Lenovo showcases first Penryn-based PCs

Lenovo today broke two previous barriers by introducing both its first genuinely new Think-branded systems since taking over IBM's name in 2005 and launching the first computers ever to use Intel's Penryn processor technology. The ThinkStation D10 and S10 both use the 45-nanometer architecture to pack quad-core CPUs without the typical energy draw and heat associated with the extra performance. Both also share a uniquely quiet design that relies on passive venting to help cool the system without high fan speeds.

The PC builder is refraining from providing exact specifications but notes that dedicated graphics are provided from NVIDIA cards and that each system has dual gigabit Ethernet cards for professionals, who can use the ThinkStation as part of a cluster or server. The S10 is targeted at the relative mainstream with a 3GHz Core 2 Extreme QX9650 for its quad-core processor as well as a $1,199 price; the D10 will include the upcoming Xeon 5400 at an unknown clock speed for $1,739. Both systems should be readily available by January.

Though delayed, the announcement represents an apparently premature announcement, as Intel has officially revealed the QX9650 but has yet to publicly discuss the Xeon 5400, which is expected to gradually replace the Xeon 5300 and go on sale by November 12th. The first adoptees of the new workstation-class processor are expected to include Apple, Dell, and other companies that are not expected to unveil their offerings until the processors are immediately available.