Intel Demos Next Generation Mobile Processor

Electronista details Intel's demo of a mobile quad-core processor at their Developer Forum in Taiwan. The mobile quad-core processor was a version of the upcoming Penryn architecture and is expected to ship in the second half of 2008.

The CPU required larger-than-normal cooling equipment given the rough state of the processor, but was stable despite its 847 million transistors and a typical peak usage of 45 watts versus the 35 of today's Core 2 Duo processors, the Intel executive said.

The processor will also be introduced alongside the new "Motevina" platform which will replace the current Santa Rosa chipset. This new chipset will boost the bus-speed to 1066MHz (up from 800MHz), provide improved integrated graphics, 800MHz DDR2 and DDR3 support. Due to the power requirements, the processor would first see use in desktops and larger laptops, but improved cooling systems will help the transition.

Penryn represents a full class of processors from mobile to server. The first of the Penryn processors (server class) are expected to ship in November, and could be used in future Mac Pros. The first of the Penryn mobile processors are not due until January 2008 and are expected to power the next generation MacBook Pros.