Intel Corporation today unveiled a new generation of Intel Xeon-processor-based server platforms based on an array of new performance-enhancing technologies and capabilities that collectively better address the evolving needs of enterprise computing.
Intel`s new dual-processor capable platforms, which are based on the Intel Xeon 3.60GHz processor introduced in June, utilise the new Intel E7520 or E7320 chipsets (formerly codenamed "Lindenhurst") that vary in features and prices. The platforms also include the new Intel IOP332 I/O Storage Processor (formerly codenamed "Dobson") that delivers improved RAID storage performance.
The platforms also incorporate a host of other new and enhanced memory, I/O and bus technologies that increase performance in key server benchmarks up to 50% over prior generations, depending on the application.
"We`ve innovated and integrated the processor, chipset, storage and networking components with these technologies into platforms that deliver a new standard in performance, reliability and cost," said Abhi Talwalkar, Intel vice-president and general manager, Enterprise Platforms Group.
"Utilising these technologies will enable the systems built on these platforms to perform many of the most demanding jobs business, science or government can throw at them."
Other new technologies include faster DDR2 400 memory, a higher-throughput 800MHz system bus and higher-bandwidth PCI Express* interconnect technology than previous generations. Each works in concert with the performance, power optimisation, and flexible 32- and 64-bit memory addressability of the Intel Xeon processor for balanced overall operation.
New performance benchmarks
This combination of new features enables improved performance for a wide variety of applications. In benchmark tests conducted by VeriTest, the platform demonstrated 54% greater performance on WebBench (used to measure the ability to handle Web hosting services), 22% improved performance on Windows* Media Load Simulator (used to measure capacity for streaming media applications) and 18% better performance on SPECjbb2000 (used to measure ability to process transactions in e-commerce applications).** All comparisons are against the previous generation of Intel-based servers.
The Intel E7520 chipset is aimed at the highest-performance dual-processor enterprise solutions for systems that have numerous I/O requirements for storage, networking and other applications. The Intel E7320 chipset includes all of the performance enhancements of the E7520, and currently offers a lower price for purchases direct from Intel for applications requiring fewer I/O ports.
The new Intel IOP332 I/O Storage Processor is aimed at cost-effectively enhancing RAID storage performance to improve data reliability and reduce downtime. The IOP332 processor takes advantage of DDR2-400 memory and the fastest Intel XScale core at 800MHz to double the speed of RAID5 data storage and recovery. PCI Express technology enables the storage processor to be integrated on the motherboard, eliminating the cost of a separate card.
Balanced platform technologies
New DDR2 400 memory technology provides a 20% increase in memory bandwidth and up to 40% reduction in power over DDR 333. The combination of greater memory density and reduced power is particularly important to rack and blade servers, where the goal is to garner the most computing power into a constrained space while keeping heat under control. The 800MHz system bus provides 50% greater bandwidth between chipset and the Intel Xeon processor, enabling unencumbered data flow for evermore demanding applications.
PCI Express, the successor to the PCI and PCI-X bus technologies, increases I/O bandwidth three-fold over PCI-X. Initially, the E7520 and E7320 chipsets will support integration of PCI Express devices, including the IOP332 processor, onto motherboards, and by early in the fourth quarter will offer broad support for PCI Express adapters.
Intel introduced six new server boards and several new server chassis that incorporate the Xeon processor, chipsets and storage processor along with new RAID controllers and server-management software. These new products are aimed at OEMs and resellers for applications ranging from the high-performance dual-CPU pedestal servers to high-density, cost-effective rack-mount systems.
This improved performance translates directly to meeting the enterprise computing demands of such companies as Nasdaq, Statoil and Qliktech.
"For the Nasdaq, the key performance measure is the peak number of transactions our servers can handle per second, " said Steve Randich, CIO and Executive Vice-President, The Nasdaq Stock Market. "Therefore, enhancing throughput and latency in our servers is key to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of stock trading process for traders and investors. With its host of new I/O and memory technologies, Intel`s latest server platform, which is incorporated in our Dell* PowerEdge* servers, has the potential to help us continue to meet rapidly growing trading demands."
"Computing power at Statoil is second to none in the oil industry. We use the latest supercomputers, data communications networks, workstations and applications software to support exploration and production operations. We require solutions which can provide outstanding power, performance, scalability and reliability - vigorous testing of the new Intel Xeon processor platform has produced positive performance testing results and we believe this high performance solution will drive our business forward." Trond Jarl Suul, Senior Advisor, IT upstream Statoil.
"With the release of Intel`s Xeon processor based platform, scalability has become a powerful competitive advantage to us. We now provide our customers with both high level KPIs and detailed information in the same application. We can do this with data sets big enough for even the largest corporations of the world," says Mans Hultman, CEO of QlikTech International.
"Our solution is based on a technology that stores compressed data in memory. Intel`s Xeon processor-based platform has enabled us to achieve much higher memory capacity which translates into maximised performance for our customers," adds Jonas Nachmanson, CTO at QlikTech International.
The Intel Xeon processor, which was introduced in June, is the first Intel Xeon processor to offer Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology (Intel EM64T).
EM64T helps overcome the 4GB memory addressability hurdle, providing software developers flexibility for writing programs to meet the evolving demands of data centre computing. The processor also features Demand Based Switching with Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology to dynamically adjust the processor`s power usage up to 31% to reduce operating costs and heat issues.
"Availability of Intel`s new server platforms with Extended Memory 64 Technology marks an exciting milestone that will accelerate customer adoption of 64-bit computing," said Bob Muglia, senior vice-president, Microsoft`s Windows Server Group. "The performance and scalability benefits of 64-bit Windows Server 2003 and SQL Server 2005 on Intel Xeon processor-based systems enable Microsoft and Intel to deliver the benefits of 64-bit technology while providing customers investment protection and an easy migration path from today`s 32-bit applications."
A broad range of system and board manufacturers have stated that they currently plan to introduce products based on the new server platforms, including Acer, Appro, Aquarius, Arima, Asus, CA Digital, Ciara Technologies, Colfax, Compusys, Datanet, Dell, Digital Henge, Egenera, Equus, Foxconn, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, Gateway, Gigabyte, HCL, Hitachi, HP and IBM. Worldwide, there are more than 10 000 sellers of Intel-based products, platforms and systems.
Pricing and availability
Both the Intel E7520 and 7320 Chipsets, and the Intel IOP332 IO Processor are available now. The Intel 7520 and 7320 are priced at $84 and $70, respectively. The IOP332 IO Processor is priced at $82. All prices are in quantities of 1 000.
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Intel, the world`s largest chipmaker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at http://www.intel.com/pressroom.
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