Lower end iMacs Quad Core?

[photogpab]

I know the new iMacs will be out very soon (hopefully next week), and I am trying to save to finally upgrade from my 5 year old 2006 iMac.

But... I dont think I'll be able to afford the high end models (27" models) because they're just too expensive for me. unfortunately.

Even tho the 21" screens are a bit too small for me, i'll likely be going with one of those... BUT... my real question is... does anyone think its possible that all the new models will be quad core? even the lowest end model ($1199?) as opposed to how it is now where only the high end 27" model is quad core?

 

[TMRaven]

Probably not the lowest lowest end, companies don't operate like that. But there's a very good chance the higher end 21.5 iMac has option for quad core or comes with quad core standard. Sandybridge's lower tdp allows for that.

 

[photogpab]

thats what i figured. with my luck only the 27" models will be quad core and i'll have to keep saving for several more months.

 

[trip1ex]

Could happen if they decide quad core plus HD3000 gpu better for low-end model than 4670ish gpu and dual core i5/i7ish cpu.

Then differentiate the $1500 imac with a dedicated gpu & slightly faster mhz quad core cpu.

$1699 model would be same as $1500 but with 27" screen

$2000 model would have faster gpu and could be i7 quad core while others are i5 quad core.

 

[mrfoof82]

Quad core will be guaranteed to be the minimum when Ivy Bridge is introduced, because no Ivy Bridge CPU will have fewer than four cores. Many will offer six or eight (and yes, i7 will still be hyperthreaded).

I would expect Apple to maintain a dual-core i3 or i5 option for the iMacs for the most cost conscious customers for the Sandy Bridge refresh.

If there is a Sandy Bridge-E refresh later this year, I would expect a 6-core (12-thread) 3.2GHz i7 (single core turbo up to 3.8GHz) to be released.