As I reported back in January in the Mobile CPU Expectations report, Intel have introduced two ultra low voltage Core 2 Solo processors. The old 1.06 and 1.2Ghz (U1400, U1500 as seen in the Sony UX and Flybook V5) are being replaced with the Core 2 Solo (single core) U2100 and U2200 (again 1.06 and 1.2Ghz) The TDP is 5W (down from 5.5W) and importantly they support enhanced speedstep technology and all the nice ViiV, VT and other Intel enhancements. The new processors are based on 65nm ‘Merom’ technology and have 1MB L2 cache. Sony like this end of the ULV range and I bet we’ll see new UX models before Christmas. Especially as there’s just been a big price drop on the existing UX models. Don’t expect any price reductions as these high-end CPU’s cost around $250 in bulk!
On the budget end of the Intel ULV spectrum there’s also some activity. The Celeron 523 has been introduced. This is at a slightly lower clockrate than expected, 933Mhz. Its also a 65nm part and is basically, as before, a cut-down version of the bigger brother although I’m seeing it listed with 1MB L2 cache. Speedstep and other goodies will not be supported. TDP stays at 5W which isn’t really that great for UMPCs. Especially as the chip alone costs $161 in bulk!
As for future developments, its Silverthorn’s turn next. Its the CPU that will drive the Menlow platform from Intel. This is the device that Intel says will enable sub-4 watt UMPCs. That could mean 6-hour UMPCs although VIA have that Mobile-ITX platform which UltraMobile Life says takes a maximum 3.5Watts.
News via Engadget. Original at ChannelRegister.
