Intel Launches Mobile Core 2 Extreme X7800

By now you've probably noticed that Intel launched a new family of desktop processors today, featuring a new core stepping and support for a 1333MHz front side bus speed; you can check out our evaluation of the Core 2 Extreme QX6850 with more information regarding the launch right here.

Intel, however, has also just announced a brand new flagship mobile processor, dubbed the Core 2 Extreme Mobile Processor X7800.  This new mobile CPU is very similar to other Merom-core based mobile processors, but the Core 2 Extreme Mobile Processor X7800 sports a number of features that set it apart from the rest of Intel's mobile offerings.

The Core 2 Extreme Mobile Processor X7800 features a 2.6GHz core clock speed, an 800MHz front side bus speed with overspeed protection removed, and 4MB of shared L2 cache.  In addition to all of the features already available in Merom (EIST, VT, EMT64, etc.), the chip also features a 44 watt TDP, support for dynamic FSB switching, and a new enhanced deeper sleep state for better idle power characteristics.  And according to Intel documents, the Core 2 Extreme Mobile Processor X7800 is up to 41% faster than the Core Duo T2600 and 8% - 9% faster than the Core 2 Duo T7700.  And because the processor is unlocked, higher levels of performance can be attained through overclocking, something that's relatively new to mobile platforms.  We said 'relatively new' because Dell's XPS M1710 rev. 2.0 allowed to overclocking through the use of CPU multiplier manipulation.

The Core 2 Extreme Mobile Processor X7800 uses the same PGA Socket-P packaging as other Merom-based mobile processors and it is compatible with existing mobile platforms, but it has been qualified with the Intel GM / PM 965 Express chipset..  When used in conjunction with a compatible chipset, the processor's dynamic FSB switching feature offers improved power savings while in active mode, through the use of a lower CPU voltage and reduced FSB speed.  The processor's enhanced deeper sleep state (DC4) offers improved power saving while in idle mode as well and also allows the chipset to power down with the CPU when in the LFM state.  The sum total of the new Core 2 Extreme Mobile Processor X7800 is a faster Intel mobile platform designed for DTR notebooks. The CPU will be priced at around $850 and Intel expects notebooks built around the Core 2 Extreme Mobile Processor X7800 to be available within the next few weeks.  The official press release is available here.