Intel has launched new Core i5 processor family, two new Core i7 processors and Xeon processor 3400 series, which bring its Nehalem microarchitecture to mainstream desktop and entry server markets. Intel said that the new processors are lead- and halogen-free, and feature its Turbo Boost Technology. The Core i7 processors also support the company’s Hyper-Threading Technology.
The company claims that the new Core i7 and i5 processors are the first Intel processors to integrate both a 16-lane PCI Express 2 graphics port and two-channel memory controller, enabling all input/output and manageability functions to be handled by the single-chip Intel P55 Express Chipset.
Previous Intel chipsets required two separate chips. Now, a new Direct Media Interface (DMI) connects between the processor and chipset. The chipset supports 8 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Ports (2.5GT/s) for flexible device support. Dual graphics cards are supported in a ‘2×8’ configuration.
The chipset also supports 6 SATA 3 Gb/s Ports with Intel Matrix Storage Technology providing RAID levels 0/1/5/10. Up to 14 USB 2.0 Ports can be supported with the chipset’s integrated USB 2.0 Rate Matching Hub, along with Intel High Definition Audio for digital sound. The new processors are supported by the new Land Grid Array (LGA) 1156 package and socket technology, the company said.
Intel claimed that its new Xeon processors and 3400 and 3420 chipsets improve small business productivity by running email, file, print and dynamic web serving tasks more efficiently. Servers based on Xeon 3400 processors provide more dependability over desktop systems through differentiated features such as Error Correcting Code memory and RAID 0/1/5/10 for server operating systems.
The company added that the processors launched also include Xeon L3426, a low-power variant that reportedly delivers up to 188% improvement in energy efficiency per dollar than the previous-generation Xeon X3380.
According to Intel, the P55 Express Chipset will be the building block component for motherboards worldwide. The new processors, formerly codenamed ‘Lynnfield’, are available along with P55 express chipset.
