Intel Corporation introduced 17 enterprise-class processors today, led by the Intel Xeon processor 5500 series. They are Intel’s most revolutionary server processors since addressing the market with the Intel Pentium® Pro processor almost 15 years ago.
The new enterprise-class chips can automatically adjust to specified energy usage levels, and speed data center transactions and customer database queries. They also will play a key role in scientific discoveries by researchers who use supercomputers as their foundation for research, all whilst delivering great energy efficiency for reduced electricity costs.
The Intel Xeon processor 5500 series, previously codenamed "Nehalem-EP," offers several breakthrough technologies that radically improve system speed and versatility. Technologies such as Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, Intel Hyper-Threading Technology, integrated power gates, and Next-Generation Intel Virtualization Technology (VT) improved through extended page tables, allow the system to adapt to a broad range of workloads.
"The Intel Xeon processor 5500 series is the foundation for the next decade of innovation," said Patrick Gelsinger, senior vice president and general manager of Intel’s Digital Enterprise Group. "These chips showcase groundbreaking advances in performance, virtualization and workload management, which will create opportunities to solve the world’s most complex challenges and push the limits of science and technology."
Fifteen Billion Connected Devices
As use of the Internet expands toward Intel’s vision of 15 billion connected devices, the Intel Xeon processor 5500 series will also power an upcoming transformation for the Internet’s infrastructure. The high-tech industry has rallied around a goal to run applications from optimized processors and computing hardware that are available on-demand and scalable to the masses. Often called cloud computing, this vision could flourish helped by the adaptability, capability and intelligence of the Intel Xeon processor 5500 series.
Greatest Intel Xeon Performance Leap in History1
With over 30 new world records2 the Intel Xeon processor 5500 series establishes new standards for two-socket performance while delivering gains of more than double the previous- generation Intel Xeon processor 5400 series.
Fujitsu’s PRIMERGY* server platforms set records for SPECint*_rate_base2006 and SPECfp*_rate_base2006 with scores of 240 and 194, respectively. The HP ProLiant DL370 G6 server, on the TPC*-C benchmark, shattered the previous record with a score of 631,766 tpmC using the Oracle 11g database. Using the SAP*-SD benchmark, the IBM System x* 3650 M2 server set a record with a score of 5100 SD users. On the SPECpower*_ssj2008 benchmark, which measures energy-efficient performance of servers, a Xeon 5500 series-based Verari Systems VB1305 server platform smashed the previous world record with a score of 1943 ssj_ops/watt. Using the VMmark* benchmark, which measures virtualization performance, several Xeon 5500 series-based platforms shattered the previous record by as much as 150 percent versus the previous-generation Intel Xeon processor 5400 series, including a Dell* PowerEdge R710 platform score of 23.55@16 tiles.
Dynamic Leaps in Intelligence
Whether businesses are running high-capacity transactions or simulations, or researchers are striving to discover new energy resources or distant galaxies, computers based on the adaptable Intel Xeon processor 5500 series will play a big impact. Equipped with triple the memory bandwidth of previous server processors, Intel Xeon processor 5500 series-based platforms effortlessly manage a variety of workloads and conditions. A new feature, Intel Turbo Boost Technology, increases system performance based on the user’s workload and environment, dynamically boosting the clock speed of one or more of the individual processing cores.
The Intel Xeon processor 5500 series also offers automated energy efficiency enhancements, providing users with greater control of their energy expenditures. This includes a processor idle power level of only 10 watts, enabling a 50 percent reduction3 in system idle power compared to the previous generation. New integrated power gates, based on Intel’s unique high-k metal gate technology, allow idle cores to power down independently.
The Intel Xeon processor 5500 series also takes intelligent power to a new level with up to 15 automated operating states. These create significant improvements in chip power management by adjusting system power consumption based on real-time throughput and without sacrificing performance.
These and other more intelligent capabilities of the processors also maximize total cost of ownership for users interested in a smooth transition to the Intel Xeon processor 5500 series from their current systems. In this time of economic challenges, customers can replace older Intel Xeon servers with the Intel Xeon processor 5500 series and receive an estimated payback in as little as 8 months.
New Embedded Processors Unveiled
The L5518 and L5508 are versions of Intel Xeon processors that were tailored specifically for communications market segments. These processors include options ideal for applications in thermally constrained environments, such as blades and appliances for communication infrastructure, security, storage, medical applications, carrier-grade rackmount servers, router modules and even submarine technology. 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. New communications and embedded processors feature 7-year extended lifecycle support; these new chips will enable the technology of the future, such as WiMAX, video-on-demand and holographic communications.
New Component Products
Intel is also announcing new server boards that offer a higher degree of integrated components. In addition, the company is announcing the Intel 82599 10 Gigabit Ethernet Controller, featuring advanced virtualization technology and unified networking support, which greatly improves network I/O performance in virtualized datacenters. It is optimized to support the increased bandwidth provided by platforms based on the IntelÒ XeonÒ processor 5500 series, which provides more than 150 percent the I/O throughput of previous-generation servers to best meet the needs of the most demanding virtualization applications.
Also available today is the Intel Data Center Manager software development kit that enables management console vendors to extend platform power control and set rack and datacenter level power policies dynamically, responding to changing server workloads to ensure that racks do not exceed those power levels.
For server applications, processor frequencies peak at 2.93 GHz with DDR3 memory speeds up to 1333 MHz and power levels of from 60 to 95 watts. Under certain conditions, Intel Turbo Boost Technology can provide operating frequencies up to 3.33 GHz, depending on the processor and system configuration. Workstation frequencies go up to 3.20 GHz with power levels of 130 watts, and up to 3.46GHz using Intel Turbo Boost Technology depending on the workload and environment. Each processor contains up to 8MB of level 3 cache.
Starting today, more than 230 unique systems based on the Intel Xeon processor 5500 series are expected to be announced by more than 70 system manufacturers around the world – including a new Intel customer, Cisco, along with Dell, Fujitsu, HP, IBM, Sun Microsystems and others.
Many software vendors are also supporting Intel Xeon processor 5500 series-based platforms, including Citrix, IBM, Microsoft, Novell, Oracle, Red Hat, SAP AG, Sun Microsystems and VMware. To learn more about how Intel and major software vendors deliver outstanding platforms, please visit http://www.intel.com/business/software/testimonials/xeon5500.htm.
The Intel Xeon processor 5500 series ranges in price from $188 to $1,600 in quantities of 1,000. The single-socket Intel Xeon processor 3500 series ranges from $265 to $970 in quantities of 1,000. The L5518 and L5508 embedded processors for communications market segments are priced at $530 and $423, respectively, in quantities of 1,000. For more details on the Intel Xeon processor 5500 series, visit http://www.intel.com/xeon. For more details on world records and other claims, visit http://www.intel.com/performance/server/xeon/summary.htm?iid=perf_server_lhn+dp_sum
Intel [NASDAQ: INTC], the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at http://www.intel.com/pressroom and http://blogs.intel.com.
Intel, Xeon, Pentium and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.
* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
1. Source: Intel. March 2009. Performance measured on Intel ® Xeon processor based machines. Performance based on TPC*-C uses best published or measured results as of March 30. For more information, visit http://www.intel.com/performance/server/index.htm.
2. World record claim based on comparison of two socket server platforms based on x86 architecture.
Performance results based on published/submitted results as of March 30, 2009. Platform configuration details are available at http://www.intel.com/performance/server/xeon/summary.htm
3 Configuration details for 50 percent lower idle power: Intel internal measurements of 221W at idle with Supermicro 2xE5450 (3.0GHz 80W) processors, 8x2GB 667MHz FBDIMMs, 1x700W PSU, 1x320GB SATA hard drive vs. 111W at idle with Supermicro software development platform with 2xE5540 (2.53GHz Nehalem 80W) processors, 6x2GB DDR3-1066 RDIMMs, 1x800W PSU, 1x150GB 10k SATA hard drive. Both systems were running Windows 2008 with USB suspend select enabled and maximum power savings mode for PCIe link state power management. Measurements as of February.
Performance tests and ratings are measured using specific computer systems and/or components and reflect the approximate performance of Intel products as measured by those tests. Any difference in system hardware or software design or configuration may affect actual performance. Buyers should consult other sources of information to evaluate the performance of systems or components they are considering purchasing. For more information on performance tests and on the performance of Intel products, visit http://www.intel.com/performance/resources/limits.htm or call (U.S.) 800-628-8686 or 916-356-3104.
Source: Intel
> Techgage
Over the past few months, it's become increasingly clear that OCZ has shifted its focus more towards its core products, and as a result, the company will no longer invest in things like cooling products, peripherals and so forth. Rather, it will focus on SSDs, memory and of course, power supplies. As I made my earlier post, I had wondered what OCZ's renewed focus would mean for Hypersonic-PC, and that was made clear to me earlier today.
> Techgage
Making the decision to upgrade to an SSD isn't difficult, but finding the "perfect" SSD is a different story thanks to the sheer amount of choice out there; sometimes even from the same vendor! Fortunately, OCZ's Vertex Turbo delivers a great blend of performance and GB per dollar, making it well worth consideration.
The HIS Radeon HD5670 is a very capable card for the cheap price of only US$89 at your favorite online retailer. Although it is not a screamer, at almost half the price of a HD5750, for the moderate gamer, it could be considered quite a deal for a videocard sporting such an impressive stock cooling solution.
> TechSpot
Right now there are a number of quality options for budget-conscious users looking to build a new computer. The AMD Phenom II X2 processor series, for example, will get you a fine deal of processing power at just $110 for the 3.2GHz flagship part. Combine this with the affordable AMD 785G based motherboards selling for around $70 and you have the makings of a seriously good value platform. However, if you are willing to part with a little more cash, then the new Intel Core i3 series might be the way to go. When compared to the dual-core Phenom II X2 555, consumers will pay about $20-$30 more for a Core i3 530 processor, while compatible Intel H55 motherboards are on average $20-$30 more than the AMD alternative as well. There are a number of H55 motherboards available at reasonable prices, so picking one for your next build is no easy task. Our round-up comprises 4 Intel H55 based motherboards from the likes of Asrock, Asus, ECS, and Gigabyte. With a narrow price range between $90 and $105, it all comes down to features and performance.
I’ve taken a look at a few media players here on TestFreaks and most are fairly decent and honestly they’re all pretty similar at least in the interfaces. Today for review I’ve got another one from Cirago called the CiragoTV Pro CTP1000. It’s a media player with HDMI, Component and Composite outputs so you can use it with any TV and it includes a 500gig hard drive for you storage. The CTP1000 also has a memory card reader and a USB port so you can read directly from memory cards, USB flash drives or USB hard drives so you can expand the storage or quickly view things without transferring them to the main hard drive. One thing about this product though is that it’s UBS only for transfers, there’s no networking with this unit, is that a good thing or a bad thing? Read on..
Able Planet as a company has really piqued my interest, too. They are committed to providing headphones for people with all levels of hearing. The Linx Audio technology aids in this by enhancing high frequency sounds where clarity is often lost in the early stages of hearing loss.
> TechSpot
Windows users have been customizing their desktops in a variety of ways for years. Whether by downloading themes and backgrounds, or using third party applications to change more obscure settings like the default logon screen, many people seem intent on personalizing every aspect of their operating system to something that fits their individual taste. And what better to alter than an icon that's always visible? While we don't mind the Windows 7 Start Menu icon, and actually feel it's somewhat of a leap from the rectangular buttons of old, swapping out the orb for a new icon is quick and painless with the help of Kishan-Bagaria's Windows 7 Start Orb Changer. It even comes with a few examples to get you started.
Overclocking is getting easier than ever, and more and more users are finding that they want to try their hand at what used to be an art reserved for hardcore computer enthusiasts. In this article Benchmark Reviews tests the Patriot Gamer Series 4GB PC3-12800 DDR3-1600 dual-channel system memory kit, SKU PGS34G1600ELKA. Patriot designed this DDR3 kit to work with BEMPs (Black Edition Memory Profiles) that have been uploaded for use with the AMD Overdrive program in order to make overclocking even easier for the average enthusiast. This Patriot Gamer Series DDR3 RAM is designed to work in tandem with AMD Black Edition processors, but can be overclocked quite effectively in nearly any DDR3 compatible system. Priced at $130, the Patriot Gamer Series PC3-12800 DDR3-1600 kit represents a great opportunity for PC hardware enthusiasts to upgrade to low latency, high-performance memory at a very affordable price.
Cooler Master announced the GX series at the end of January and was showcasing these products to the world at CeBIT just last week. The GX series stand for Gamer Xtreme and comes in three power ratings - 550W, 650W and 750W hoping to target mid-range to high-end gaming systems by offering a single +12V rail designed to provide sufficient power to dual graphics card systems such as CrossFireX and SLi. The 750W version even comes with four PCIe connectors.
After going over the features and specifications of the CM 690 II Advanced chassis prior to the review, I had high hopes for the case. I wasn't disappointed. Cooler Master has taken the 690 design to the next level in virtually all the important areas.
