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Rumor: Intel's Core i5 to show up in MacBook Pros this month
Spanish website faq-mac.com had an interesting tidbit this morning. As seen in the screenshot from the site, an Intel Retail Edge program email showed a giveaway for a MacBook Pro. While that's not unusual -- a MacBook Pro makes a great prize for any contest -- the email showed that the MacBook Pros in question were equipped with Intel Core i5 processors. Existing MacBook Pro models use Intel's Core 2 Duo processors. A loose translation of the pertinent section of the email shown above says: January prize draw: Win a MacBook Pro Increase sales this month and have two opportunities to win a MacBook Pro equipped with the accelerated response offered by the Intel Core i5 processor. A MacBook Pro with a Core i5 processor would have substantially better performance than the Core 2 Duo-based model, while not reducing battery life. While no date has been announced by Apple for the release of a new MacBook Pro, there's a possibility that such a device could be announced at the rumored January 27th media event. [via The Mac Observer]
NEC's new Mate ME desktop is 30% more efficient, 75% more recyclable, 100% less flammable
There comes a time when you have to stop chasing performance and start making good for the environmental damage you've caused -- or do you? NEC's latest Mate desktop offers 30% boosted efficiency over previous models despite offering better performance with Core i5 or i7 processors, consuming just 23 watts thanks to a redesigned motherboard and the use of SSD. It also features greater use of recyclable components and a shell composed of environmentally friendly yet flame-retardant plastic -- important when your power supplies have been known for their explosive personalities. NEC is also announcing the new VersaPro VD laptop (pictured after the break), similarly equipped with Intel's latest, and offering a new software tool for tracking energy consumption to "increase user awareness of energy saving." Knowing is half the battle, friends.
Lenovo ThinkPad T410s, T510 and W510 now sniffing for your wallets
Lenovo's just reminded us that there's still a world outside CES -- their recently-announced ThinkPad T410s, T510 and W510 are now available for on-line ordering. If you're up for some of that Core i5 / i7 action, prices start from $1,389, $999 and $1,599 respectively, but hey, save some money for the rest of 2010, OK? Your dog needs it.
Intel Core i5 and Core i3 desktop parts start shipping
Like the well-oiled global superpower that it is, Intel has performed a smooth and immediate transition from the announcement of its new 32nm CPUs to actual chips hitting shelves. Newegg has stock of the Core i5-670 (3.46GHz), i5-660 (3.33GHz), and i5-650 (3.2GHz), all of which come with 4MB of cache and that ultra-efficient power profile we drooled over not too long ago. There's also the i5-661 (which sucks up a bit more juice but has higher integrated GPU clock speeds) as well as a pair of Core i3 options. Hit up our Clarkdale review roundup here for a handy guide to distinguishing between all these. [Thanks, Keenan]
HP dv4i leaks out: it's a $799 dv4 with a Core i5
Not sure why HP didn't announce this Core i5-powered dv4i with the rest of its CES laptops, but hey -- we didn't get an official announce of that slate last night either, so maybe HP just hates interesting things. Anyway, it's a dv4 with a Core i5, 2GB of DD3 RAM, ATI Mobility 4550 graphics powering a 1280x800 14-inch display, and an optional Blu-ray drive for $799, so yeah, we'd really want one if it didn't have the same terrible chrome trackpad as the rest of the dv line. Swing and a miss. [Thanks, Billy]
Dell Inspiron 15 (with Core i5) hands-on
We just spent a little time with Dell's updated Inspiron 15 Core i5 which were introduced earlier today. As far as looks go -- well, they're Dells, and not much has changed from previous iterations. Of course, it's what inside that counts here, so while you might not go through the roof over their aesthetics, if it's power you seek (of course it is), you'll be happy to hear that this dude is no slouches in that department. Yes, it's seriously fingerprint-prone, though we spied a matte brown option that should take care of that problem if you're seriously offended by it. You can also get the Studio 17 (you guessed it, a 17-incher) if you really need a beast. Both models we got a look at featured Intel's just-unveiled Mobile Core i5 processors, (Core i3s are also available but are "coming soon" at this time). Prices for these bad boys start at $849 for the Studio 15 and $949 for the 17-incher. Gallery is after the break.
HP updates Envy 13 and Envy 15 laptops, lowers prices significantly
HP's Envy lineup was introduced way back in the dark ages of last decade, so it's clearly due for a significant update. In all seriousness, the refresh that popped up today for both rigs probably has a lot more to do with Intel's Arrandale unveiling than anything else, but whatever the case, we'll take it. The Envy 15 now starts at just $1,299.99 (down from $1,699.99), and it includes Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit), a 2.4GHz Core i5-520M processor, 4GB of DDR3 memory and a downright delicious 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5830. The 13-incher has seen its base price lowered by $300 to just $1,499.99, with specs now including a 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo SL9300, an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330 (512MB) and a 4-cell battery. Both models can be customized right now, but you should probably wait 'til CES concludes before making any rash decisions about the here and now. [Thanks, Sean]
Dell's Inspiron 14, 15 and 17 get Mobile Core i3 / Core i5
You're wildest mid-range dreams are all coming true, and you've got Dell and Intel to thank. Announced today alongside a bevy of other new life-altering products, the Round Rock powerhouse has announced that Intel's new Arrandale chips (that's the Mobile Core i3 and Mobile Core i5, if you're unaware) are available in the trio, and all three machines are available to order starting today if you're scouting the i5. As for the i3? This will be available later in the month starting at $569.
Intel Core presser: 32nm Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 CPUs (update: video!)
Intel has just concluded its first CES press event of 2010, dedicated to "announcing" the already well known Arrandale and Clarkdale CPUs. They will be part of Intel's planned 27 total SKUs coming in 2010, including four varieties of Core i3, eight Core i5s, and five Core i7 models. We were treated to a demo showing off a Core i5 laptop CPU running a 1080p video with another video stream overlaid on top of it with a measly 10% CPU usage. Dragon Age: Origins was also used to demonstrate the graphics capabilities of the GPU (integrated into the CPU packaging with these new procs), though the jittery frame rate suggested that sticking to Bejewelled might be a better idea without discrete graphics. Mia Hamm was brought out to do a bit of exercising and to provide us with an analogy for Intel's built-in Turbo Boost tech, which is said to work as naturally and as smoothly as the human heart rate increasing when necessary. Scanning the sheet of new mobile CPUs (available after the break), we notice that the presently popular Core i5-520M ($225 when bought in bulk) and Core i3-330M (unlisted) appear to be the most affordable on deck, with the more powerful Core i7-620M (up to 3.33GHz with Turbo Boost) and ULV Core i7-640UM (up to 2.26GHz) likely to attract the most attention from those who don't like compromise. The i7-640UM fits within an 18W maximum TDP, while the majority of the line will be at 35W, with 25W low-voltage options available too. Intel was keen to remind us this includes the 10W "extra" juice consumed by the chipset and graphics which are obviated by the new integrated design. Paul Otellini has managed to keep some announcements out of Shaun Maloney's hands, we were told, which means this afternoon's keynote (7.30PM EST) from the CEO may have some stuff we've not yet seen. Not entirely likely, but we can always hope. At least now that this is over, we can start prowling the Las Vegas Convention Center and delivering you hands-on impressions of all the new gear coming out with the new 32nm CPUs. Update: we've added a video of the Core i5 vs Core 2 Duo after the break. %Gallery-81982%
Acer rolls out new budget-focused Core i3 and Core i5 Aspire laptops
Those Intel Core i3 and Core i5 mobile processors we've been hearing about for quite awhile now are finally finding a home, and one of their first stops is Acer's Aspire lineup. Notoriously known as solid performing and affordable rigs, both the new 15.6-inch Aspire AS5740 and 17-inch Aspire AS7740 will start at under $800. Not too shabby considering the $750 AS7740 configuration includes a 2.14GHz Intel Core i3-330M CPU, 4GB of RAM, Windows 7 Home Premium and a Blu-ray drive. While the $750 AS5740 doesn't have Blu-ray, its got a 2.2GHz Intel Core i5-430M processor, 4GB of RAM, and discrete ATI graphics. Acer will offer lots of variations on the specs, but at the end of the day these guys are talking performance and a price we can get behind.
Intel's Arrandale and Clarkdale CPUs get benchmarked for your enjoyment
Whoa, Nelly! Just weeks after Intel came clean with its new Pine Trial nettop and netbook platform, the company is today cutting loose with a few more. This go 'round, we've got the 32nm Arrandale (which consists of the Core i5 Mobile and Core i3 Mobile) heading for the laptops and the 32nm Clarkdale chips over on the desktop front. Starting with the former, most reviews found the CPU + GPU solution to be faster than rivaling Core 2 Duo + integrated GPU options, with the Core i5 being particularly potent in highly threaded applications. Better still, battery life didn't seem to take a hit even with the extra performance, though high-end, high-res gaming was still a lesson in futility when working without a discrete graphics card. Overall, the chip was a welcome addition to the fold, but we got the feeling that the first wave was priced too high and offered too little of a performance increase on the gaming side to really warrant a wholehearted recommendation. As for the Clarkdale? The Core i5 661 that everyone seemed to snag was found to be blisteringly fast, with most folks deeming it the outright champion in the dual-core realm. Unfortunately, the integrated GPU was -- again -- not awesome for hardcore gaming, and the questionable pricing didn't exactly thrill some critics. Do yourself a favor and dig into the benchmarks below -- we get the feeling we'll be seeing oodles of machines hit the wires this week with these chips within. Update: Check out the Arrandale in action after the break! Arrandale reviews Read - HotHardware Read - AnandTech Read - Tom's Hardware Read - PCPerspective Read - Legit Reviews Clarkdale reviews Read - NeoSeeker Read - HotHardware Read - HardOCP Read - TechSpot Read - MissingRemote Read - AnandTech Read - PCPerspective Read - Legion Hardware Read - Overclockers Club Read - Bit-tech
Sony Vaio Y11, S11 and F11 leaked ahead of launch, Z and CW series refreshed
It appears that the Vaio T's return is only the tip of a giant iceberg of refreshes coming out from Sony HQ this month. Greek e-tailer Compuland has a trio of new models listed -- seemingly prematurely -- for sale: the Vaio Y11 (pictured) is a relatively standard 1.3GHz Core 2 Duo SU7300 machine with 4GB of DDR3 memory and 320GB of storage, and its nomenclature seems to fit given that its specs land somewhere between the underpowered X and fully-equipped Z series. Speaking of the latter, Sony is adding a Core i5-520M to its refreshed Z line, as well as to the new 16-inch F11 model which adds a half terabyte storage drive just for kicks. The lesser Core i3-330M Arrandale chip finds a home in the new 13-inch S11 laptop, which may or may not be replacing the SR series we know and love, as well as a freshened up CW number. Hit the read links for early pricing and more details, and if you hope really hard maybe we'll get proper announcements from the official channels some time soon. [Thanks, SpaceCowboy1973 and Al] Read - Compuland (VPCY11S1E) Read - Compuland (VPCF11M1E) Read - Compuland (VPCS11X9E) Read - Laptopshop.nl (VPCZ11X9E) Read - Laptopshop.nl ( VPCCW2S1E)
ASUS prepping 17.3-inch Core i5-powered X77 gaming laptop?
Details are still fuzzy at best, but word on the street has it that ASUS is preparing to unveil a new mobile gaming rig in short order. The biggest news is the powerhouse within: it'll purportedly be based on Intel's dual-core Core i5-430M processor. In addition to that, the rumored GPU will be a potent ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730, which is likely to feature DDR3 memory. You'll also find a pair of 500GB hard drives, 4GB of RAM, an eSATA and HDMI port and a 1,600 x 900 LED panel that spans 17.3-inches diagonally. There's no official availability or pricing information to speak of, but Fudzilla is reporting that it should show up in just a few weeks for around€1,000 ($1,435). [Thanks, Karl]
Intel Core i3, mobile Core i5 processors coming January 7
Intel's Arrandale chips haven't been the best-kept secret around, and today Chipzilla made 'em official: the Core i3 and mobile Core i5 will launch on January 7, and we'd guess a bunch of new machines come along for the ride. Although the desktop Lynnfield Core i5 is a quad-core, both the new Core i3 and mobile Core i5 are dual-core -- and in a first for Intel, both of the new chips have an integrated GPU core that's being branded "Intel HD Graphics." The new GPU is supposedly good enough for "high-end" HTPC use, but manufacturers can add switchable discrete GPUs, so don't fret too much. Both Arrandale chips have Intel's latest hyperthreading tech, and the mobile i5 also has the Turbo Boost core-overclocking feature found in the desktop i5 and i7, which redirects power to a single core to boost performance when needed. We got to see a few Core i3 and i5 laptops and desktops in action at Intel's pre-CES briefing today, although we didn't get to run any tests. The mobile Core i5 systems on display were doing a fine job running Call of Duty 4, while the scaled-down Core i3 rigs were playing Blu-ray movies and World of Warcraft -- not a bad demo, but we'll let you know when we see some real numbers. %Gallery-80522%
Digital Storm's gaming rig shows that Core i5 can trump i7
Since the dawn of computing, gamers on a budget have been flaunting their ability to best higher-spec'd systems courtesy of a little extra cooling and a lot of time fiddling with BIOS settings. So, no real surprise here that an Intel Core i5 processor can keep up with a Core i7 when properly configured. What is surprising is that you can get one suitably configured with a warranty. The provider in this case is Digital Storm, the system is the Core i5-750, and the warranty is three years. HotHardware put one through its paces and found that, if anything, it was too aggressively overclocked. But, with a few minor tweaks (which hopefully will be made standard for future iterations) the machine was stable, fast, and rather noisy. It managed to keep up with Alienware's Core i7 Aurora ALX in most benchmarks, despite being about $2,000 cheaper. That kind of savings should buy enough thermal paste to last you at least 18 months.
HP leaks forthcoming Radeon GPUs, Core i3 CPUs, Hulu and Netflix software integration
We've come across a bonanza of information about HP's Spring 2010 plans for North America. Kicking off the new year in style will be Pavilion desktops featuring a choice between ATI's Radeon HD 5350 (code named Evora Cedar), which will have HDMI, DVI and VGA ports along with 1GB of onboard memory, or the juicier Radeon HD 5570 (aka Jaguar), which bids adieu to VGA in favor of DisplayPort and bumps up the memory allowance to 2GB. Core i3-5xx and Core i5-6xx machines are also slated for the early part of 2010, based on that energy-conscious Clarkdale core we've already seen, with the difference being that Turbo Boost and higher L3 cache (4MB versus 3MB) will be available on the higher numbered chips. Arrandale fans need not despair either, as HP's TouchSmart 600 all-in-ones will be getting upgrades to Core i5 and Core i7 CPUs based on that architecture. Finally, on the software side, HP is introducing native Hulu and Netflix to its MediaSmart software suite. Check out the gallery below for more, and let the waiting begin! %Gallery-79908%
Intel's desktop roadmap leaked, with faster i5 and i7, introduction of i3
Just when you thought you had enough gigahertz in your life, along come the folks at Impress to blow the doors off Intel's upcoming crop of desktop processors. In the highly detailed charts there's wild talk of a low-powered "S" version of Core i5 that lowers the chip from 95W to 82W, a new Core i3 line that strips out the Turbo Boost technology and dips into budget-priced territory, and word that at the time of this roadmap at least the Core i9 "Gulftown" chip isn't slated for until Q2 of next year. We could probably bore you all day with the details, so hit up the source link for all the sordid details before we get ourselves too worked up.
Intel Arrandale chips detailed, priced and dated?
Who's up for some more Intel roadmap rumoring? The latest scuttlebutt from "notebook players" over in the far East is that the chip giant has finally settled on names, speeds, and prices for its first three Arrandale CPUs, which are expected to arrive in the first half of 2010. The Core i5-520UM and Core i7-620UM both run at 1.06GHz, while the top Core i7-640UM model speeds ahead at 1.2GHz, with bulk-buying prices of $241, $278, and $305 per unit of each processor. Even if the processing speeds might not impress on paper, these 32nm chips splice two processing cores, the memory controller, and graphics engine all into the same package and thereby deliver major power savings. Platform pricing is expected to remain at around $500 for netbooks, while the ultrathins these chips are intended for should hit the $600 to $800 range... if Lord Intel wills it so.
Apple's Core i5 / i7 27-inch iMacs now shipping to expectant owners
Lovers of Snow Leopard, oversized IPS display panels, and Intel's very latest processors, your time for rejoicing has come. Apple has begun sending off shipping confirmations to customers who ordered up their slab of quad-core all-in-one nirvana in October, and the biggest and baddest iMacs should be arriving at their new homes imminently. To remind you, the reason for waiting on these units was the 2.66GHz Core i5 750 inside, which comes along with 4GB of RAM, a Radeon HD 4850, and a cool terabyte of storage. We're sure some of the eager new owners couldn't resist upgrading that spec to a 2.8GHz Core i7 860, which we can kind of see the sense in -- after all, an iMac is for life, not just for Christmas. That's how that saying goes, right?
Gigabyte fixes iPhone sync issue with BIOS update
The Intel P55 Express chipset snafu that caused iPhones to lose their syncing minds has now been remedied -- at least by one motherboard maker. Gigabyte has issued a BIOS update making things all hunky-dory between the phone and the mobo, putting your troubles to an end. The P55 is Intel's latest midrange chipset and orchestrates things for newer Core i5 / i7 machines. The other two P55 purveyors, ASUS and MSI, were also caught by the bug, and there are anecdotal reports of success with an ASUS BIOS update, but not official fixes as of yet. Given the competitive nature of this market, though, we'd be surprised if those two companies didn't quickly follow suit. All's well that ends well, right? Read - Gigabyte Beta BIOS download page Read - Update fixes iPhone sync problem
