Upcoming Core i7 Mobile microprocessors

As was reported on our site, and widely reported on the net, in the third quarter of this year Intel is planning to release new Core i7 Mobile microprocessors with model numbers i7-740QM and i7-840QM, and Core i7 Mobile Extreme i7-940XM CPU. These models were referenced in a recently leaked Intel mobile roadmap:

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Similar slide was published by Endgadget. Future Core i7 Mobile are positioned for tasks requiring ultimate performance at the expense of battery life:

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The fastest from the three upcoming processors is Quad-core Core i7-940XM Extreme. This CPU operates at 2.13 GHz, with a temporary frequency boost up to 3.33 GHz in single-threaded applications. Besides Turbo Boost technology, the processor has HyperThreading enabled, and features unlocked multiplier. L2 cache size on this CPU is the same as on the Core i7-920XM - 8 Mb. The processor has 55 Watt Thermal Design Power (TDP).

The fastest non-extreme mobile CPU, Core i7-840QM, runs at 1.86 GHz, or 266 MHz slower that the i7-940XM. The processor has locked clock multiplier, and 840QM's peak Turbo Boost frequency is 3.2 GHz. Power dissipation of this microprocessor is 45 Watt. Other CPU features are identical to i7-940XM. The second non-extreme Core i7 Mobile is i7-740QM. This CPU has 133 MHz lower core frequency than the 840QM, and smaller size of L3 cache - 6 MB as opposed to 8 MB on the 840QM. This processor also has 45 Watt TDP.

We already posted details on a few notebooks that will be shipped with new Core i7 microprocessors. Since our last story on these notebooks, a few more systems were announced, and some of these systems can be ordered today.

One week ago Mouse Computer Company announced m-Book G series notebooks featuring new processors: Laptop model MB-G811B with Core i7-740QM, priced at 199,500 yen (2180 US$) for base configuration. The notebook can be upgraded to i7-840QM CPU.

The m-Book G-series notebooks come with Windows 7 Home Premium, 4 GB DDR3 RAM, 500 GB HDD, ATI Radeon HD5870 video card with 1GB GDDR5 RAM, and 17.3" TFT screen with 1920x1080 resolution. B and S models have DVD+/-R drive, and X model has Blue-ray DVD. S and X models also include additional 40 GB SSD drive. The company already takes orders on these notebooks on their website.

EUROCOM takes orders on X8100 Leopard notebook. Base configuration of the X9100 laptop costs $2090, and includes Core i7-920QM mobile processor, 4 GB RAM, 250GB 7,200RPM hard drive, DVD+/-RW drive, 18.4" 1680x945 screen, NVidia GeForce GTX 280M graphics card with 1 GB GDDR3 RAM and 2 megapixel web camera. Operating system and wi-fi / bluetooth connectivity are not provided in the base configuration. The computer can be upgraded with i7-740QM for an extra $86, i7-840QM for additional $273, or i7-940XM for an extra $958. All prices are in USD.

Other notebooks, that will come with i7-x40 processors, are Sony VAIO VPC-F127HG/BI with Core i7-740QM, and Fujitsu Celsius H700 laptop with a choice of i7-740QM and i7-840QM CPUs.

Update (June 16): Two more laptops will use Core i7-740QM CPU: Sony VAIO VPCF129FJ/BI, and Toshiba 3D Dynabook TX/98MBL. The Toshiba notebook will come with 3D Vision active shutter glasses, that can be used to watch 3D blue-ray movies, or play 3D games. The Toshiba 3D notebook will be launched in July 2010, which probably coincides with the launch of Core i7 Mobile microprocessors.