Penryn release has been postponed, so we won't see new Core 2 Duo processors either.
Only Penryn Quad seems delayed.
Check this out:
http://newsfeedresearcher.com/data/articles_t49/idt2007.12.06.01.11.17.html
It may be leaked and a rumor and someone may get fired for having the information out in the open, but it's still cool stuff. According to the guys at DailyTech, Intel will release its new 45 nanometer Penryn-based Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme dual core processors on January 6th, 2008. The processors, which will most likely find their way into notebooks, will most likely make their first appearances at the Consumer Electronics Show 2008 as well as Macworld Expo 2008 among the oft-rumored Apple tablet and revamped MacBook Pro laptops and refreshed iMac desktops. [1] "Intel will up the ante again on January 6, 2008 with its new 45nm Penryn-based Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme dual core processors," Brandon Hill blogs for DailyTech. "It's highly plausible that the chips could make their first appearance at CES 2008 (January 7, 2008) with further unveils at MacWorld 2008 in Apple'''s oft-rumored tablet, revamped MacBook Pros or refreshed iMac desktops," Hill reports.[2]
A further chip, the Core 2 Extreme X9000, is clocked at 2.8GHz, has 6MB of L2 cache and will consume up to 44W. DailyTech speculates that the chips could make their first appearance at CES 2008 with further unveils at MacWorld 2008 in Apple's MacBook Pros or iMac desktops.[3]
Competition is often fierce when a new processor debuts, regardless of who manufactures it. This has to do with the abysmally low yields (5-6 percent it's been said) chipmakers experience during the initial phases of manufacturing. According to various rumors circulating around the internet on Wednesday, Apple may for the first time match other PC manufacturers and debut these new Penryn 'Santa Rosa' processors in its existing notebook lineup during January's MacWorld Expo. "It's highly plausible that the chips could make their first appearance at CES 2008 (January 7, 2008) with further unveils at MacWorld 2008 in Apple's oft-rumored tablet, revamped MacBook Pros or refreshed iMac desktops," writes the DailyTech.[4]
Higher performance versions at 2.5GHz and 2.6GHz will each pack 6MB of Level 2 cache and sell for $316 and $530. Each of the aforementioned Core 2 Duo models will sport a thermal design power (TDP) of 35 watts, while a 2.8GHz Core 2 Extreme ($851), also with 6MB of Level 2 cache, will feature a TDP of 44 watts. Apple is likely to adopt one of the Core 2 Duo Penryn chips for its upcoming sub-notebook, while using the remainder of the chip family to boost the specs of its MacBook Pro and iMac desktop line.[5] With the Montevina Centrino refresh expected in the second half of 2008, the new Penryn mobile processors will receive a 25 watt rating instead. Future processors are anticipated to feature six megabytes of onboard L2 cache for the Core 2 Duo processors and 12 megabytes of onboard L2 cache for the Core 2 Extreme models, both firms featuring 1066 MHz front-side buses along with support for DDR3 memory. No specific word has been given as to when these units will find their way into Apple's units.[1] All four chips have a thermal envelope of 35W, which matches current Core 2 Duo processors, allowing notebook makers to slot the new chips in without having to redesign the machines' thermal characteristics. The fifth chip, the Core 2 Extreme X9000, consumes up to 44W when it's running at full, 2.8GHz pelt. It too has 6MB of L2 cache. This release will mark the so-called 'Santa Rosa Refresh' - Intel's next update of the current incarnation of its Centrino notebook platform.[6] According to DailyTech's info, the first raft of 45nm Core 2 Duo Mobile parts will simply be die-shrunk replacements for the current range of processors, carrying the same clock speeds and 35W TDPs (44W for the Extreme range), although the chips will have larger level 2 caches. The line-up will consist of the 'Extreme' 2.8GHz X9000, a 2.6GHz T9500, and a 2.5GHz T9300, all boasting 6MB of L2 cache, while the 2.4GHz T8300 and 2.1GHz T8100 will sport a smaller 3MB cache. Oh, and of course all the chips in the new range should be cheaper than their predecessors.[7] Unlike the earlier architecture, Intel plans to split the processor series into two distinct lines from the outset, the tip says. The entry T8100 and T8300 will run at 2.1GHz and 2.3GHz (up from 1.8GHz and 2GHz in equivalent models) but boost cache up to 3MB versus their originals. The high-end T9300 and T9500 will clock at 2.5GHz and 2.6GHz, also doubling their cache to 6MB. A special Core 2 Extreme chip, the X9000, will consume more power at 44 watts but run at 2.8GHz; like earlier models, this will largely be limited to desktop replacements and slim-profile desktops where battery life is less of a concern.[8]