First Intel Penryn Chips Due in 2007?
Despite original plans for a Q1 2008 launch, Xbitlabs claims that Intel is anticipating an early launch for a least some of their next generation Penryn processors.
Specifically, Xbitlabs believes that a 45nm Quad-Core processor topping out at 3.33GHz with a 1333MHz bus will be released in the 2007 timeframe, with the bulk of the Penryn chips still waiting until 2008.
Whether or not this will affect Apple's lineup remains to be seen. Apple currently uses Intel's Server class (Xeon) processors in the Mac Pro, while it uses Mobile class (Core 2 Duo) processors in the bulk of the remainder of its line (iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook). The Mac mini continues to use the earlier Core Duo processor.
Apple does not yet use any of Intel's Desktop class processors (Core 2 Duo / Conroe) in any of their shipping models. Of note, Apple is widely expected to release new iMacs at next week's media event. The event will take place on August 7th, 2007 at 10AM Pacific. According to our Buyer's Guide the iMac was last updated 331 days ago.
Initially it was projected that Intels new quad-core processors based on improved micro-architecture that is usually referred to as Penryn will be launched in the first quarter of 2008, but the company has changed its plans and now such chips will be available already in the fourth quarter of 2007, in time to compete against AMD Phenom processors based on the K10 micro-architecture.
Specifically, Xbitlabs believes that a 45nm Quad-Core processor topping out at 3.33GHz with a 1333MHz bus will be released in the 2007 timeframe, with the bulk of the Penryn chips still waiting until 2008.
Whether or not this will affect Apple's lineup remains to be seen. Apple currently uses Intel's Server class (Xeon) processors in the Mac Pro, while it uses Mobile class (Core 2 Duo) processors in the bulk of the remainder of its line (iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook). The Mac mini continues to use the earlier Core Duo processor.
Apple does not yet use any of Intel's Desktop class processors (Core 2 Duo / Conroe) in any of their shipping models. Of note, Apple is widely expected to release new iMacs at next week's media event. The event will take place on August 7th, 2007 at 10AM Pacific. According to our Buyer's Guide the iMac was last updated 331 days ago.
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59 months ago
Certainly a new iMac will continue to use the mobile-class architecture instead of the desktop architecture.
... And Xeons - yes, they're server-class, but in the context of the Mac Pro they are workstation class. (Intel marketing speak)
... And Xeons - yes, they're server-class, but in the context of the Mac Pro they are workstation class. (Intel marketing speak)
59 months ago
apple has been riding the gravy train on the iMacs for awhile now... time for something new already.
59 months ago
It won't affect Apple as there won't be any updates to the new iMacs before MWSF and doubtful that a MBP revision will show up in early Nov. They tend not to update any later than that to solidify the lineup for the holiday season. This also makes no mention of Desktop vs. Mobile releases.
59 months ago
Apple really needs to address this important desktop class of processors in their lineup. A lot of people (including myself) have to decide between an all-in-one iMac or a full blown Xeon based MacPro. Something small, thin, competitively priced and with a choice of monitor size. Something that can kick butt in gaming as well as easily handle the daily 2D/3D design work.
59 months ago
I'll eat my hat the day Apple uses desktop processors in any new iMacs (well for the next few years at least). It keeps costs low to use the same chipset and processor types across as many machines as possible, hence why iMacs and Mac Minis share most of their components with MacBooks and MacBook Pros.
This way they only need to deal with two product lines, mobile chip based machines and workstation chip based machines. The Mac Mini, MacBook, iMac and MacBook Pro are all essentially the same (apart from the new MBP) apart from different processors (which are all pin compatible with one another) and different graphics cards. This way Apple can also use some of the bucks they save by using only two hardware platforms to create sleeker and thinner consumer desktops (which require mobile components anyway because of thermal issues).
My guess is that the new iMacs will match the MBPs hardware wise with the exception of customisable GPUs in at least the top model. I'd put money on it.
This way they only need to deal with two product lines, mobile chip based machines and workstation chip based machines. The Mac Mini, MacBook, iMac and MacBook Pro are all essentially the same (apart from the new MBP) apart from different processors (which are all pin compatible with one another) and different graphics cards. This way Apple can also use some of the bucks they save by using only two hardware platforms to create sleeker and thinner consumer desktops (which require mobile components anyway because of thermal issues).
My guess is that the new iMacs will match the MBPs hardware wise with the exception of customisable GPUs in at least the top model. I'd put money on it.
59 months ago
I have an iMac G5 (iSight) now and I REALLY want an Intel.
I'd like these new iMacs to have a desktop conroe processor and an Nvidia 8800. :D
I'd like these new iMacs to have a desktop conroe processor and an Nvidia 8800. :D
59 months ago
Apple really needs to address this important desktop class of processors in their lineup. A lot of people (including myself) have to decide between an all-in-one iMac or a full blown Xeon based MacPro. Something small, thin, competitively priced and with a choice of monitor size. Something that can kick butt in gaming as well as easily handle the daily 2D/3D design work.
Then there is the 3rd option of going with a Vista Workstation. One which I am increasingly looking towards because of the lack of upgrades or price drops on Macs....
59 months ago
what's the real benefit of using a conroe over a merom? in the practical sense... Just the bus speed increase?
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