Ivy Bridge mobile CPU lineup revealed

The launch of Ivy Bridge micro-architecture is still a quarter away, but we already have plenty of information on upcoming desktop microprocessors, thanks to a series of leaks of Intel roadmap slides. Not only desktop roadmap has been leaked. VR-Zone published yesterday a few slides, containing release schedule and specifications of Ivy Bridge mobile microprocessors. According to published slides, Intel will launch 3 quad-core CPUs in April, followed by 3 dual-core mainstream models and two ULV processors in May.

Three quad-core SKUs, planned for April of next year, are Core i7-3920XM Extreme Edition with unlocked clock multiplier, Core i7-3820QM and i7-3720QM. Extreme Edition CPU has 8 MB L3 cache and 55 Watt Thermal Design Power, whereas 3820QM and 3720QM have 45 Watt TDP, and 8 MB and 6 MB of last level cache respectively. The quad-cores are clocked from 2.6 to 2.9 GHz, and their maximum Turbo Boost frequency ranges from 3.6 to 3.8 GHz.

Upcoming dual-core mainstream models with 35 Watt TDP are Core i7-3520M, Core i5-3360M and i5-3320M. Core i5 CPUs have 3 MB L3, and Core i7 chip features somewhat larger 4 MB cache. The processors operate from 2.6 to 2.9 GHz, with maximum Turbo frequency reaching 3.6 GHz. These microprocessors will be released in May 2012.

Two other SKUs, that will be available in May 2012, are Ultra-Low Voltage Core i7-3667U and Core i5-3427U. These parts come with 2 CPU cores, and run at 1.8 and 2 GHz, or up to 2.8 GHz and 3.2 GHz in boost mode. Core i7-3667U features 4 MB L3 cache, and Core i5 chip has 3 MB level 3 cache. Both microprocessors boast significantly lower power consumption than mainstream models, 17 Watt for the CPU and on-chip graphics combined.

The full line-up of Ivy Bridge Core i5s and Core i7s will support all advanced technologies, including Hyper-Threading, Turbo Boost, AES and Vpro. The processors will work with DDR3 memory with data rates up to 1600 MHz, and low-voltage DDR3 with data rates up to 1333 MHz. All Core i5 and i7 Ivy Bridge CPUs will incorporate HD 4000 graphics, clocked at 350 MHz on ULV, and 650 MHz on mainstream parts. Maximum frequency of on-chip graphics unit will range from 1150 to 1300 MHz, depending on SKU. ULV parts will be offered in BGA package, Core i7-3920XM will be manufactured in PGA package, and the rest of the chips will be available in both package types.

Performance of Ivy Bridge mobile processors is expected to be higher due to microarchitecture improvements, higher memory bandwidth on dual-core models, more powerful on-chip graphics, and higher clock speeds. We compiled difference between main features of Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge CPUs in the table below:

Sandy Bridge CPU	Ivy Bridge CPU	Ivy Bridge improvements
Core i5-2520M	Core i5-3320M	+100 MHz base and Turbo freq
Core i5-2540M	Core i5-3360M	+200 MHz base and Turbo freq
Core i5-2557M	Core i5-3427U	+100 MHz base and Turbo freq
Core i7-2640M	Core i7-3520M	+100 MHz base and Turbo freq
Core i7-2677M	Core i7-3667U	+200 MHz base freq; +300 MHz Turbo freq
Core i7-2760QM	Core i7-3720QM	+200 MHz base freq; +100 MHz Turbo freq
Core i7-2860QM	Core i7-3820QM	+200 MHz base freq; +100 MHz Turbo freq
Core i7-2960XM	Core i7-3920XM	+200 MHz base freq; +100 MHz Turbo freq

The table below contains a summary of features of Ivy Bridge mobile CPUs:

Model	Cores	Threads	Frequency	Turbo Frequency	L3 cache	TDP	Launch Date
Core i5-3320M	2	4	2.6 GHz	3.3 GHz	3 MB	35 Watt	May 2012
Core i5-3360M	2	4	2.8 GHz	3.5 GHz	3 MB	35 Watt	May 2012
Core i5-3427U	2	4	1.8 GHz	2.8 GHz	3 MB	17 Watt	May 2012
Core i7-3520M	2	4	2.9 GHz	3.6 GHz	4 MB	35 Watt	May 2012
Core i7-3667U	2	4	2 GHz	3.2 GHz	4 MB	17 Watt	May 2012
Core i7-3720QM	4	8	2.6 GHz	3.6 GHz	6 MB	45 Watt	April 2012
Core i7-3820QM	4	8	2.7 GHz	3.7 GHz	8 MB	45 Watt	April 2012
Core i7-3920XM	4	8	2.9 GHz	3.8 GHz	8 MB	55 Watt	April 2012