Intel Launches its Most Secure Data Center Processor
Second-Generation High-K Metal Gate 32nm Processors Blend Security, Performance, Energy Efficiency
16 March 2010 Source: www.intel.com
Combining unprecedented security, performance and energy efficiency, Intel Corporation today launched the Intel Xeon Processor 5600 series. The new processors deliver two new
security features - Intel Advanced Encryption Standard New Instructions (Intel AES-NI), and Intel Trusted Execution Technology (Intel TXT) - that enable faster encryption and decryption performance
for more secure transactions and virtualized environments, providing data centers with a stronger foundation for cloud security.
These are also the first server and workstation chips based on
the groundbreaking, new Intel 32nm logic technology, which uses Intel's second-generation high-k metal gate transistors to increase speed and decrease energy consumption. The Intel Xeon Processor 5600
series supports up to six cores per processor and delivers up to 60 percent greater performance than the 45nm Intel Xeon processor 5500 series. In addition, data centers can replace 15 single-core servers
with a single new one, and achieve a return on their investment in as little as 5 months.
Data centers will also benefit from the power efficiency of the Intel Xeon processor 5600 series. A two-socket server using the new low-voltage Intel Xeon processor L5640 can deliver the same
performance as a server using the previous generation's champion; the Intel Xeon processors X5570 series, but with up to 30 percent lower platform power.
"The Intel Xeon Processor 5600 series will be the backbone of mainstream computing environments," said Kirk Skaugen, vice president and general manager of the Intel Architecture Group.
"New security capabilities will boost the confidence of IT managers. Improvements in performance, server virtualization and power consumption will foster productivity and efficiency for a
broad range of applications ranging from data transactions to workstations performing medical imaging and digital prototyping."
Enhanced Security
With emerging threats, new architectures and an ever-changing regulatory environment, security is an increasing concern for IT managers, and often an impediment to deploying more advanced
computing infrastructures. The Intel Xeon processor 5600 series addresses these issues with features that help ensure greater data integrity.
The Intel Xeon processor 5600 series includes Intel AES-NI, a new set of instructions first introduced with the new 2010 Intel Core processor family. These instructions accelerate AES
performance to enable faster data encryption and decryption for a wide range of applications such as database encryption features, full disk encryption and secure internet transactions.
Intel TXT will provide added security that cloud environments have been waiting for by enabling a more secure platform launch environment, along with providing more protection for
applications that move between virtualized servers. Hardware-based capabilities integrated into the processor shield against malicious software to allow important applications and data
to run more securely in a virtualized environment.
Working together, Intel TXT and Intel AES can ensure that virtualized environments experience better performance and functionality, and are more secure when they are launched, migrated or at rest.
More Performance, Less Energy
The security of the Intel Xeon processor 5600 series is matched by performance, versatility and energy efficiency that will help increase the efficiency of data center operations. Technologies
such as Intel Turbo Boost Technology, Intel Hyper-Threading Technology and improved Intel Virtualization Technology (VT) adjust to the performance requirements of users, enhance multitasking and
increase the reliability and manageability of consolidated IT environments.
The frequency-optimized quad-core version of the Intel Xeon processor 5600 series peaks at 3.46 GHz with a TDP of 130 watts, while the six-core version reaches 3.33 GHz with a TDP of 130 watts.
Advanced six-core versions will top out at 2.93 GHz and TDP of 95 watts, and the standard quad-core processor will reach 2.66 GHz at 80 watts. Low voltage versions of the chip will have TDPs as low
as 60 watts and 40 watts and feature six and four cores respectively.
Intel also announced the availability of the Intel Xeon processor L3406 series. Targeted for use in the single processor micro server segment, the Intel Xeon processor L3406 series has a TDP of
only 30 watts, making it ideal for high-density form factors and power-sensitive environments.
World Record Performance
The Intel Xeon processor 5600 series extends performance gains delivered by the Intel Xeon Processor 5500 with 12 new world records for two-socket servers and workstations. These processors enable
outstanding energy-efficient performance and establish a new SPECpower*_ssj2008 record for a single node server and a multi-node server.
New Embedded Processors
In addition to enterprise-class processors, Intel launched today three unique processors for the embedded computing segment, including the first six-core processors, the Intel Xeon E5645 and L5638,
the quad-core L5618 and E5620 processors. These processors, featuring 7-year lifecycle support, are built for thermally constrained and robust communications environments, and will route applications
more quickly and efficiently between connected devices.
Extreme 32nm
Today Intel also announced availability of the new Intel Core i7-980X Processor Extreme Edition, the company's first 32nm, six-core processor with 12 computing threads for client applications.
Offering stunning performance for digital content creation, 3-D rendering, multitasking and hardcore gaming, the new Intel Core i7-980X is drop-in compatible** with most existing Intel X58 Express
chipset-based motherboards. Running at 3.33 GHz, the Intel Core i7-980X is overclocking-enabled*** to provide flexibility to advanced users who want to adjust their speed settings, and has 12MB of
Intel Smart Cache - 50 percent more than the current Intel flagship desktop processor. At the recent Game Developer's Conference in San Francisco, highly threaded games and digital content creation
titles were shown, such as Ubisoft* R.U.S.E*, Sega's* Napoleon: Total War*, and Cakewalk* Sonar Producer*.
"Napoleon: Total War is based on our second-generation multi-threaded engine and the latest Intel Core i7-980X processor, allowing us to bring a more realistic user experience by immersing them
more deeply in the heat of battle," said Mike Simpson, creative director, Creative Assembly Software*. "We take advantage of the increased core count on the Intel Core i7-980X by adding greater
animation detail to fighting units on both land and sea, allowing the game to have higher visual fidelity."
Systems
Starting today and continuing over the next 45 days, server and workstation systems based on the Intel Xeon processor 5600 series are expected to be announced by a wide variety of system manufacturers
around the world. Many software vendors are also supporting Intel Xeon processor 5600-based platforms.
* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
** As always, check with your board vendor for specific support details. A BIOS update will be required.
*** Warning: Altering clock frequency and/or voltage may (i) reduce system stability and useful life of the system and processor; (ii) cause the processor and other system components to fail; (iii)
cause reductions in system performance; (iv) cause additional heat or other damage; and (v) affect system data integrity. Intel has not tested, and does not warranty, the operation of the processor
beyond its specifications.
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