Intel introduces Pentium 957 and B960, and Core mobile CPUs

Prior to last refresh of Intel Core i7 Mobile family, which happened one month ago, we published a story with an estimated launch date for Core i3-2430M and Core i7-2670QM microprocessors. Based on information, that the processors will be available before October 4, we assumed that they will be released in September along with Core i7-2640M and three new quad-core Core i7 models. As we already know, our assumption was wrong. However, our information was right, and the chips were introduced this week, i.e. before or on October 4. In addition to Core-branded CPUs, Intel also released two mobile Pentiums. Currently, Intel ARK product database shows launched status for Pentium B960, Core i3-2430M and Core i7-2670QM. We also found new ultra low voltage Pentium 967 CPU.

All released processors are slightly faster versions of existing models. Pentium 967 is clocked 100 MHz faster than Pentium 957, that was launched in June. The 967 dual-core CPU operates at 1.3 GHz, and has 17 Watt Thermal Design Power. Second mobile Pentium, B960, is intended for mainstream market, and has higher 2.2 GHz and higher 35 Watt TDP. The Pentiums incorporate 2 MB shared L3 cache, HD graphics, and support only very basic Sandy Bridge features, like Intel 64 and SSE4. The B960 works in socket G2 motherboards, whereas Pentium 967 is produced in a BGA package, and cannot be upgraded.

Intel Core i5-2430M is a dual-core model with 2.4 GHz clock and 3 GHz maximum Turbo frequencies. This is 100 MHz higher than Core i5-2410M. The 2430M adds support for HyperThreading and Turbo Boost features, as well as for Advanced Vector Extensions instructions. The CPU has 3 MB of last level cache, HD 3000 graphics, and it fits 35 Watt thermal envelope.

Core i7-2670QM is the most full-featured from all newly released models. With 2.2 GHz stock and 3.1 GHz turbo speeds, the chip is 200 MHz faster than the Core i7-2630QM. The 2670QM has 6 MB L3 cache, and it supports all advanced features with the exception of VT-d virtualization and Trusted Execution technologies. Similar all other quad-core Core i7 mobile parts, the Core i7-2670QM has higher 45 Watt power consumption.

Details of new mobile Intel processor are provided below:

Model	Cores	Threads	Frequency	Turbo Frequency	L3 cache	Graphics	TDP	Socket Type
Core i5-2430M	2	4	2.4 GHz	3 GHz	3 MB	HD 3000	35 Watt	Socket G2
Core i7-2670QM	4	8	2.2 GHz	3.1 GHz	6 MB	HD 3000	45 Watt	Socket G2
Pentium 967	2	2	1.3 GHz	N/A	2 MB	HD	17 Watt	BGA1023
Pentium B960	2	2	2.2 GHz	N/A	2 MB	HD	35 Watt	Socket G2

Correction (Mar 7, 2012): Original specifications on Intel website stated that Pentium B960 and 957 use HD 3000 graphics. These specs have been corrected since they were published. Our article was based on original specifications (before they were revised), and also erroneously asserted that budget processors support HD 3000. All mobile Pentiums support only HD graphics, and the article was changed to reflect that.