The new processors and the 5100 Memory Controller Hub chipset comprise the company's first 45-nanometer CPU platform for memory-intensive applications used in storage hardware and routers, as well as equipment in security, communications, and medicine. The platform is built for 200-watt maximum power specifications.
The latest chips include the dual-core Xeon E5240, E5220, and L5238, and the quad-core Xeon E5440 and L5408.
The L5408, in conjunction with the 5100 MCH chipset, delivers 67% more compute performance per watt than the previous platform comprised of a quad-core L5318 chip on the Intel 5000P chipset, said Doug Davis, VP and general manager of Intel's embedded and communications group. In addition, the 45-nanometer quad-core processors deliver a 22% performance gain over previous-generation chips within the same thermal profile.
Along with the new chips and chipset, Intel also introduced a rack-mounted server called the Carrier Grade Server TIGH2U. The new product is built to run high-end communication applications. In addition, Intel announced support for its quad-core Xeon 5400 series in its other communication rack-mounted servers, including the Carrier Grade Server TIGW1U, the IP Network Server NSW1U, and the IP Network Server NSC2U.
Prices for the new 45-nanometer processors range from $321 to $690. All are available today, with the exception of the dual-core L5238 at 35 watts, which is set to ship next month. The 5100 MCH chipset is available today, starting at $76.