Intel Brings Out x86-64 Workstations, Servers
 

Intel, the world’s largest maker of microprocessors, who used to downplay the importance of 64-bit computing within x86 architecture, on Monday rolled-out its new series of Xeon microprocessors for servers of workstation that sport x86-64 technology originally introduced by the arch-rival AMD. But Intel’s server and workstation platforms not only bring new processors, but broaden usage models of such computers.

Intel Xeon “Nocona” – The Heart of Intel’s New Platforms

The brain and main engine of all Intel’s new 2-way platforms is the Xeon processors based on the core code-named Nocona. Being the superset of the Prescott core that powers all conventional Pentium 4 processors, Nocona brings something that the desktop chips lack – the 64-bit capability with remaining compatibility with all 32-bit applications.

Besides x64-64 technology, which Intel calls Extended Memory 64 Technology, the new Xeon processors feature multitude of performance-enhancing tweaks that are likely to be praised by customers.

Being made using 90nm manufacturing technology, the new Xeon processors gain some additional scalability for future growth in speed. However, clock-speed is not the only improvement of Nocona. The Xeon processors made using 90nm fabrication process feature 16KB L1 cache, 1MB L2 cache and 12K uOps Trace Cache, substantial improvements over the typical 130nm Xeon chips. In addition, the new processors feature more advanced branch-prediction mechanisms, SSE3 technology and revamped Hyper-Threading capability.

Furthermore, the Xeon “Nocona” processors integrate Demand Based Switching (DBS) with Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology to dynamically adjust power and lower the processor's power demand.

All the fresh Xeon processors work using 800MHz processor system bus, a substantial speed improvement over older-generation 400MHz and 533MHz PSB.

More: http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/mainboa...628174359.html