Intel takes wraps off high-performance Xeon

June 30, 1998 Web posted at: 11:00 AM EDT by David Pendery

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(IDG) -- As expected, Intel launched its new high-end Pentium II Xeon processor, although users will not see servers and workstations based on the processor for at least two months.

"We believe [the Xeon] will accelerate the reshaping of the industry," Intel vice president John Miner said in introducing the new chip. "This technology will enable systems based on the Intel architecture to extend further into the enterprise, where Intel has not been before."

The processors will initially be available in 400-MHz versions, accessing either 512KB or 1MB of Level 2 cache. The main memory bus runs at 100 MHz and can access up to 8MB of RAM. Up to 64GB addressable memory is supported.

The processor is based on Intel's .25 micron P6 architecture. The architecture supports up to four-processors, a configuration previously allowable only with the Pentium Pro, company officials said.

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Pentium II Xeon processors running at 450 MHz with 2MB of Level 2 cache are expected by fall 1998, Intel said.

The processor will ship in volume within 30 days, once Intel has corrected a flaw, or errata, first discovered last week in the 440NX chip set for servers, officials said. Intel last week notified OEMs that it will complete final validation and testing by July 17.

Intel will release two versions of the Xeon processor, based either on the 440NX chip set for servers or the 440GX chip set for workstations. The 440GX, which has less functionality, supports a maximum of two processors and 2GB of RAM. The 440GX also includes enhanced graphics by way of an AGP graphics port adapter.

Server manufacturers including IBM, Compaq, Dell, NEC, Toshiba, Hitachi, Data General, Unisys, Sequent, NCR, and Gateway have all announced two-, four-, and six-way systems based on the Xeon, to ship from August and through the fall.

Pricing for the processor ranges from $1,124 for 400-MHz/512KB cache versions in 1,000-unit quantities, to $2,836 for 1,000 400-MHz/1MB cache models.

Related CNN Interactive stories: Compaq eyes future of 64-bit computing - June 16, 1998 Intel responds to FTC complaint with aggressive price cuts - June 15, 1998 The Cyrix M II-300: Pentium power for less - June 8, 1998

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Related IDG.net stories: Note: Pages will open in a new browser window Dell speeds Xeon-line debut (InfoWorld) Otellini touts 'constant computing' with Intel chips (InfoWorld) Intel quickens pace of 32-bit processor rollouts (InfoWorld) Inside Intel's workstation processor strategy (InfoWorld) Intel company background page at The Industry Standard Intel tests fix for Xeon flaw (InfoWorld) Faster Xeon spurs workstation vendors (InfoWorld) Vendors get ready for Pentium II Xeon (InfoWorld) Related sites: Intel External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.