Intel extends dual-core processors to entry-level servers

Santa Clara (CA) - The new E7230 chipset allows dual-core Pentium D processor to be integrated in server environments - and represents Intel’s first shot to compete with AMD in the dual-core server arena.

Playing catch-up with AMD in the corporate marketplace, Intel now offers a new chipset that enables at least entry-level servers to run Pentium D dual-core processors. The E7230 supports PCI Express and PCI-X interfaces, 800 and 1066 MHz FSB, 64-bit addressability, DDR2 memory, ECC and software RAID. The chipset works with all LGA775-based processors, which includes the current Pentium 4 generation as well as Pentium D processors. According to Intel, the E7230 allows "future scalability" to upcoming server products.

A chipset alone does not quite build a server platform, but Intel promises to ship dedicated server and workstation products starting later this year with more products to follow in 2006.

These platforms will include "Bensley" which aims at dual-processor Xeon servers equipped with the "Dempsey" processor. Dempsey will be Intel’s first processor to integrate the firm’s I/O acceleration technology I/OAT. The multi-processor platform "Truland", which already is shipping in combination with current Xeon MP processors, supports the upcoming dual-core Xeon MP "Paxville". Intel also announced the generations following Paxville, codenamed Tulsa and Whitefield. The latter will be Intel’s first processor that will share some architecture elements with future Itanium processors.

The E7230 continues Intel’s strategy to use pricing as a lever to push dual-cores quickly into the mainstream. According to the company, the chipset will be sold starting at $36 each in 1000 unit quantities.