Intel debuts quad-core processors
updated 10:15 pm EST, Tue November 14, 2006
Intel's quad-core chips
Intel today introduced new quad-core processors for both servers and high-performance desktops by delivering chips with four computing “brains” inside a single microprocessor: the Quad-Core Intel Xeon 5300 and Intel Core 2 Extreme quad-core processor deliver "immense speed and responsiveness" for general purpose servers and workstations and for digital media creation, high-end gaming and other market segments that crave absolute performance, the company said. The new Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor 5300 series is designed for servers and provides performance boosts of up to 63 percent and offer up to 2.5 times the performance of the fastest competing processor, according to tests cited by the company. In addition, the processors offer up to 50 percent more performance within the same thermal envelope and at the same cost as the previous generation Dual-Core Intel Xeon processor 5100 series launched less than 5 months ago.
The world's largest chipmaker, said that it will offer four Intel Xeon processors at clock speeds ranging from 1.60GHz to 2.66GHz, with front side bus (FSB) speeds ranging from 1066MHz to 1333MHz, and thermal design power (TDP) of either 80 watts or a performance-optimized 120 watt option. In the first quarter next year, Intel will launch two more quad-core Xeon processors – a low-voltage version for ultra-dense deployments with a TDP of only 50 watts and a processor designed for single-socket workstations and servers.
Intel Core 2 Extreme quad-core processor QX6700
Intel claims that its Intel Core 2 Extreme quad-core processor QX6700, designed for high-end desktop applications, is up to 80 percent faster than the company’s current Intel Core 2 Extreme Processor X6800. It is available at 2.66GHz with a 1066MHz FSB and runs on Intel’s existing 975X Express chipset family.
The company plans to offer a mainstream quad-core processor starting in the first quarter next year under the Intel Core 2 Quad processor brand name.
Intel is offering its flagship Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor X5355 2.66GHz (1333MHz/8MB/120W) for $1172, while its Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor E5345 2.33GHz (1333MHz/8MB/80W) is $851. The slower E5320/1.86GHz ($690) and E5310/1.60GHz ($455) both feature a 1066MHz FSB and consume 80W of power. The company will offer its desktop Core 2 Extreme quad-core processor QX6700 running at 2.66GHz for $1000.
Intel is on a roll
11/15, 01:49am reply
Intel is on a roll. When I used to be a PC guy, AMD was underdog. A year before I switched to mac, AMD became #1, and stayed that way until macs turned intel. Then intel rapidly and impressively took back its #1 spot.
I remember I used to think apple should have chose AMD when they announced to switch to x86.
Gordio
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Useless!
11/15, 08:34am reply
Who cares! The PowerPC is still king of the hill, and RISC just chews Intel's chips for breakfast! I'm sure some PC geeks will be all over this, but to anyone who knows anything about computers, the PPC with Altivec still wins hands down!
What? Oh, right, Apple switched to Intel.....
Yeah! This is great! Just what everyone is waiting for! And we know Apple will stick these in machines that will become the fastest computers ever! Way to go Apple and Intel!
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Lie...
11/15, 09:33am reply
Immense speed for high-end gaming? Poppycock, probably 98% of all games are single threaded, so zero advantage to multi-processor machines. Maybe they should say that you can run the game at full speed while IMing and writing e-mails all at the same time... yeah, that's what folks do!
paulc
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2000
now vs later
11/15, 09:56am reply
while it's true that most games are not multiprocessor aware, it's not going to be that way forever. Why? because by the end of 2007 there won't be any chips that are single processor.
developers are going to figure out how to multithread, it's inevitable.
speaking of: if you're into 3D modeling/rendering (or you want to be) be sure to check out Luxology modo. This application is currently capable of efficiently using up to 16 processors (!!) and is fun to use to boot :)
so for me, bring on the procs!
Hobeaux
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Speaking of later...
11/15, 02:33pm reply
So now we have a large multi-headed central processor (and that was realatively quick in my opinion). I would like to see some Cell architecture (think PS3) coming up to the Apple drawing board. 3D modeling and animation (especailly rendering) could definitely get a boost from power like that. I guess that's still going to be a "someday" for quite a while, however.
danviento
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2005