Intel has launched a low-cost quad-core mobile processor and added more mobile Core 2 Duo processors to its chip lineup, according to an updated price list dated December 28.
Acer was one of the first PC makers to announce a system with the new quad-core processor. On Monday Acer released the Aspire 8930G-7665 laptop designed for extreme gaming using the new Intel Core 2 Quad Mobile Processor Q9000, which runs at 2.53GHz. The laptop comes with a 18.4-inch WUXGA screen and Nvidia GeForce 9700M GT graphics.
The Q9000 processor is listed at US$348, significantly less than the existing QX9300 mobile quad-core processor, which is listed at US$1,038; and the Q9100, listed at US$851. Both processors have 12MB of cache memory — twice the amount of the cheaper Q9000, which integrates 6MB of cache. Generally, the more cache memory, the faster the processor.
Intel also released other mobile processors: the 2.93GHz T9800 ($530), the 2.66GHz P9600 Core 2 Duo (US$348), the 2.66GHz T9550 (US$316), and the 2.53GHz P8700 (US$241).
T series processors typically have a power envelope (TDP, or thermal design power) of 35 watts, while P series chips have a 25W TDP.
