Intel Launches New Quad-Core Server Processors

August 13, 2007

Today Intel Corp. launched two quad-core Intel Xeon processors. The new processors boast unprecedented combinations of performance and energy efficiency, along with a pricing strategy to move the enterprise industry to multi-core systems. The new Intel Xeon Processors X5365 and L5335 also contain new virtualization capabilities.

Designed for companies running performance-critical server and workstation applications, the Intel Xeon Processor X5365 is the industry's first 3.0 GHz quad-core processor to fit inside a standard 120 watt power envelope. The X5365 also features front-side bus (FSB) speed of 1333MHz.

With the energy-sipping Intel Xeon Processor L5335, Intel is delivering higher performance quad-core processors designed for servers that require optimal space and power utilization. The processor includes a 2.0 GHz clock speed and 1333MHz FSB within a 50 watt power envelope – or just 12.5 watts per processing core.

"Intel innovation continues to enable us to be the multi-core trailblazer providing a choice of quad-core products for those craving the highest performance, lowest power and all points in between," said Kirk Skaugen, vice president of Intel's Digital Enterprise Group, and general manager of the Server Platforms Group. "Moore's Law, Intel's silicon design and process technology and the Core microarchitecture are allowing us to deliver even greater levels of end-user value by essentially enabling price parity between dual and quad-core Intel Xeon processors at a given clock frequency, further accelerating quad-core market adoption."

The processors are ideal for conducting simultaneous design and analysis transactions, improving rendering performance and managing faster analytics for industries such as financial services. Both processors are easily "drop-in" compatible with select existing Intel server platforms.

Using the SPECint_rate_base2006 benchmark, which measures integer throughput, a Fujitsu-Siemens PRIMERGY RX300 S3 server based on the quad-core Intel Xeon Processor X5365 scored 98.9, setting a new world record1. Using the SPECjbb2005 benchmark, a Dell PowerEdge 1950 server based on the quad-core Intel Xeon Processor X5365 broke the previous record with a score of 238,472 business operations per second.

A number of systems vendors are supporting the new processors, including Dell, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, HP, IBM, SGI, SuperMicro, Rackable Systems, Verari and more than 40 others.

Intel also integrated advanced technology capabilities into the Intel Xeon Processors X5365 and L5335 to streamline virtualization and further improve energy efficiency. In addition to Intel Virtualization Technology, which increases the efficiency of virtualization solutions and enables 64-bit guest operating system support, the processors also feature new Intel Virtualization Technology processor extensions for improved interrupt handling in virtualization of 32-bit Microsoft Windows Operating Systems.

As part of Intel's efforts to ensure that system builders can meet energy efficiency requirements, and end-users can continue to manage their overall energy consumption, these processors include new system-transparent energy smart technology that reduces idle power usage by up to 50 percent.

In addition to including this technology on the new quad-core processors, Intel is driving its entire volume server processor line to take advantage of this new lower idle power utilization.

Source: Intel