Intel launches Xeon Processor 5500 series

Previously codenamed Nehalem-EP, the processor 5500 improves system speed and includes the Intel Turbo Boost Technology, Intel Hyper-Threading Technology, integrated power gates and Next-Generation Intel Virtualisation Technology (VT).

Software vendors currently supporting the series-based platform, include Citrix, IBM, Microsoft, Novell, Oracle, Red Hat, SAP AG, Sun Microsystems and VMware.

Corey Loehr, group manager A/NZ Enterprise and Solution Sales for Intel said the series offers 70 percent more performance, 40 percent lower system cost and 50 percent fewer cores.

"This is the most significant server performance launch in Intel's history since the Pentium Pro processor in 1995.

"In 2015, architecture will be very different to what it is today. Customers are trying to reduce costs and complexity in looking to standardise their architecture.

"We see people wanting less architecture. This is a great opportunity for them to consider this platform as a way to move towards that."

Loehr added there is not a data centre today where customers are not looking at energy efficiency.

He said the enterprise-class chips adjust energy usage levels by using a processor idle power level of 10 watts, enabling a 50 percent reduction in system idle power compared to the previous generation.

Intel has also unveiled the L5518 and L5508 versions of Intel Xeon processors.

The L5518 offers 2.13 GHz and a power level of 60 watts. The L5508 offers 2.00 GHz and a power level of 38 watts.

Loehr said there are three pillars of a data centre; Compute; which carries the Intel Xeon 5500 platform with enhanced compute and I/O virtualisation.

The Network; 10Gb Ethernet controller and support for Unified fabric and Storage; Open platform and Performance Breakthroughs (SSDS).