Intel quad-core processors to use more power

Just as we were getting more and more excited about Intel's Core architecture - which without doubt is a huge improvement over Netburst - we are getting word that the upcoming quad-cores, "Clovertown" for DP servers and "Kentsfield" for desktop computers, will consume significantly more power at lower clock speeds. According to sources, Clovertown, which merges two dual-core Woodcrest cores, will not only grow in die size (292 mm2, up from Woodcrest's 142 mm2), but also be rated at a maximum power consumption of 110 watts (up from 80 watts of the 3.0 GHz Woodcrest chip.)

Those 110 watts refer to a 2.67 GHz version of Clovertown, which apparently will be the fastest version offered at launch in Q1 of 2007. Intel's first quad-core will include 2 x 4 MB shared L2 cache and house a total of four "Merom" (Intel's mobile processor based on Core architecture) cores. Clovertown's FSB speed will drop from 1333 MHz in Woodcrest to 1066 MHz and supported FB memory speeds will drop from 667 MHz to 533 MHz, according to sources.