Intel takes Nehalem mobile

Chip giant Intel has taken the wraps off its latest mobile processor based on its Nehalem architecture.

During his keynote speech at the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco Dadi Perlmuttter, executive vice president and general manager of the Intel Architecture Group, announced details of the Core i7 Mobile processors.

The new range of quad-core CPUs are aimed at high performance mobile users and – like their desktop counterparts - feature Intel's Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost technology, which allows the processor clock speed to be ramped up past stock frequency depending on workload.

"With intelligent features like Intel Turbo Boost Technology, Hyper-Threading Technology and a host of others, Intel has revolutionised the laptop PC processor, delivering performance when you need it, energy efficiency when you don’t," said Perlmutter.

"For the first time, mobile users can choose a laptop that delivers internet-server like speed, right in their laps for the most demanding tasks, from intense gaming to digital video editing and social media applications."

There will be three mobile Core i7 processors, the 920XM, 820QM and 720QM, which run at 2GHz, 1.73GHz and 1.6 GHz – with the possibility to boost to 3.2, 3.06 and 2.8GHz respectively.

Formerly codenamed 'Clarksfield', the new units also include two-channel DDR3 1333MHz memory support and full 1 x16 or 2 x8 PCI Express 2.0 graphics.

The Core i7 mobile processors will be available in two flavours, a regular and an Extreme edition, with the latter supporting Extreme Memory Profiles and the Extreme Tuning Utility, allowing enthusiast users to overclock and fine tune the laptop.

According to Intel, big names like Asus, Dell, HP and Toshiba will began shipping laptops using the Core i7 mobile processors today, with others due to start using them in the coming months.

As you might expect, the new chips aren't exactly cheap. When bought in blocks of 1,000 units the 920XM will cost US$1,054 (AU$1209) each, while the 820QM and 720QM come in at a more reasonable $546 (AU$627) and US$364 (AU$418) each when purchased in blocks of 1,000.