Apple has eliminated the final remnants of Intel silicon from its Mac computer systems. Restore directions and instruments specialist iFixIt not too long ago took one of many latest MacBooks to items (an M2 processor mannequin) and found that Intel USB4 timer chips on earlier generations had been swapped out for one more model.
As famous by Twitter person SkyJuice, this part change was noticed in an iFixIt Teardown final week, and it marks a tragic milestone for Intel with regard to its Apple relationship. Within the zoomed element motherboard pic, you’ll discover two chips which carry the codename ‘U09PY3’. Apparently, earlier MacBooks have been utilizing Intel’s JHL8040R Retimer chips for USB4 and Thunderbolt assist.
We don’t know who has made the brand new U09PY3 USB4 retimer chip, The supply signifies it’s a customized design, and we are able to’t get any additional data from the markings within the picture. Apple hasn’t mentioned something publicly about this variation, and it isn’t anticipated to. It should have in all probability modified this chip for provide chain or value causes. Another excuse behind a change could possibly be dissatisfaction with the Intel JHL8040R retimer, however once more we haven’t heard any mutterings about this.
On the subject of holding Intel exterior, SkyJuice additionally famous that AMD’s latest Rembrandt laptops have eschewed any Intel USB4 relationship. As an alternative, AMD has determined to go for retimers such because the KB8001 ‘Matterhorn’ from Swiss startup Kandou. This firm claims its USB4 retimer chips are “deployed in merchandise from 5 of the highest six PC OEMs.” Furthermore, its USB4 retimer is suitable with all SoC platforms.
Common readers will know of Intel’s deep ties with the USB4 normal, which was constructed on the inspiration of Thunderbolt 3. Thus USB4 helps as much as 40 Gbps transfers, DP Alt mode monitor connectivity, some Thunderbolt 3 system compatibility, and as much as 100W energy supply. Please word the ‘as much as’ stats, and don’t mistake them for minimums. For a deeper dive into USB4 take a look at our USB4 explainer article, and one other article we created with a easy desk evaluating the variations between USB4, USB 3, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 3.
