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The Intel Penryn
Model |
L2 Cache |
Frequency |
FSB |
TDP |
Core 2 Extreme X9000 |
6 MB |
2.8 GHz |
800 MHz |
35 W |
Core 2 Duo T9500 |
6 MB |
2.6 GHz |
800 MHz |
35 W |
Core 2 Duo T9300 |
6 MB |
2.5 GHz |
800 MHz |
35 W |
Core 2 Duo T8300 |
3 MB |
2.4 GHz |
800 MHz |
35 W |
Core 2 Duo T8100 |
3 MB |
2.1 GHz |
800 MHz |
35 W |
On November 12, Intel will not only launch their 45 nm desktop processors, but also the Penryn family of 45 nm mobile processors as well. However, these mobile processors will only be available in January 2008.
The new Penryn processors will continue to use the Core 2 nomenclature, with new model series of 9000 and 8000. The 9000 series Penryn processors will have a 6 MB L2 cache while the 8000 series processors will only have a smaller 3 MB cache.
At launch, Intel will announce five new mobile processors, with speeds of 2.1 to 2.8 GHz. The top SKU will be the Core 2 Extreme X9000. Three of these will have a full-sized 6 MB L2 cache while the other two will be lower-end models with a 3 MB cache. All five processors will have a FSB speed of 800 MHz and a TDP of 35 W.
Like what we saw with the quad-core Yorkfield desktop processors, Intel will not be clocking the Penryn mobile processors any faster than the current mobile Core 2 (Merom) processors they are replacing. Instead, Intel will be counting on the 50% larger L2 cache and SSE4 support to provide the necessary performance boost.
Leaked benchmark results of the Yorkfield and Wolfdale desktop processors showed a 5-20% performance boost from the larger L2 cache and up to 60% better performance when running SSE4 code. Although Intel did not provide any benchmark results for the Penryn mobile processors, we expect them to benefit even more from the larger cache because of their slower FSB speed.
Future Penryns
Model |
L2 Cache |
Core Clock |
FSB |
TDP |
Penryn Quad-Core |
12 MB |
NA |
1066 MHz |
NA |
Penryn 3.06 GHz |
6 MB |
3.06 GHz |
1066 MHz |
35 W |
Penryn 2.8 GHz |
6 MB |
2.8 GHz |
1066 MHz |
35 W |
Penryn 2.53 GHz (35W) |
6 MB |
2.53 GHz |
1066 MHz |
35 W |
Penryn 2.53 GHz (25W) |
3 MB |
2.53 GHz |
1066 MHz |
25 W |
Penryn 2.4 GHz |
3 MB |
2.4 GHz |
1066 MHz |
25 W |
Penryn 2.13 GHz |
3 MB |
2.13 GHz |
1066 MHz |
25 W |
During the later half of Q2'08, Intel will be launching a refresh of the Penryn line to support the 1066 MHz FSB of the Cantiga GM/PM chipsets. The new processors and chipsets will be part of what is now known as the Montevina platform.
Understandably, the Penryn-refresh processors have not yet been given model numbers, but we have preliminary speed grades and specifications that Intel has identified on their mobile processor roadmap.
Most of the Penryn-refresh processors will remain at about the same speed grades as the original Penryn processors. The only exception is a Penryn-refresh processor with a higher speed grade of 3.06 GHz. All Penryn-refresh processors will have a higher FSB speed of 1066 MHz. Hence, their clock speeds will differ a little from the original Penryn processors.
Intel is expected to place Penryn-refresh models with 6MB cache under the 9000 series and models with 3MB cache under the 8000 series. Penryn-refresh models with the smaller 3MB cache will have a lower 25W TDP.
Intel also intends to release a quad-core mobile processor, but later in the year. Tentatively, they say it will be launched in H2, 2008. Nothing much is known about this processor other than it will be made from two Penryn-refresh dies, giving it a large 12 MB L2 cache. The final clock speed and TDP is still unknown.
Now, let's take a look at the leaked roadmap and pricing of these mobile processors!
