Intel announced new processors along with an extended 7-year life cycle support for 45nm Intel Xeon processors today. The new processors are the Quad-core Intel Xeon 5400 series and the dual-core Intel Xeon 5200 series processors.

These processors are intended to be used with Intel’s new power-optimized 5100 memory controller hub chipset. Together the new chipset and processors represents the first 45nm CPU platform for thermally constrained bladed applications.

"We're acutely aware of the performance demands and power consumption concerns of our customers and reached a remarkable 67 percent more compute performance-per-watt when we validated the Intel 5100 MCH chipset-based 45nm quad-core platform(1)," said Doug Davis, vice president and general manager of Intel's Embedded and Communications Group. "In addition, the 45nm quad-core processors also allow for a 22 percent performance gain over previous-generation platforms within the same thermal profile(2), making it an excellent choice for compute-intensive applications such as IMS and platforms for storage, routers and security." The new quad-core processor family is available today and range in price from $321 to $690. The dual-core parts will be available in April. The chipset is available today starting at $76.

Via Intel