Intel's Upcoming Core i7 Mobile CPU to Top Out at $1096

By the start of Q4 2011, Intel is expected to release a new series of high-performance mobile Core i7 processors with frequencies as high as 2.7GHz, which are expected to top out at $1096.

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 CPU 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 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.

According to CPU-World, these processors are expected to be released in the second week of September (September 4 to September 10), and prices will range from $346 for the Core i7-2640M to $1096 for the 2960XM.

The two other quad-core chips, the Core i7-2760QM and 2860QM, will carry a MSRP of $378 and $568, respectively.