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Intel: MacBook Air sheds custom CPU for 45-nm Penryn "S"
We can finally bring an end to all the fuss made about the custom, 65-nm processor dusted-off special for use in the MacBook Air -- it's gone, although still available inside the Voodoo Envy if you're feeling nostalgic. Intel confirmed its replacement by the smaller, off-the-shelf, 45-nm Penryn-class 1.6GHz and 1.86GHz Intel Core 2 Duo procs which go by the product names SL9300 and SL9400, respectively. So while those clock speeds are identical to the first generation MacBook Air, the bump from 4MB to 6MB of L2 cache in the new Core 2 Duo "S" processor should give the processor access to more information, faster, while providing less drain on the battery thanks to a drop in TDP from 20W to 17W. For the record, while Intel laments the loss of Apple's laptop graphics business to NVIDIA, an Intel spokesperson says it'll "work hard to win back the business." Hmm, we talking Larrabee by any chance?
Panasonic, Renesas team to mass produce 32nm chips
We've seen some big names working on 32nm chips, and now we can add two more to the mix. According to Nikkei, Panasonic and Renesas have recently developed technology necessary to mass produce the little guys, using metal oxide film (instead of a silicon material) for the insulating layer and titanium nitride for the conducting layer. This has allowed the chips to consume less power, so the 32nm chips operate comparably to their 45nm siblings. Look for a street date sometime in 2011 -- but considering that Toshiba, IBM and others have set a target date of 2010 for their 32nm chips, and Samsung and Intel are aiming at 2009, Panny might be showing up to this party a little late.
Panasonic unveils latest UniPhier SoC for worldwide digital TVs
Further capitalizing on its new 45nm process, Panasonic unveiled a version of its UniPhier chip family meant for digital TVs capable of decoding MPEG-4 AVC and h.264 streams, and Dolby digital audio in order to meet European broadcast requirements. This design is apparently compatible with 98% of the world's digital TV standards, including Japan and US cable providers, meaning no matter where you get your next Panasonic, it'll be a MN2WS0052 inside. Sample shipments are starting any day now so we'll wait for the next refresh of Panasonic's HDTVs to see exactly what it's capable of.[Via AV Watch]
7-year old Gordy Moore travels through time, invents Penryn
Ever wonder how Intel achieved their impressive 45-nm manufacturing process behind Penryn? Twas kid's play according to a new video posted on Intel's YouTube channel. Take a bit of Core45, Hi-K, and Metal Gate. Stir it up with a pinch of Hafnium and silicon flakes and you've reinvented Intel transistors. Gordy you did it! Good Job. Video for true geeks only after the break.
Intel's mobile Penryn CPUs hitting January 6th?
Don't get us wrong, we're happy and all to see those 45nm Penryn-based desktop processors on the loose. But our jones will only be slaked when the mobile versions of those high-powered (yet low-power consuming) beasts start hitting sockets. If DailyTech has it right, then our wait ends on January 6th. That's the date when Intel will supposedly release their 2.8GHz X9000 ($851), 2.6GHz T9500 ($530), and 2.5GHz T9300 ($316) CPUs with 6MB of L2 cache. Additionally, DT expects a 2.4GHz T8300 ($241) and 2.1GHz T8100 ($209) to pop only with the cache rolled back to 3MB. We expect to see the first machines running these chips at CES with at least one other possible public release coming on January 15th. Wink wink, nudge nudge.
Alienware's Area-51 ALX CF the first to use 45nm processors
Well, that didn't take long -- just a few hours after Intel confirmed that those hot new 45nm Penryn processors are shipping, Alienware blasted out a press release announcing the Area-51 ALX CF, the first machine to use the new chips. The QX9650-equipped machines can be ordered overclocked up to 4.0GHz, and Alienware also bumped the graphics to dual CrossFire ATI Radeon HD 3870 cards. All that power won't come cheap, though -- the CF line starts at $5499.
Intel launches desktop and server-class 45nm Penryn processors: a sweet 16 indeed
Right on schedule, we've got 16 new server and high-end desktop processors based on Intel's new 45nm manufacturing and Penryn architecture. The procs all deliver more power from less juice while eliminating lead for a more eco-friendly impact over time. The QX9650 desktop proc receives the spotlight, again, as does the "world-record" setting performance of a 3.2GHz quad-core Xeon 5400 "Stoakley" proc with a 1600MHz front side bus and 12MB cache. Right, the same chip that Apple's rumored to be waiting on for their Mac Pro update. At least some of the new processors will be available today inside pre-built systems -- the rest will arrive within the next 45 days. Bulk pricing begins at $177 for the 1.86Ghz dual-core Xeon on up to $1,279 for the 3.2GHz quad-core mother. [Via Electronista]
Intel's Core 2 Extreme QX9650 review roundup confirms the 45nm Penryn hype
Intel's first 45-nm processors have just rolled off the assembly line in the form of the quad-core QX9650 desktop CPU. This 3.0GHz Yorkfield-class proc based on Intel's Penryn microarchitecture brings a 1,333MHz front side bus to Intel's Core 2 Extreme family of processors. Sounds a lot like Intel's 65-nm 3.0GHz Core 2 Extreme QX6850 Kentsfield-class processor launched in July, eh? Not so. According to benchmarks already announced by Bit-tech, Hot Hardware, PC Perspective, and more, the new processors are smokin' fast while consuming "much less" power in the process. With final thoughts like, "the new Core 2 Extreme QX9650 is simply the fastest processor for gaming, media encoding and just about anything else you could do on your PC," really, what else does the average consumer need to know? Overclockers, silencers, and enthusiasts: these links are for you:[Via I4U News] Read -- PC World review Read -- Hot Hardware review Read -- Bit-tech review Read -- PC Perspective review
Panasonic begins production of world's first 45nm circuits
While some vendors are out there blowharding their 45nm processes, Panasonic is actually doing something about it. Today, Panasonic started mass production of the world's first 45nm system LSIs. More specifically, they've started manufacturing a 45nm-based UniPhier (Universal Platform for High-quality Image Enhancing Revolution) at their new semicoductor factory in Uozu, Japan. In other words, we're due to see more powerful A/V gear from Panny capable of processing a pair of 1080p displays in parallel, H.264 encoding, symmetric multi-processing, and high-performance 3D graphics from circuitry consuming about half the power and surface area of traditional 65nm-based processes. Really, what's not to love?
IBM moves to 65nm Cell chip production
IBM announced today that it is beginning production a 65nm version of the Cell processor, which is a good bit smaller than the 90nm version used today. A smaller chip could also lower power consumption and lower production costs.This news should not, however, get your hopes up for a price drop in the near future. The PlayStation 3 continues to be a hefty loss leader for Sony, estimated to cost $840 to manufacture. Sony is also gearing up to rip the PS2 hardware out of the PS3s to help with the European launch.Historically, consoles have never seen a price drop in its first year. Will the rumored 2009 price drop, coinciding with the 45nm Cell chip, prove fruitful? It's certainly a lot more likely than seeing the console slash prices anytime soon.[Via Engadget; thanks, Michael Chomiczewski]
