's MacBook Pro and Air lines as well as higher-end Dell, HP and Toshiba notebooks.
