Intel launches dual-core Sandy-Bridge processors

With the introduction of Sandy Bridge micro-architecture last month, Intel launched quite a number of quad-core desktop and mobile models, marketed as second-generation Core CPUs. Today, Intel followed up with the release of more than 10 new dual-core Sandy Bridge processors for desktop and mobile markets. A list of newly released models is available in updated price list. Like in January, today's launch includes a mix of mainstream SKUs, and low and ultra-low voltage parts.

Several desktop models, added to Core i3 and Core i5 families, include two standard-power (65W), and two low power 35W microprocessors. The processors integrate two cores with HyperThreading support, 3 MB L3 cache, HD graphics controller, and operate at frequencies from 2.5 GHz to 3.3 GHz. One CPU, Core i5-2390T, also features Turbo Boost technology, that can temporarily raise core frequency up to 3.5 GHz when extra performance is needed. Prices of Core i3s fall in the same range as Nehalem-based Core i3 parts - from $117 to $138. Core i5-2390T has price tag of $195. Specifications of new desktop microprocessors are presented in the table below:

Model	Cores	Threads	Frequency	Turbo Frequency	L3 cache	TDP	Price
Core i3-2100	2	4	3.1 GHz	N/A	3 MB	65 Watt	$117
Core i3-2100T	2	4	2.5 GHz	N/A	3 MB	35 Watt	$127
Core i3-2120	2	4	3.3 GHz	N/A	3 MB	65 Watt	$138
Core i5-2390T	2	4	2.7 GHz	3.5 GHz	3 MB	35 Watt	$195

Just released mobile processors from Core i5 and Core i7 families incorporate 2 cores with HyperThreading and Turbo Boost features, and, depending on family, have from 3 MB to 4 MB L3 cache. Core i5-2520M, i5-2540M and Core i7-2620M mainstream mobile parts with 35 Watt Thermal Design Power are clocked from 2.5 to 2.7 GHz, or up to 3.2GHz - 3.4 GHz when Turbo Boost is active. Low voltage Core i7-2629M and i7-2649M SKUs have 10 Watt lower TDP, and run at at a few hundred MHz lower frequencies than mainstream CPUs. ULV models, Core i5-2537M, Core i7-2617M and i7-2657M, have as high as 1.6 GHz core frequency, and 17 Watt TDP. All mobile microprocessors are priced from $225 to $346.

Model	Cores	Threads	Frequency	Turbo Frequency	L3 cache	TDP	Price
Core i5-2520M	2	4	2.5 GHz	3.2 GHz	3 MB	35 Watt	$225
Core i5-2537M	2	4	1.4 GHz	2.3 GHz	3 MB	17 Watt	$250
Core i5-2540M	2	4	2.6 GHz	3.3 GHz	3 MB	35 Watt	$266
Core i7-2617M	2	4	1.5 GHz	2.6 GHz	4 MB	17 Watt	$289
Core i7-2620M	2	4	2.7 GHz	3.4 GHz	4 MB	35 Watt	$346
Core i7-2629M	2	4	2.1 GHz	3 GHz	4 MB	25 Watt	$311
Core i7-2649M	2	4	2.3 GHz	3.2 GHz	4 MB	25 Watt	$346
Core i7-2657M	2	4	1.6 GHz	2.7 GHz	4 MB	17 Watt	$317

Two budget mobile microprocessors, Core i3-2310M and Core i5-2410M, were not included in the updated price list, nor were embedded CPUs from Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 families. It's possible that some of these CPUs were launched today, but we will find out for sure once Intel updates product specification pages on it's website.