Intel unveils new high performance server processors

Intel has unveiled two new low-voltage 45 nanometre (nm) processors for servers and workstations that the vendor claims can boost performance and reduce power consumption in data centres.

The two processors, which make up the Quad-Core Intel Xeon Processor L5400 Series, run at 50 watts or just 12.5 watts per core with frequencies as high as 2.50 GigaHertz (GHz).

The chips are being targeted at companies that require power-constrained, high-compute density environments, Intel said.

The vendor also claimed that the new processors are 25 percent faster and have a 50 percent larger cache size than Intel’s previous-generation, low-voltage Quad-Core Intel Xeon processors.

“Using Intel’s hafnium-infused high-k metal gate transistors has allowed our quad-core 45nm low-voltage server chips to attain new heights in power-efficient performance,” said Kirk Skaugen, vice president and general manager of Intel’s Server Platforms Group. “These chips deliver the speed needed while using meagre amounts of energy.”

A number of systems vendors are supporting the L5400 series and L5210, including Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, Fujitsu-Siemens, Gigabyte, HP, Hitachi, IBM, Microstar, NEC, Quanta, Rackable, Supermicro, Tyan and Verari.

Next quarter, Intel will also begin shipping a new dual-core low-voltage processor that will boast a 40-watt rating and clock speed of 3 GHz, with a 6 MB cache size and a 1333 MHz FSB. Intel is also extending the existing Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor 5400 series for embedded market segments by offering the Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor L5410 with support for a 7-year life cycle.

The Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor L5420 (2.50GHz) will sell for US$380 while the Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor L5410 (2.33GHz) will sell for US$320. Both processors are sold in quantities of 1000 units.