Intel Introduces New Processors for High-End Servers; 700 MHz Intel Pentium III Xeon Processors with Large `On-Die' Cache Memories Boost Performance of 4- and 8-Way Servers - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, May 29, 2000

Intel Corporation Monday began initial shipments of its next generation Pentium III Xeon processors that deliver new levels of performance to high-end, Intel-based server platforms based on 4- and 8-way multiprocessing.

These latest processors bring a performance boost to the 550 MHz platforms launched in August 1999, based on the Profusion(1) 8-way chipset. The new 700 MHz processors are the first "large cache" Pentium III Xeon processors based on Intel's advanced 0.18-micron manufacturing technology, offering 1 or 2 Megabytes (MB) of "on-die" level-two (L2) cache. The 2 MB version integrates a record 140 million transistors on a single microprocessor die. The clock speed increase, along with an enhanced cache design, boosts overall system performance by 13-46 percent(2), depending on applications and configurations.

Systems based on these new processors complement Intel's existing 550 MHz processors that power mid-tier and back-end servers within e-Business data centers as well as Internet Service Provider (ISP) and Application Service Provider (ASP) operations. More than a dozen server manufacturers worldwide plan to introduce systems based upon these new processors shortly, with additional introductions in the third quarter.

"Intel's large-cache Pentium III Xeon processors are fueling the growth of Intel-based servers in today's surge economy," said Mike Fister, vice president and general manager of Intel's Enterprise Platform Group. "The addition of 700 MHz versions along with the upcoming release of the 64-bit Intel Itanium processor reflect an exciting year for Intel-based server customers."

According to an April 2000 report by International Data Corporation, Intel-based server shipments grew by 33 percent in Q1 of 2000 compared to the same quarter in 1999.

Server Technology Innovation Intel's Pentium III Xeon processors are specially designed to meet the scalability, availability and manageability needs of the server market segment. The 100 MHz system bus, faster clock speeds and larger cache configurations provide headroom for computation- and I/O-intensive workloads. The 1 and 2 MB Advanced Transfer Cache memory with Advanced System Buffering increases the width of the data pathway to the processors and reduces cache latencies.

The processors are built using the existing SC330 cartridge, which enables server manufacturers to use existing server platform components for faster time to market. On-cartridge voltage management and manageability features provide increased system reliability along with remote monitoring and system diagnostics.

Pricing and Availability The Pentium III Xeon processors at 700 MHz are priced at $1,177 with 1 MB of L2 cache and $1,980 for the 2 MB cache version, in 1,000-unit quantities. Initial shipments of the new processors have begun and are expected to grow in volume in the third quarter.

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.

For complete benchmark information on Intel Pentium III Xeon processors, visit the Intel Web site at: http://www.intel.com/eBusiness/server/resources/performance/ benchmark.htm.