Intel's Upcoming Core i7 Mobile CPU Lineup Unveiled, Maxes Out a 2.7GHz

In the fourth quarter of 2011 Intel plans to refresh its Core i7 mobile CPU range with the addition of four new models that will improve the specifications of their predecessors and will reach frequencies as high as 2.7GHz.

These will be the fastest standard voltage mobile Core i7 processors to be based on the Sandy Bridge architecture, as future parts will use the 22nm Ivy Bridge core.

The most powerful processor to be unveiled is the Core i7-2960XM Extreme Edition. Just like its predecessor, this will include four computing cores with Hyper-Threading support and 8MB of L3 cache, all packed inside a 55W thermal envelope.

However, the base clock speed of the chip will be raised from 2.5GHz to 2.7GHz, while the maximum Turbo Boost frequency will also receive a 200MHz speed bump to reach 3.7GHz.

Right below this processor will come the new Core i7-2860QM that has the same 2.5GHz base operating speed as the current Core i7-2920XM, but features a 45W TDP and a 100MHz higher max Turbo frequency.

Next in line is the Core i7-2760QM that is destined to replace the 2720QM. Both of these CPUs feature a quad-core design and 6MB of Level 3 cache memory, but the upcoming chip improves the clock speeds of its predecessor by 200MHz.

Finally, the last Intel mobile SKU to be replaced is the Core i7-2620M, which will surrender its place to the 2640M.

This is the only upcoming Core i7 processor to include only two cores and 4MB of L3 cache, but it also features a smaller 35W TDP.

All of Intel's upcoming mobile Core i7 parts feature the HD 3000 graphics core and an integrated DDR3-1600 dual-channel memory controller. The only exception to this rule is the Core i7-2640M, that is limited at supporting DDR-1333 memory.

As noted earlier, Intel plans to introduce these chips in the fourth quarter of the year. Pricing is yet unknown. (via MyDrivers)