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Faster Intel xeon processors ship for high-end servers

Announcement posted by Intel 05 Nov 2002

Intel Corporation is now shipping the Intel Xeon(tm) processor MP with an enhanced two megabyte (MB) integrated level three cache at speeds up to 2 gigahertz (GHz). When compared to previous generation Intel Xeon processors MP, the new processor delivers up to 38 per cent better performance for typical server workloads such as databases, customer relationship and supply-chain management, and further enhances scalability for the increasing demands of enterprise deployments.

Designed for mid-tier and back-end servers with four or more processors, today's Intel Xeon processor MP rounds-out Intel's delivery of industry-leading 0.13 micron process technology for its IA-32 server processor family. This technology enables smaller processors at faster speeds and allows for additional performance enhancements such as increased cache size. The new processor maintains hardware platform compatibility with previous generations, which helps reduce the cost of platform development and eases the integration of new systems into existing enterprise infrastructures.

"Intel-based servers continue to enjoy outstanding acceptance by customers," said Philip Wee, Asia-Pacific marketing manager for Intel's Enterprise Platform Group. "We are committed to accelerating the introduction of innovative technologies, such as the larger cache Intel Xeon processor MP at 2 GHz, which enhance server performance, scalability and stability."

The Intel Xeon processor MP is based on the Intel NetBurst(tm) microarchitecture and includes support for Intel's Hyper-Threading Technology. These features help software vendors enhance the performance of applications and operating systems running on Intel-based servers. Servers ranging from four to 32 processors and beyond using these technologies will be available from multiple vendors.

During the second quarter of 2002, Intel-based servers accounted for 87 per cent of all server shipments and more than 73 per cent of all four-way server shipments worldwide, according to industry analysts at IDC**. In addition, the Gartner Group forecasts that through 2007, revenues for 32-bit servers based on the Intel architecture will grow by a compounded annual growth rate of more than eight per cent, which is twice as fast as the overall growth rate for the market segment. Gartner also estimated that Intel-based servers would comprise 52 per cent of worldwide systems and servers' revenue in that same timeframe.***

In addition, Intel is also now sampling server platform building blocks that support the new Intel Xeon processor MP and the latest Intel networking technologies.

Pricing and Availability
The Intel Xeon processor MP at 2 GHz with 2 MB of integrated level three cache is available for Intel's suggested list price of $US3,692 in 1,000-unit quantities. The Intel Xeon processor MP at 1.90 GHz with 1 MB of integrated level three cache and the Intel Xeon processor MP at 1.50 GHz with 1 MB of integrated level three cache are available for the suggested list prices of $US1,980 and $US1,177 in 1,000-unit quantities, respectively. Intel expects OEM and channel distributors to ship systems based on the ne processor in the coming weeks.

About Intel
Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.

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Intel, Intel Xeon, and Intel NetBurst are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and
other countries.

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
** Source, International Data Corporation Research Group, Q2'02 Data, 9/3/02

*** Source, Gartner Dataquest 08/15/02 Performance will vary based on system configuration.
For more information on the performance of Intel products, visit http://www.intel.com/performance/resources/limits.htm