Upcoming Calpella platform

Knowing Intel starting prices are going to be insane...

 

On the fifth image the i7-720qm is priced at about 350$ it's not that bad if it perform as well a the core i7 it should easily outperform the the Q9100 and maybe even the 9200/9300 in calcul intensive task

 

For 9280 owners, the 6-core 130W and the 95W i7's are interesting.

 

What socket are these? P? something new?

 

You should read the first post. It's a new socket, different from P, -> rPGA socket G1

 

And the last piece of news on Clarsfield before finally hitting the market:

All that is new is the pricing and the confirmation that they will be called Core i7.


From fudzilla today:


Intel's upcoming Clarskfield mobile quad-cores will, quite literally, be some of the hottest mobile parts on the market when they show up in late September.

In the last week of September, Intel will launch three Clarskfield CPUs, and all three will proudly carry the Core i7 brand, while one will be an Extreme Edition part. All three feature Hyperthreading andDDR3 1333MHz support.

The Core i7 720QM runs at 1.6GHz and overclocks a single core to 2.80GHz with Turbo Boost. It has 6MB of cache and it will cost $364 at launch, which sounds reasonable all things considered.

The Core i7 820QM runs at 1.73GHz and Turbo Boost can push it to 3.06GHz, it has 8MB of cache and it's priced at $546. Both of hese two CPUs will end up with an immense TDP of 45W.

Core i7 920XM, the sole Extreme Edition CPU in the new series, runs at 2.0GHz, has 8MB of cache and a four digit price tag, $1,054 to be exact. Its sub-Saharan TDP is rated at 55W, and in Turbo mode you'll be able to overclock a single core to 3.2GHz.

As all three of these CPUs are very hot by mobile standards, there's a good chance they will end up being the fastest mobile 45nm parts in Intel's lineup. There's a good chance we won't see any higher clocks on mobile quads until Intel transitions to 32nm.

 

Pretty low clocks and high TDPs...meh.

 

720QM seems to be about the same price as a Q9000. I just hope the chipsets/motherboards aren't as expensive by comparison the Core 2 ones, the way they are in desktops.

I just wish we'd get some preliminary benchmarks or something to compare the new i7 stuff with the current Core 2 offerings.

Regarding the TDPs... sure they could ideally be lower, can't argue with that, but then the current Quads are 45W too so it shouldn't be a step for the worse in that regard (yes the top of the line is 55W, but I don't think the majority will shell out a grand for that anyway?). So it's hardly the end of the world Besides since some people even seem to like running a desktop i7, of all things, in a laptop... hehe.

 

If the price of mobile i7 mobo's is as high as their desktop counterparts, starting price for Calpella will be insane...'

 

One noobish question: How does the turbo speed thing work on these new chips? Will it be ok to be fully on at 2.8Ghz(720QM) in computer intensive tasks without a hiccup? And if so, why not label them as 2.8? :shrugs:

Edit: Read first page. Sorry. Figured it out now. Just one or two of the cores get 2.8. Not a nice move Intel!

 

Research more on the i7 before you diss it, imba19. 1.6GHz isn't as slow as you think. You're approaching this as if it were the Pentium 4/Pentium M days.

 

Sorry if you think I'm wrong with complaining about the 1.6ghz, but a dual core 1.8 Ghz seems medium-slow to an avid gamer such as myself.

But let's suppose that they should at least equal the existing technology therefore:

Core 2 Quad / Core i7 equivalent
Q9000 (2 Ghz) / 2.27 Ghz (1.6 Ghz i7-720QM)
Q9100 (2.1 Ghz) / 2.37 Ghz (1.73 Ghz i7-820QM)
QX9300 (2.53 Ghz) / 2.74 Ghz (2 Ghz i7-920XM)

Numbers from here.

That would make them worth buying if you have to upgrade, but until I get an exact figure on the dual core "turboing" and real world opinions, I am reserved. I am not dissing out the i7, but I expected much more in the field of frequency gain. Something like: low-budget 1.8Ghz mid-stream 2.0Ghz high-end 2.2Ghz extreme 2.4Ghz. Oh well, will wait for second generation mobile i7. Sorry for intrusion, continue.

 

Geez, have you only read an article or two about this elsewhere?

Dual-core "turboing?" The Turbo-mode can exist on ALL FOUR cores at once, as long as there is enough power/cooling to supply the chip. Of course, we're not going to know until the last week or two of the month for sure so there is no point in speculating this based on numbers.

There are other reasons besides clock-rates why the i7 will be faster. It's not just the turbo speeds. Smaller processor arcitechture, much better threading abilities, the realocation of the northbridge chip to being on the die etc, etc.

 

There are plenty of reviews of the just released Lynnfield i7s. Check out those reviews for a feel of turbo-mode.

 

Is there any solid proof from a reputable source that the Clarksfield processor will be shrunk down to 32nm next year. This is what I want my new computer to have in it.

 

There hasn't been anything concrete. Here are the only two sources that I know of that mention it.

http://www.dailytech.com/Gulftown+is+the+Flagship+of+32nm+Westmere+Line/article14227.htm
http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13657&Itemid=1

As of now, we don't know for certain there will be a 32nm mobile quad core. Although I do think its a fair bet to say they will. It is in Intel's interest to do so(they will cost less to manufacture)

 

Now that would be nice

 

I am positive there will be a 32nm mobile quad.
Just think about it.... when in February, the bulk of Intel's mobile CPUs are all going to be 32nm it just doesn't make sense for the to carry on with the 45nm quads.

Besides, the current 45nm quads can't use the 32nm C2D chipset, the 32nm Chipset is newer and better. It's more expensive for Intel to keep two platforms when they can have just one.

All in all, they will have 32nm Qauds, but just as Oiad said, not right away... June 2010 is the date for them .

 

But I get overly excited, Core i7 q820 beats qx9300 say the notebookjournal guys. The guys from germany have a complete test of Calpella with core i7 Q820M on their site. Q820 runs much faster, despite its 1.7 ghz. I presume standard clock speed won’t be the big indicator for performance in the future.

A news regarding that comes in english …

http://www.notebookjournal.de/news/mobile-core-i7-q820-beats-qx9300-1506

 

In single-threaded aplications that´s no surprise.

What i´m eager to know is how well i7 will perform in multi-threaded aplications, more importantly, will hyper-threading make a real difference?

 

More news on upcoming Arrandale...

http://www.fudzilla.com/content/view/16061/1/

"The cheapest of all Arrandale 32nm dual-core CPUs with four threads will end up at a not-so-cheap $241. The scheduled launch is Q1 2010 and this CPU runs at 1.06GHz and supports Turbo that can help it get all the way to pretty impressive 1.86GHz.

The CPU has 3MB of cache, supports DDR3 800 memory and its total TDP is at a very acceptable 18W. The graphics is still stuck at 45nm and will run at 166MHz, but with a "little bit" of Turbo it will be able to get all the way to 500MHz."

Arrandale is expected for second half of January.

 

IF there'll be 32nm quad core mobile i7, will they have the same socket as the current Clarksfield so that they will fit the NP8690? Or will there be new Clevo laptops that will be made specifically for the refreshed Clarksfields?

Also, will the refreshed Clarksfields have a new name?

Sorry, I'm a noob with processors.

 

There won´t be any 32nm quad i7 in this architecture (Nehalem). That will happen with Sandy Bridge.

 

Ok. So that means new socket, new board, new laptop?

 

The 32nm Clarksfield are coming out in Q2 2010 and they have IGP. Chances are they will not work with the current chipset. They will work with the Arrandale chipset.

 

Oh ok, and the Arrandale chipset would be the P57 right? Would that necessarily mean Clevo is planning on making another 15.6" laptop that will work with the 32nm Clarksfield?

Is it wise to wait for the 32nm Clarksfield or just take the plunge in buying a NP8690 now?

 

Yeap, that one will work with the P57.

I doubt they will release a new notebook, I think they will keep the same notebooks and just update the motherboards (remember that there are other upgrades as well like USB 3.0 and HDMI 1.4). This is how Clevo has been doing stuff for years now so I will assume they will continue to do so.

To be fair, if you get an i7 mobile now it won't be that much worse than the one coming in 6 months from now, there is always something new around the corner you know. But if you are looking for long term upgradability, yes it is better to wait for Arrandale. If you are not and you need a laptop now, then any of the W series would be fine and won't let you down in the future.

Edit:
Personally, I need to get about 2 hours of battery life out of my laptop because I often watch movies on the road or do work. This is part of the reason I opted for a P9700 in my laptop now and I can say I am very happy with it. So for me a 45W CPU as the current i7 is murder, but a 2 cores / 4 threads Arrandale with integrated graphics and 25W TDP is just beautiful (I will gladly take their top of the line Arrandale).

Edit 2:
Updated initial post

 

I doubt that Intel will release a 32nm shrink of the Clarksfield quads. Intel doesn't want users to buy up new quads until Sandy Bridge to protect Arrandale sales. Intel want users to buy the 32nm dual core Arrandales then have users sit on that until they wow the world with top shelf and entry level quads in 2011.

But if you have a source for 32nm Clarksfield, then that would be nice.

 

Phinagle was the one with the source for that.

 

Thanks for the explanation.

Though the Arrandale has very low TDP, I'm leaning towards wanting to wait for the 32nm Clarksfield. Is it really in the Sandy Bridge architecture? And is it already confirmed that they will release them 6 months from now?

As for the motherboard upgrades Clevo will potentially do, would it be possible that the motherboard upgrade of the NP8690 would contain all the new features such as USB 3.0, Bluetooth 3.0, HDMI 1.4, etc. ? Plus changing the chipset to a P57? And would that increase the overall price of the notebook?

Lastly, if the board of the NP8690 will be updated to have a P57 chipset, will it still be able to use the Intel Braidwood technology? If so, where would the flash module be inserted?

 

Does Phinagle have a link?

 

It was 4 months ago ). No, he did not post a link at that time, its all in this thread.

 

The sources from six months ago were referring to the successor to Penryn, Clarksfield, as 32nm, in which that is now inaccurate because we know that Clarksfield is 45nm.

Until someone can post a link to a source that says 32nm Clarksfield is coming out next year, I'm holding my ground on that it's not going to happen. And I deeply want someone to prove me wrong. +1 rep will be up for grabs.

 

Updated initial post, just found this:

The top Arrandale will be called Core i7 620M and will work at 2.66GHz being able to Turbo Boost one core to 3.33GHz, it has 4Mb of L3 cache and uses 1066 DDR3.
The GPU will work at 500MHz.
The overall TDP will be 35W, including the IGP.
http://www.fudzilla.com/content/view/15175/41/

 

Sandy Bridge will only come out in 2011. At that time there will be 32nm quads that obviously won´t be named Clarksfield.

 

uhh, check out Wikipedia:

Upcoming Arrandale:

i7
620M @ 2.66 GHz – 35W - 4 MB L3 – GPU @ 766 MHz - $332
640LM @ 2.13 GHz – 25W - 4 MB L3 - GPU @ 566 MHz - $332
620LM @ 2.0 GHz – 25W – 4MB L3 – GPU @ 566 Mhz - $305
640UM @ 1.2 GHz – 18W - 4MB L3 – GPU@ 500 MHz - $305
620UM @ 1.06 GHz – 18W – 4MB L3 – GPU @ 500 Mhz - $278
Core i5
540M @ 2.53 GHz – 35W – 3Mb L3 – GPU @ 766 - $257
520M @ 2.4 GHz – 35W – 3 Mb L3 – GPU@ 766 - $225

 

Ha Ha, look what I found Soviet

http://www.dailytech.com/Gulftown+is+the+Flagship+of+32nm+Westmere+Line/article14227.htm

"DailyTech has received information that Core i5 Lynnfield and Clarksfield CPUs might be replaced by quad core Westmere variants in the middle of 2010. Intel refuses to comment on unannounced products, although they did state that "additional 32nm products will follow in 2010"."

 

Those prices sound good for a dual core with IGP. It looks like Intel is just about ready to put the C2D's to rest.

Hey Blacky, remember that one Wikipedia page speculating about the QX9500, X9300, and T9950? Guess who wrote that page.

 

I have no idea, I didn't really considered it to be true as it didn't make sense at that time.

 

I'm not a subscriber to DailyTech. I find that they like jumping the gun early. I was looking forward to a link from Fudzilla. Intel's timeline is already laid out, and the 32nm products that they are referring to are the transition from Arrandale to Westmere. Westmere will only be dual core.

In short, DailyTech can go shove it. There will be no 32nm quads in 2010. As much as the next person, I really wish it were true, but so far I'm not getting any concrete evidence of that yet.

 

By the way, regarding the earlier Wiki pricing. Fuzilla reports

The lowest entrant of the Arrandale family will be 241$.

Maybe those prices will actually be lower. Mmmm, an 620M @ 2.66 GHz – 35W - 4 MB L3 or 640LM @ 2.13 GHz – 25W - 4 MB L3 - GPU @ 566 MHz look very good.


Most 2010 roadmaps still end in Q1 2010. But from my point of view, it will make sense for Intel to move to 32nm even on mobile quads, more money and better performance and it also makes a lot of sense to keep quiet about it.

Anyway, at this point I am starting to believe that the current CPUs will work with the P57 chipset as it will just upgrade the current P55. Current users of Mobile i7 won't be able to use Arrandale on P55, but I doubt they will care about any dual core given the CPUs that they already have.

 

I wrote that page for the lols and to see how gullible QX9300 and X9100 users are for a top tier Penryn refresh. I have no idea either. I guess we will never know, haha. What really had me surprised was the number of threads and posts that were made pertaining that faux speculation, both on NBR and on outside forums, especially MacRumors. I was laughing my *ss off for weeks.

 

ROFL ! 10 char

 

I have a single core, not a quad, haha.

 

I was talking in general, I've rephrased that.

 

Nevertheless, going from a single core to a quad core will be very earth shattering for me.

 

Am I correct in understanding that the mobile I7s that are out now will be significantly better than the Arrandale chips that are coming out early next year?

 

Perhaps not as significantly as an ethusiast would lead you to believe, but yes, considerably more powerful in theory. In practice, 4 cores/8 threads isn't in the least bit necessary for 90% of PC users, even gamers. i5 is the new Core 2 Duo, i7 is the new Core 2 Quad. With Hyperthreading, Arrandale/i5 is powerful for a mainstream CPU.

 

In terms of raw power, yes.

Just do a bit of math: 4*2.66 = 10.64
8 * 1.6 (lowest quad) = 12.8
or
8 * 2.4 (the extreme quad with OC)= 19.2 (almost twice as powerful and eating through your battery life like butter)

For me the 2.66 Ghz Arrandale is the perfect choice and given it has an IGP then battery life should be just as good as with a current P series, but I won't change my laptop until 2011 so for me it doesn't matter really (22nm FTW! ).

The problem that most people don't realise is that although applications support multi-threading, they are not that well optimised to distribute the work load equally to all threads. One thread may get 50%, the other 35% and the last 15%, depends how the application is written, but from what I know it is very difficult to write an application to take 100% advantage of hyper-threading although this is changing slowly. Moreover, Intel has noticed this problem and as far as I know, frequencies can vary from core to core exactly for this reason, so that each core increases its frequency proportional to its workload and as long as it does not exceed the TDP (I remember reading this from some of Intel's official documents). Bottom line is that you will notice that massive 90% difference between the i7 QX920M and the i7 620M only in some applications, while in most it may not be that big (for example in a single threaded application the i7 620M may actually win as the i7 920M boosts to 3.2 Ghz while the 620M to 3.33 Ghz)

 

I guess I just find it odd that the more powerful and larger chips are being introduced first without a revision to a smaller architecture until later next year. I would expect Arrandale to be the more powerful version of i7 but in 32nm form but instead it's just 2 cores in a smaller design.