Intel launches first Extreme edition mobile processor

 

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Posted on 17 Jul 2007 at 10:28

Intel has officially unveiled the first Extreme version of its mobile dual-core processor, adopting the same branding as the firm's high-end desktop processors.

And the company said that it expected to announce quad-core versions of its mobile processors next year.

The new flagship mobile chip - the Intel Core 2 Extreme X7800 - will run at 2.6GHz per core, has 4MB of L2 cache and an 800MHz front-side bus. Intel has also removed the overspeed protection from the new processor, a feature that should have performance enthusiasts dribbling into their breakfasts.

This means end users and manufacturers will be able to tweak the new processor to make it run faster, though exactly how fast it will go is yet to be seen.

Intel is, however, playing it safe over the new capability, the list of caveats in its press release stressing that overclocking isn't really something it recommends: "Altering clock frequency and/or voltage may (i) reduce system stability and useful life of the system and processor; (ii) cause the processor and other system components to fail; (iii) cause reductions in system performance; (iv) cause additional damage; and (v) affect system data integrity. Intel has not tested, and does not warranty, the operation of the processor beyond its specifications."

Intel expects laptops with the Core 2 Extreme X7800 to appear in the next two weeks, although with an OEM cost (the cost to the laptop builder) of $851 per chip (around £418), don't expect them to be cheap.

In the same announcement, Intel also said it would "definitely" be bringing a "battery-friendly" quad-core version of its mobile processor to market, and announced a set of new desktop processors at the same time.

The new desktop processors include the firm's flagship QX6850 quad-core processor, clocked at 3.0GHz with the a new, faster, 1333MHz bus speed and 8MB of L2 cache, plus another quad core processor (the 2.66GHz Q6700, 1066MHz FSB, 8MB L2 cache), and three new Core 2 Duo processors.

Author: Jonathan Bray