Intel's upcoming server chips and model numbers

CNET talks about Intel's upcoming low-power Sossaman server processors which will consume a maximum of only 31W, roughly three times less than most current server CPUs. This Pentium M Yonah based chip will likely arrive in the first quarter of next year.

Additionally, Intel also plans two low-power versions of the Irwindale Xeon processor by the end of this year which will consume maximum 90W and 50W. These Irwandales are still based on Intel's Pentium 4 NetBurst architecture but they will incorporate some energy-efficiency techniques from the Pentium M.

Other changes include new model numbers for the Xeon and Itanium server processors. The 5000-series Xeon processors will be aimed at small servers, while the 7000-series will be for servers with four or more CPUs. Itanium processors will receive numbers in the 9000 range.

Desktop processors are sold under numbers in the hundreds, like the Pentium 4 840 or the Celeron 350. However, new processors for business desktops will now come with 3000 numbers.

Intel will also phase out single-core Xeon processors and expects 85 percent of the shipments will be dual-core by the end of next year. For the desktop and notebook processor shipments this is expected to be 70 percent by the same period. More info at CNET