What kind of heat is the future 15-inch MacBook packing?
And in case you haven't noticed, Apple likes fast graphics.Look no further than the third-generation iPad, which went with quad-core graphics but stayed with basically the same dual-core central processing unit (CPU).Main processor: That would be Ivy Bridge.That's pretty much a no-brainer.Intel is already shipping the quad-core variety (see graphic) that Apple could use. Note that all of the quad-core Ivy Bridge chips shown in the graphic are fairly power-hungry 45-watt processors, with the exception of the 3612QM, which is 35 watts.The 3612QM would be considered a power-efficient quad-core processor and a candidate for the new 15-inch MacBook.Of course, Intel could come out with more power-efficient quad-core SKUs in the coming months.The other option is even more power-frugal dual-core variants due in early June -- around the same time that Apple may announce the new MacBook (at WWDC in June).Those Intel chips will have power envelopes of only 17 watts, making them suitable for sub 0.8-inch thick designs.Whichever Apple chooses, all Ivy Bridge chips will come with built-in support for USB 3.0, which would be a first for the MacBook. Related storiesSlimmer, retina MacBook to debut at WWDC, report saysIntel officially rolls out Ivy Bridge chipNvidia's Haas on being two places at once: Intel and ARM
