New MBA coming soon? Intel released new CPU's

[mark28]

At a TDP of only 17W, Intel has released the Core i7-2637M and the Core i7-2677M.

The Core i7-2637m runs at 1.8 ghz with a Turbo boost to 2.9 ghz while the Core i7-2677m runs at 1.7 ghz with a Turbo Boost to 2.8 ghz. Both have the same tdp of 17W.

So Apple will refresh soon then I guess with these CPU's?

edit: sorry, they are not released yet, but announced. They will be released in a few months. So that is when the new MBA will probably come then also?

 

[Oli3000]

Seems quite likely. The current 13" is on 17w C2Ds, and the 11" is on 10w C2Ds.

Would be nice if they didn't botch this release with a lower GPU.

This has been widely discussed on some other threads though.

 

[stylinexpat]

New MBA's must be due to be released soon. No stock in HK as of now of the 13" MBA's. I did find a few 11" models though but very few.

 

[ezekielrage_99]

I'm guessing a June release, I think logically that would be the best time for them to launch a product refresh just before Lion.

 

[Daughenbaugh]

Yeah after reading a lot of the rumors lately, it should be updated with SB in June. Im hoping it has a backlit keyboard and at least starting at 4GB ram. If thats the case I'm getting one during the back to school promo
Sorry if Im a little ignorant, Im a new Apple user

 

[stevenlcs]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_1_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7D11 Safari/528.16)

http://www.9to5mac.com/67751/new-macbooks-airs-with-sandy-bridge-and-thunderbolt-in-june-or-july/#more-67751

 

[rmbrown09]

I'm really excited for new CPU's and everything, but where is new battery technology?

Where is quick charge for batteries we were promised (2 minutes on AC for full charge)

where are 3 days batteries???

Imagine that, 2 minutes on AC power and you are good for 3 days. Sounds like paradise.

 

[Abstract]

My prediction on the specs of the next 11" and 13" MBA are...

11" and 13" both get these new SB CPUs, where the 11" gets the slower one. There won't be a faster CPU upgrade available on either model upon release, only RAM and SSD options.

They'll both feature one USB 2 port, and one USB 3 port.

Neither model will have a backlit keyboard.

The 13" MBP will get a very small upgrade in battery life. The TDP of the new CPU hasn't changed, but the processor is faster and so the same tasks will require less overall processing time.

The 11" battery life will decrease, and people will complain.

 

[OSMac]

To me the Air is about lightness and silence not computing power and ports.

One of the nice tradeoffs between the 10W 11.6 is it runs quieter
than the 17W 13". In fact the 11 is completely silent most of the time.

Is there a 10W SB chip available or coming shortly?

Also how does Intel graphics vs nvidia effect the wattage/heat?

Could the current 11 end up quieter and cooler than the upgrade?

 

[57004]

I'm guessing a June release, I think logically that would be the best time for them to launch a product refresh just before Lion.

I agree, if they release them before Lion gets announced, they can charge us again for the upgrade to Lion (most likely 129 again). Could easily add a few million to their bottom line for no extra effort.

I'd gladly pay it though to have my new Air a bit sooner.

 

[xxBURT0Nxx]

I'm really excited for new CPU's and everything, but where is new battery technology?

Where is quick charge for batteries we were promised (2 minutes on AC for full charge)

where are 3 days batteries???

Imagine that, 2 minutes on AC power and you are good for 3 days. Sounds like paradise.

when where we promised 3 day "2 minute quick charge" batteries?

Seems quite likely. The current 13" is on 17w C2Ds, and the 11" is on 10w C2Ds.

Would be nice if they didn't botch this release with a lower GPU.

This has been widely discussed on some other threads though.

They don't have a choice, intel will only let them use their IGPU with SNB and there is not enough room for a discrete gpu... the only way to use a different gpu would be if they stuck with the c2d.

 

[Oli3000]

when where we promised 3 day "2 minute quick charge" batteries?


They don't have a choice, intel will only let them use their IGPU with SNB and there is not enough room for a discrete gpu... the only way to use a different gpu would be if they stuck with the c2d.

I know, still would be nice though!

Also, looking at it, the current 13" MBA only uses a LV chip, not a ULV. Do you think this may be the case again? Then the 13" MBA will not see much of a graphics decline, whereas the 11" will be seriously hit!

Also, in relation to the heat questions about the 11". Yes, the C2D is 10W currently, and these are 17W, BUT, there is no 12W (I think) 320M there. So the total TDP is still lower, and therefore the heat should remain low, too.

 

[xxBURT0Nxx]

I know, still would be nice though!

Also, looking at it, the current 13" MBA only uses a LV chip, not a ULV. Do you think this may be the case again? Then the 13" MBA will not see much of a graphics decline, whereas the 11" will be seriously hit!

Also, in relation to the heat questions about the 11". Yes, the C2D is 10W currently, and these are 17W, BUT, there is no 12W (I think) 320M there. So the total TDP is still lower, and therefore the heat should remain low, too.

yeah i'm sure they can get away with higher tdp processors this time around because the hd3000 is on the same dye so they don't need to worry about the tdp of the gpu as well.

 

[Hellhammer]

Is there a 10W SB chip available or coming shortly?

No, but there is no need for one.

Also how does Intel graphics vs nvidia effect the wattage/heat?

Current lineup:
13": 17W CPU + ~12W 320M = 29W
11": 10W CPU + ~12W 320M = 22W

Sandy Bridge lineup:
13": 25W CPU + 4W PCH = 29W
11": 17W CPU + 4W PCH = 21W

The TDP of 320M is unknown but 9400M has 12W so I'm using that as the TDP. Anyway, give or take a watt or two, it's not going to change anything. 320M includes the functions of chipset controller thus there is no need for another chip to handle the I/O and other stuff. Sandy Bridge still needs one though (PCH).

Could the current 11 end up quieter and cooler than the upgrade?

If we just look at the wattages, yes.

 

[fyrefly]

My prediction on the specs of the next 11" and 13" MBA are...They'll both feature one USB 2 port, and one USB 3 port.

No room for a 3rd USB port - and with Thunderbolt - USB 3.0 becomes moot.

The 11" battery life will decrease, and people will complain.

Where are you getting this from?

As Hellhammer pointed out (and has been pointed out in countless other thread about this same thing) the 11" TDP will remain virtually the same (17W CPU + 4W PCH vs. 10W CPU + 12W GPU).

That should mean the battery life will be the same, if not better - as SB is two generations newer than the SU9400/9600 and faster at getting to 0W usage after completing tasks than the C2D chips are.

Also, looking at it, the current 13" MBA only uses a LV chip, not a ULV. Do you think this may be the case again? Then the 13" MBA will not see much of a graphics decline, whereas the 11" will be seriously hit!

As has been discussed ad naseum in these forums, if you're talking about 3D First-Person Shooter games - yes, the Intel HD 3000 of the Sandy Bridge chips will be a downgrade.

For everyone who doesn't game or do intense GPU-enabled 3D modelling, the Intel HD3000 shouldn't make a lick of difference.

Another interesting fact when looking into these new processors is that the GPU turbo speed is increased with these chips:

Mush like its predecessor, this will also use the HD 3000 integrated graphics core, which has a base clock of 350MHz, but Intel has this time increased the maximum GPU turbo speed to 1.2GHz, 200MHz higher than that of the current Core i7-2657M.

SOURCE: http://news.softpedia.com/news/Inte...V-Mobile-Sandy-Bridge-processors-200883.shtml

So far we've only seen Benchmarks for the Intel HD3000 on the ULV i5 Samsung 9 and the 13" MBP 2011.

The i5-2537m base-clocks in at 350Mhz (just like the new processors) but only Turbo Boosts to 900Mhz, while the new processors Turbo up to 1.2Ghz.

The full-voltage i7's in the 13" 2011 MBP Start at 650Mhz, but turbo up to 1.3Ghz. (and these are shown to be on par with the 320m for most tasks - even coming close on gaming in OSX).

Of course, whether or not the increased Turbo speed means anything, remains to be seen, as well as whether or not Apple will use these new chips in their laptops...

 

[xxBURT0Nxx]

No room for a 3rd USB port - and with Thunderbolt - USB 3.0 becomes moot.

where did he say add a 3rd USB port???

My prediction on the specs of the next 11" and 13" MBA are... They'll both feature one USB 2 port, and one USB 3 port.

 

[Scottsdale]

Another interesting fact when looking into these new processors is that the GPU turbo speed is increased with these chips:


SOURCE: http://news.softpedia.com/news/Inte...V-Mobile-Sandy-Bridge-processors-200883.shtml

So far we've only seen Benchmarks for the Intel HD3000 on the ULV i5 Samsung 9 and the 13" MBP 2011.

The i5-2537m base-clocks in at 350Mhz (just like the new processors) but only Turbo Boosts to 900Mhz, while the new processors Turbo up to 1.2Ghz.

The full-voltage i7's in the 13" 2011 MBP Start at 650Mhz, but turbo up to 1.3Ghz. (and these are shown to be on par with the 320m for most tasks - even coming close on gaming in OSX).

Of course, whether or not the increased Turbo speed means anything, remains to be seen, as well as whether or not Apple will use these new chips in their laptops...

At least that is a little better GPU news, but it still affects a lot more than "3D first-person shooter games" as someone else tried to convince people of. How about OpenCL, loss of many games and apps people may have already purchased that work on current MBAs and those back to October 2008, and etc?

Sandy Bridge CPUs in MBAs would be amazing IF Apple paired them with AMD low TDP discrete GPUs. Contrary to what another member stated above, we have no clue as to why Apple isn't using discrete GPUs in the 13" MBP and whether or not Apple will continued with this failed policy or right the ship before it damages the core Mac brand. I would actually bet that it has more to do with cost and branding of Intel CPUs than space or TDP limitations. Apple recently switched MBP CPU TDP limitations in 15" and 17" versions. It could easily have eliminated the antiquated optical drive if space was truly the issue in at least the 13" MBP.

I am not willing to write off Apple's intentions so quickly, as I have hope that Apple will not wish to have its current MBA customers to completely lose capabilities when "upgrading" to the next MBA. It will affect far more than "3D first-person shooter games." I also have hope that the rumors that Apple will use a 17W CPU in the 13" MBA allowing it to disable the IGP to use full boost capabilities of the CPU for CPU and none needed for IGP. Then use a discrete 7W or 9W AMD GPU. Now, this will cost more but I honestly believe Apple could do it if it wanted to do it.

If Apple switches to SB for the IGP and there is a huge backlash, I would hope that Apple is prepared to take either the complete AMD switch option using a future AMD APU or GPU chipset with AMD CPU or the AMD discrete option. I actually believe that the vast majority of MBA users don't know what they're asking for when they say they're "waiting" for Sandy Bridge like it will miraculously improve the MBA to MBP performance levels or because they don't want outdated C2D saying it's five years old.

Most don't realize that it was Nvidia's GPU and SSDs that make the MBA so incredible. That the CPU in modern computers is NOT the bottleneck. That Apple improved the MBA dramatically by updating software to take advantage of NAND Flash to make the MBA so amazing. That Intel is an anti-competitive bully that screwed all Apple Mac users. That Intel's beloved Core CPUs require monopolistic use of Intel-only chipsets and Apple cannot choose Nvidia anymore. And that Intel's IGP will be a gigantic step backwards in Mac computing for the first time since the Intel transition brought the GMA950 IGP. Sandy Bridge is a hell of a CPU but its forced IGP is JUNK compared to competition and where we could be if Nvidia were not illegally forced out. Apple fans should be contacted their congressperson and the DOJ complaining of what has happened to us not celebrating SB and Intel's disgusting behavior.

Put a Sandy Bridge CPU in the next MBA and it could be amazing if customers were in a competitive environment where customers demanded competition instead of following a few people that believe the marketing hype of Intel's bandwagon. It is sad, and I feel compelled to tell people the truth of what they're begging for. And it's usually a few misinformed "geeks" who brag about specs who overlook real world results of overall impact to push for a product and misinform the masses following them.

I like the fact that these new CPUs being announced now are better than their counterpart models with the same Core branding. Faster clock of the IGP should help, but it's still losing to old Nvidia technology. Faster CPU processing but loss of Nvidia GPU means a loss of many games, apps, and even OS X's built-in OpenCL performance. I think the real world results will end up disappointing many.

If I am eventually wrong and the capabilities of Intel's IGP will run all of the same apps, give the same OpenCL performance, and not reduce overall MBA capabilities I will openly admit my ignorance. All I ask in return is those defending Intel openly admit that when the SB IGP eliminates use of apps and technologies they admit if they were the ones that were wrong. It isn't just about 3D Mark scores or "3D first-person shooter games." it's about real world results and what the old computer was capable of running and what the new computer is capable of running. It is my hope that we don't have to have that discussion as I hope the rumors are correct about the SB CPU being used but incorrect that the SB IGP will be solely used for graphics processing.

I still have to believe that Apple will not want to tarnish the MBA brand again as it did when the original MBA was STUCK using Intel's worthless IGP. Sure the HD3000 is better than the GMA3100, but in the voltages used in MBAs there are many better alternatives including old Nvidia technology. The original MBA was junk, the worst Mac since the Intel transition. With so many MBA fans using Nvidia GPUs, I think there will be lots of shocked users if Intel's IGP is solely used for graphics in the next MBAs. I will even be happy if there is even an option to pay $499 more for an MBA with an AMD GPU. I wonder if Apple will use the savings though to add 4GB RAM standard and awe many more into believing the CPU and specs and look the other way when it comes to the Intel IGP.

 

[xxBURT0Nxx]

Sandy Bridge CPUs in MBAs would be amazing IF Apple paired them with AMD low TDP discrete GPUs. Contrary to what another member stated above, we have no clue as to why Apple isn't using discrete GPUs in the 13" MBP and whether or not Apple will continued with this failed policy or right the ship before it damages the core Mac brand. I would actually bet that it has more to do with cost and branding of Intel CPUs than space or TDP limitations. Apple recently switched MBP CPU TDP limitations in 15" and 17" versions. It could easily have eliminated the antiquated optical drive if space was truly the issue in at least the 13" MBP.

ummm speak for yourself because, yeah actually we do know, intel won't let anyone put a different "integrated" gpu in SNB (like the 320m) and there is not enough room for a discrete gpu so apple has to use the hd3000 if they want to use the new SNB processors.

This is the same reason Apple didn't use the previous i series processors in the last mba refresh. They didn't like the old igpu that intel had and in order to use the 320m they had to use the older c2d. Apple is now satisfied enough with the hd3000 to allow them to use the new SNB processors. (as evident with the new 13" mbp)

I also have a feeling it's not damaging the core mac brand since they are selling at record numbers...

You are freaking out over nothing, the performance of the hd3000 is typically faster for gaming in osx, comparable at most tasks, and slightly worse for gaming under bootcamp in most, not all, scenarios. It's not like they are going back to some stone age technology...

This also was not "illegal" as you claim

There is NO way at all that there will be a discrete GPU in the next mba, if they couldn't even fit it inside the mbp why would you think they are suddenly going to fit it inside the mba? Not to mention TDP problems they would have to deal with....

 

[Scottsdale]

ummm speak for yourself because, yeah actually we do know, intel won't let anyone put a different "integrated" gpu in SNB (like the 320m) and there is not enough room for a discrete gpu so apple has to use the hd3000 if they want to use the new SNB processors.

This is the same reason Apple didn't use the previous i series processors in the last mba refresh. They didn't like the old igpu that intel had and in order to use the 320m they had to use the older c2d. Apple is now satisfied enough with the hd3000 to allow them to use the new SNB processors. (as evident with the new 13" mbp)

I also have a feeling it's not damaging the core mac brand since they are selling at record numbers...

You are freaking out over nothing, the performance of the hd3000 is typically faster for gaming in osx, comparable at most tasks, and slightly worse for gaming under bootcamp in most, not all, scenarios. It's not like they are going back to some stone age technology...

This also was not "illegal" as you claim

There is NO way at all that there will be a discrete GPU in the next mba, if they couldn't even fit it inside the mbp why would you think they are suddenly going to fit it inside the mba? Not to mention TDP problems they would have to deal with....

I never said we don't know why try don't use integrated but I was specifically focused on discrete and another member's statement that tree wasn't enough space for a discrete GPU.

It is pointless to debate someone who chooses to ignore the obvious as I have a better chance making a brick wall see the facts. When someone wants to twist words around and make others look like they're clueless maybe they should consider their own statements.

Core Macs are selling well in 15" and 17" MBPs as well as iMacs because they have REAL GPUs that don't stutter in comparison to three year old Nvidia technology. Really, this is the basis for your debate points? I gave ample credibility to the SB CPU, but it's obvious I gave very little to the forced monopolistic anti-competitive IGP and chipset forced upon us.

I am more shocked for the lack of reality in your points against my statement than I have ever been on MR. Seriously, twist, fail to comprehend or downright ignore the basis for my arguments all you want... but you will lose interest in realistic members who are here to debate. I love o debate and share ideas, but being called names is better than being having my statements misrepresented so you can have a baseless argument.

I think you need to actually read my posts before you react in that manner. Intel did illegally stop Nvidia and paid it billions! It is typical anti-competitive behavior by companies like Intel to stifle the competition and impede progress while Intel could try to catch up. Furthermore, you are simply lost about your comments on how far behind the low and ultra low voltage SB IGP is in comparison to both the standard voltage SB and even further behind the Nvidia 320m.

Whatever! It is like you read three words from every sentence and define your own meaning and context so you can make some words in reply but they don't even make sense to what you're debating when nobody else is misreading so obviously. Many people have opposite points and ignore obvious, but it takes a special person to completely fabricate their own interpretation way off base from actual statements made by another person they intend to debate.

 

[xxBURT0Nxx]

I never said we don't know why try don't use integrated but I was specifically focused on discrete and another member's statement that tree wasn't enough space for a discrete GPU.

It is pointless to debate someone who chooses to ignore the obvious as I have a better chance making a brick wall see the facts. When someone wants to twist words around and make others look like they're clueless maybe they should consider their own statements.

Core Macs are selling well in 15" and 17" MBPs as well as iMacs because they have REAL GPUs that don't stutter in comparison to three year old Nvidia technology. Really, this is the basis for your debate points? I gave ample credibility to the SB CPU, but it's obvious I gave very little to the forced monopolistic anti-competitive IGP and chipset forced upon us.

I am more shocked for the lack of reality in your points against my statement than I have ever been on MR. Seriously, twist, fail to comprehend or downright ignore the basis for my arguments all you want... but you will lose interest in realistic members who are here to debate. I love o debate and share ideas, but being called names is better than being having my statements misrepresented so you can have a baseless argument.

I think you need to actually read my posts before you react in that manner. Intel did illegally stop Nvidia and paid it billions! It is typical anti-competitive behavior by companies like Intel to stifle the competition and impede progress while Intel could try to catch up. Furthermore, you are simply lost about your comments on how far behind the low and ultra low voltage SB IGP is in comparison to both the standard voltage SB and even further behind the Nvidia 320m.

Whatever! It is like you read three words from every sentence and define your own meaning and context so you can make some words in reply but they don't even make sense to what you're debating when nobody else is misreading so obviously. Many people have opposite points and ignore obvious, but it takes a special person to completely fabricate their own interpretation way off base from actual statements made by another person they intend to debate.

are you trying to insinuate that i'm a brick wall.... where do you think they will have the room to add a discrete gpu in the 13 without making it bigger? The 15 and 17 have more room inside, which is why they can add the discrete gpu.

Again, speak for yourself, we DO know why there is no discrete gpu in the 13" mbp or the mba's... maybe you do not, but a lot of people are aware of this.

how are my points of base? I said we DO know why they don't use discrete gpus....?

And where did I call you a name, please quote it for me?

 

[Chazn]

It's such a pity the new Macbook Airs coming soon would have Intel HD 3000, a downgrade from 2010 320m GPUs.

 

[macDelirium]

Should be a very nice upgrade over the current C2D's.

Seems that the MBA is likely to be on a 6 to 8 month refresh cycle. If this will continue, I'll buy the Feb/March 2012 model

 

[nebulos]

the CPU in modern computers is NOT the bottleneck.

this is not the first time you've said this. i don't, don't, don't get it.

All I ask in return is those defending Intel openly admit that when the SB IGP eliminates use of apps and technologies they admit if they were the ones that were wrong.

this is not the first time you said this. who is defending Intel?

I also have hope that the rumors that Apple will use a 17W CPU in the 13" MBA allowing it to disable the IGP to use full boost capabilities of the CPU for CPU and none needed for IGP. Then use a discrete 7W or 9W AMD GPU.

now, here, we completely agree. Apple could, as per your idea, either:

1. cripple the XPU in favor of the YPU
2. cripple the YPU in favor of the XPU

obviously, those who favor XPU over YPU should beheaded for stupidity.

as for those of us who have the half a brain it takes to realize XPU is retarded and YPU is a golden baby from outer space with antimatter butt cheeks that will save the world through psychic powers and awesome bass lines, clearly we are much, much, much better.

but you know what? we should pity our XPU brethren. let's not behead them. let's forgive them. let's educate them. i mean, cows are stupid, but its not like we chop them into pieces and eat them.

... well, okay, i guess that's a third option.

and for you doubters out there, remember: they did not put a dedicated GPU in the 13 Pro, so it does make sense that they will do it on the 13 Air.

It is sad, and I feel compelled to tell people the truth of what they're begging for. And it's usually a few misinformed "geeks" who brag about specs who overlook real world results of overall impact to push for a product and misinform the masses following them.

yes, please, you stupid, stupid, idiotic readers who are so dumb as to blindly believe anything someone writes on a forum to be absolute truth, please, remember, not everyone is the authority they appear to be!

You are freaking out over nothing, the performance of the hd3000 is typically faster for gaming in osx, comparable at most tasks, and slightly worse for gaming under bootcamp in most, not all, scenarios. It's not like they are going back to some stone age technology...

you're probably talking about the 13" Macbook Pro here. Because the Airs would (most likely) use ultra-low and/or low voltage Sandy Bridge CPUs, performance on the (std voltage) 13 MBP is not comparable. Those concerned about graphics performance are not freaking out about nothing. In fact, check out this review of the Samsung Series 9 which uses one of the proposed ULV* CPU + IGP combos. ... Of course, those with concerns can always go/stick with a 2010 MBA.

On the other hand, as you pointed out, performance on the 13MBP is better in OSX in many situations. As far as I have read, graphics performance can depend almost as much on the graphics card itself as on the drivers for that card. it seems possible that Apple could squeeze out better performance in OSX out of the same CPU + IGP than in Windows on the Samsung.

EDIT: * fixed

 

[meaty]

can someone translate what this means for me; At a TDP of only 17W
im new to this and learning

also why i5 have more ghz than i7?

 

[TrollToddington]

i mean, cows are stupid, but its not like we chop them into pieces and eat them.

You're actually right! We first milk them, and then chop them into pieces and eat them. And I mean, imagine people buy the new SB MBA, it turns out to be crap and arrive to the SD's opinion. I can already imagine SD waving about his finger screaming "I told you, didn't I".