M6400 chipset (Q43)

I noticed in the technical specs of the M6400 that the chipset used is Intel Q43, which is a desktop chipset (other mobile workstations like the HP8730w use the Mobile Intel PM45 chipset).
While this made possible the use of 4 RAM slots, I wonder what implication does that have for power consumption and heat. I noticed there are no autonomy estimates on Dell's site and also that the power adapter is required to deliver a huge 210W.

Dragos

PS Interesting enough, the Q43 chipset is listed on Intel's site as being capable of addressing 8 GB DDR3 and 16 GB only with DDR2
http://www.intel.com/Products/Desktop/Chipsets/Q43/Q43-overview.htm

 

The Q43 does support 2 SODIMMs per channel, so dual channel - you get 4 SODIMM connectors.
(PM45 supports 1 SODIMM per channel)

4GB DDR3 modules are not mainstream, and are not available as Retail, and only as OEM, so Intel does not acknowledge their existence yet. The info will be updated later, as the datasheet was last revised in September.
(So, AT Intel, 2GB DDR3*4 = 8GB DDR3).

Can't really comment on the power consumption, but you can't expect much battery life from a workstation. But it should be fine when downclocked and undervolted, though the Quadro isn't that power efficient.

(How did Dell end up using a Socket P with a Q43 ?! )

 

That clears it.

That's my main concern. A mobile workstation is already power hungry, but at least I suppose a dedicated mobile chipset is better at managing various components to try to keep consumption as low as possible (with the given system). I suspect a desktop chipset is not as good at it, while being more power-hungry itself.
I love the fact that the M6400 has 4 RAM slots because, while I'm not interested in 16GB RAM, I'm interested in an affordable way to have 8GB (this is not possible with only 2 DIMM slots as 4GB DIMMs are very expensive).
But autonomy is a concern for me seeing the way they used to achieve that.
I guess we'll have to wait for a review...