Intel unleashes Xeon processors on UK
Firm unveils first processors capable of handling 32bit and 64bit software
Intel's first processor range capable of handling both 32bit and 64bit software is available in volume to the UK channel for the first time.
The five new 90nm Xeon processors, running at 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4 and 3.6GHz, are 30 per cent faster than their predecessors, Intel claims. They come with a new chipset, the E7525, which has dual processor ports, a 800MHz system bus, a PCI Express connector and fast Double Data Rate memory.
Intel said that it will release more processors and chipsets in the next 60 days.
Abhi Talwalkar, vice-president and general manager of Intel's enterprise platforms group, said: "We are shipping the new processors to OEMs and the channel in the UK as we speak. Availability will be quick."
Terry Fisher, business development manager for high-performance computing at systems integrator Compusys, is expecting demand to be strong.
"It's the combination of features such as large RAM handling and pure speed that makes this attractive to customers. It could totally replace 32bit product very quickly," he said.
Formerly known as Nocona, the new processors use EM64 memory extensions, in a similar way to AMD's Opteron chip, to ensure 64bit compatibility. They are aimed at the workstation and small-server market.
"The server and workstation market is incredibly diverse. EM64 tech will be in all server products by the end of the year," said Talwalkar.
The Xeons are designed with Demand Based Switching, derived from Intel's laptop SpeedStep technology, which can reduce power consumption by up to 30 per cent.
Asus, Compusys, Dell, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Egenera, FSC, Fujitsu, Gigabyte, HCL, Iwill, Kraftway, Maxdata, MPC, NEC, Optimus, Foxconn and Tyan will all build systems based on the new chipset.