Intel Releases New High Performance Dual-Core Intel Xeon Processor 7100 Series

Intel Corporation has released eight new Dual-Core Intel Xeon 7100 series processors designed for multi-processor servers. Previously codenamed "Tulsa," the Dual-Core Intel Xeon processor 7100 series, the processor family also includes lower-power, 95 watt options that reduce associated energy costs.

The Dual-Core Intel Xeon 7100 processor series offers up to twice the performance and nearly three times better performance per watt over previous Intel Xeon MP processors, while the company says it boasts greater performance headroom than competitive offerings.

These processors are also socket compatible with the currently shipping platform.

Intel is touting these processors for server consolidation, including virtualised environments, and for running demanding enterprise workloads such as database, enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM) and e-commerce applications.

Built on Intel's industry leading 65nm manufacturing process, the Dual-Core Intel Xeon 7100 series processors boast more than 1.3 billion transistors and 16MB of shared cache in an innovative architecture that features Intel Cache Safe Technology for optimal reliability. Systems scaling to 32 processors will be available.

The Dual-Core Intel Xeon Processor 7100 series feature numerous Intel-led innovations that enhance datacenter effectiveness including Intel Virtualization Technology (originally introduced last year).

The Dual-Core Intel Xeon Processor 7100 series is compatible with the existing Intel E8501 chipset that was introduced last year and designed for dual-core processors. The 95 watt dual core option offers up to 40 percent less power consumption than the previous generation processor, providing increased power efficiency and lower energy costs.

Prices for this new series vary from US$856 (Dual-Core Intel Xeon 7110M processor 2.60GHz 4MB 800MHz) through US$1980 (Dual-Core Intel Xeon 7140M processor 3.40GHz 16MB 800MHz).