Intel tops out server range with data-crunching Itanium chips

By Alun Williams

Posted on 9 Nov 2004 at 12:29

Intel has updated its heavy-duty Itanium 2 server range to include chips with 9MB of cache and clock speeds of 1.6GHz.

The new processors comprise 1.6GHz chips with 9, 6 and 3 MB of L3 cache (two models, with a 533 MHz front-side bus in addition to the usual 400MHz FSB) and a further 1.5GHz model with 4MB of cache. Finally, there is also a 1.3GHz Low Voltage Itanium 2 processor with 3 MB of L3 cache, which is optimized for densely packed blade servers.

Intel is updating the range to give it better focus for its attack on servers from the likes of IBM and Sun based on the RISC architecture.

'The multi-billion dollar RISC market segment is ripe for the Intel approach of delivering outstanding performance, choice of systems and software at more affordable price points,' said Abhi Talwalkar, general manager of Intel's Enterprise Platforms Group. 'Today's enhancements to the Itanium 2 processor lineup will further support customer migration away from costly, proprietary systems.'

To clarify Intel's server markets, the 64-bit Itanium range is aimed at mission-critical enterprise operations, such as data warehousing, business intelligence and enterprise resource planning (ERP). They can support a range of systems, from two-way to 512-way combinations. Intel's other server processor, the Xeon, is aimed more at the workstation and general server market, such as running Web, file and print servers. It is a 32-bit platform that now features 64-bit 'extensions', courtesy of Intel's Extended Memory 64 Technology (Intel EM64T).

Pricing (based on 1,000 units) for the new processors is as follows: the 1.60 GHz with 9 MB L3 cache is $4,226, the 1.60 GHz with 6 MB L3 cache is $1,980, the 1.50 GHz with 4 MB L3 cache is $910, the 1.60 GHz with 3 MB L3 cache (533 MHz FSB) is $1,172 and, finally, the 1.60 GHz with 3 MB L3 cache (400 MHz FSB) is $851. The Low Voltage Itanium 2 processor 1.30 GHz with 3 MB L3 cache is priced at$530.

Intel has not yet allocated model numbers to the Itanium processors.