Intel unveils Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme with release of 10 models
Intel Corp. released 10 Intel Core 2 Duo and Intel Core 2 Extreme processors for consumer and business desktop and laptop PCs and workstations. The Intel Core 2 Duo processor line consists of five desktop PC processors tailored for business, home and enthusiast users and five mobile PC processors.
Intel says the desktop PC version of the processors also provide up to a 40 per cent increase in performance and are more than 40 per cent more energy efficient versus Intel’s previous top-of-the-line processor.
The processor line is based on the Intel Core microarchitecture and offers dual cores allowing the processor to perform tasks much faster. The CPUs can also operate more smoothly when multiple applications are running.
Many of the products will also offer a selection of Intel-designed and integrated technologies such as Intel Virtualization Technology and Intel Active Management Technology that offer greater security and manageability, Intel claims. Also, support for 64-bit computing now expands to notebook PCs. The new processors can be paired with the Intel 975X, 965 and Mobile Intel 945 Express chipset line. The Intel 965 Express chipset includes the latest integrated graphics and Intel Clear Video Technology. All these chipsets are Microsoft Windows Vista Premium Ready.
Intel has been shipping production-ready Intel Core 2 Duo processors for all segments in advance of this week’s unveiling. Initial Intel Core 2 Extreme processor-based systems are now available from system manufacturers, resellers and integrators, including Intel Channel Partner Program members. Intel Core 2 Duo desktop processor-based systems will be available beginning in early August. Intel Core 2 Duo processor-based notebooks will be available at the end of August.
Desktop Processors
|
Frequency
|
Bus Speed
|
L2 Cache
|
Price
|
|
| Intel Core 2 Extreme processor X6800 |
2.93 GHz
|
1066
|
4MB
|
US$999
|
| Intel Core 2 Duo processor E6700 |
2.66 GHz
|
1066
|
4MB
|
US$530
|
| Intel Core 2 Duo processor E6600 |
2.40 GHz
|
1066
|
4MB
|
US$316
|
| Intel Core 2 Duo processor E6400 |
2.13 GHz
|
1066
|
2MB
|
US$224
|
| Intel Core 2 Duo processor E6300 |
1.86 GHz
|
1066
|
2MB
|
US$183
|
Mobile Processors
|
Frequency
|
Bus Speed
|
L2 Cache
|
Voltage
|
|
| Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7600 |
2.33 GHz
|
667
|
4MB
|
1.0375 – 1.3 V
|
| Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7400 |
2.16 GHz
|
667
|
4MB
|
1.0375 – 1.3 V
|
| Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7200 |
2.00 GHz
|
667
|
4MB
|
1.0375 – 1.3 V
|
| Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5600 |
1.83 GHz
|
667
|
2MB
|
1.0375 – 1.3 V
|
| Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5500 |
1.66 GHz
|
667
|
2MB
|
1.0375 – 1.3 V
|
HP offers entry-level workstation with new Intel Core 2 chips
HP introduced a workstation catering to the entry-level market. The system offers the option of either Intel Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme processor using the 975X Express chipset.
The HP xw4400 Workstation is designed for computer-aided design engineers, architectural engineers, architects and other users in SMBs, enterprises and OEMs. The system comes loaded with Microsoft Windows 32-bit or x64 and has a range of graphics, memory and storage options, including serial-attached SCSI hard drives. The workstation will also be Windows Vista Capable at launch and will offer Red Hat Enterprise Linux later this fall.
The xw4400 comes in a convertible mini-tower chassis that gives users the option of using the compact workstation in a desk-side or desktop configuration. The xw4400 comes with a three-year limited warranty, which includes parts, labour and next business day on-site support. The xw4400 is expected to be available in Canada in mid-August.
IBM releases high-end server offering
IBM introduced a high-end server, the IBM System p5 595, a 64-core unit capable of four million transactions per minute.
IBM attributes the increase in performance to the company’s Dual Stress processor technology, developed for process-intensive demanding videogames. Dual Stress enhances the performance of both types of semiconductor transistors, called n-channel and p-channel transistors, by stretching silicon atoms in one transistor and compressing them in the other.
The server is built with 16-core units called “books” each containing two eight-core multichip modules (MCMs) with four dual-core POWER5+ processor chips. Processor clock speeds available on the 64-core p5-595 are 2.3 GHz or 2.1 GHz. Each processor chip contains 1.9MB of Level 2 (L2) cache and an integrated memory controller. In addition, the MCM contains 36MB of L3 cache per dual-core processor chip, for a total of 144MB L3. Each book provides 16 memory card slots, allowing 8GB to 512GB of high-speed 533 MHz DDR2 (double data rate 2) memory per book. The p5-595 can be configured up to a 64-core system and 2TB of total memory capacity.
IBM also released the p5 590, which is a 32-core offering with similar specifications.
