MacBook Pros could go all-quad-core with first-wave Ivy Bridge processors

The six quad-core mobile processors that debuted Monday as part of Intel's first wave of Ivy Bridge parts could be enough to outfit Apple with processors for a complete MacBook Pro revamp, assuming Cupertino is ready to go quad-core for all its "pro" notebooks.

On Monday (as rumored) Intel launched a range of quad-core Ivy Bridge processors, built on its latest 22nm, 3D "tri-gate" transistor process. A product roadmap leak in late March suggested that some of those chips would launch in late April, while the rest would be delayed until early June. Among the leaked parts slated for April were 45W TDP quad-core parts that would make a good fit for Apple's higher-end 15" and 17" MacBook Pros. Dual-core parts that used less power (35W TDP) suitable for low-end models and the 13" MacBook Pro would have to wait.

However, Intel announced an OEM-only quad-core mobile processor, the Core i7-3612QM, which shaves a few megahertz off the maximum GPU and CPU frequencies to max out at 35W TDP. If Apple were willing to offer its MacBook Pros with quad-core only parts, it could do so with the processors Intel is already announcing.

We speculated last month that Apple could choose a staggered launch for Ivy Bridge-powered MacBook Pros, launching 15" and 17" models in late April or early May, and a revamped 13" model in June. This strategy isn't in keeping with Apple's style, however, which typically results in every model in a product line being updated at the same time. An all-quad-core strategy would fit that pattern, allowing new models in all sizes to launch at the same time.

Furthermore, Apple could use the quad-core/dual-core distinction to position the MacBook Pro for maximum performance, while its MacBook Air would still appeal to those willing to trade some performance for ultimate portability.

Rumors have suggested Apple may adopt thinner, more "MacBook Air-like" designs for the next MacBook Pro refresh, with one analyst even going so far as to suggest that Apple will kill its 17" MacBook Pro model altogether. We see little reason for Apple to adopt such a radical strategy, though. We think it's more likely that Apple would instead stick with something similar to what it currently has, perhaps ditching the optical drive for more battery capacity or expanded storage options. Add in the increased performance of quad-core CPUs across the board and Intel's HD4000 integrated graphics (particularly for the 13" MacBook Pro), and Apple will still have a formidable entry in the notebook market.

If Apple chooses to offer MacBook Pros with dual-core parts, however, we expect the company to wait until June to launch an entire series of MacBook Pro models. And if the company does have a more radical redesign in the wings, such designs might not work with the 45W parts currently on tap.

Regardless of the update strategy Apple chooses for the MacBook Pro, don't expect new MacBook Airs for at least another month. The ultra-low voltage Ivy Bridge processors necessary for the MacBook Air won't be available until June, either.

Source: Arstechnica

Tags: Apple, Ivy Bridge, MacBook, Laptop