Intel launches new Xeons, Paxville coming soon

Earlier this day AMD launched three new Opterons and now Intel launches its last single-core Xeon processor along with a couple of low-voltage Xeon processors. The chip giant also gives us a look at its upcoming server processors, platform and chipsets that will be released over the next few months.

"We are aggressively driving the transformation to an entire new generation of multi-core servers. As the most widely-deployed 64-bit platform in the industry, Xeon is the clear server and workstation workhorse for business," said Diane Bryant, vice president of Intel's Digital Enterprise Group and general manager of Intel's Server Platforms Group. "And as we support the transition to multi-core enterprise computing, Intel is already sampling next-generation processors and platforms that will consume orders of magnitude less power and incorporate new platform technologies that deliver leadership manageability, virtualization and I/O efficiency."

The new low voltage Intel Xeon processors include the Xeon LV 3GHz with a power usage of only 55W and the Xeon MV 3.2GHz with a power consumption of 90W. Both processors are targeted at server rack and blade designs were space is constrained and power-effiency is a priority.

Intel also introduced a new 64-bit Intel Xeon processor with 2MB of L2 cache running at 3.80 GHz that is drop-in compatible with the previous Intel Xeon processor platforms and continues to offer power-saving features with Demand Based Switching, enhanced performance and flexibility with support for Hyper-Threading Technology, DDR2-400 memory and PCI Express. Additionally, Intel introduced a 64-bit Intel Xeon processor 2.80 GHz with 2MB L2 cache for servers used in small and medium business environments.

Within a few weeks Intel will introduce the first dual-core "Paxville" Xeon processors and in early 2006 we can expect a new server platform, codenamed "Bensley", including a dual-core Xeon processor codenamed "Dempsey" and a chipset codenamed "Blackford".

At that time Intel will bring to market a dual-core Intel Xeon processor-based workstation platform, codenamed "Glidewell," also including the Dempsey processor, and a new chipset, optimized for workstations, codenamed "Greencreek."

To further efforts in reducing server power consumption, in 2006 Intel also plans to deliver a new dual-core processor, codenamed "Sossaman," targeted at power-constrained environments.

Later in 2006, Intel will introduce a dual-core Intel Xeon processor-based platform, codenamed "Woodcrest," designed on Intel's advanced 65-nanometer technology manufacturing process. Woodcrest, based on the company's next-generation, power-optimized micro-architecture, will offer dramatically improved performance and greatly reduced power consumption.

64-bit Intel Xeon processors with 2MB L2 cache at operating speeds of 3.80 GHz and 2.80 GHz are available now for $851 and $198, respectively, in 1,000-unit quantities. The 64-bit Intel Xeon processor LV 3 GHz is priced at $519 in 1,000-unit quantities. And the 64-bit Intel Xeon processor MV 3.20 GHz is priced at $487 in 1,000 unit quantities.