For the last couple of months news regarding Intel's Xeon E7 server processor range, which includes multi-socket CPU models with as many as 10 processing cores, have been popping around all over the Web, and now the Santa Clara company has finally made official this new CPU family.
The Xeon E7 processor range includes no less than 18 CPU models which are split into three different processor series, dubbed the E7-2800, 4800 and 8800, that can be installed in dual, quad and eight-way systems, respectively.
Otherwise, they all pack similar features as the chips are built using Intel's high-performance 32nm Westmere-EX architecture.
Speed wise, Xeon E7 SKUs range from 1.73GHz to a full 2.67GHz, and select models include Intel's Hyper Threading and Turbo Boost technologies.
The number of the processing cores and L3 cache memory also varies according to the processor model, and the “weakest” chips include 6 processing cores and 18MB of Level 3 cache while the faster units can feature a ten-core design and up to 30MB of shared L3 cache.
TDP is rated between 95W, for the six-core Xeon E7-4807, and can go as high as 130W, which is standard for most 10-core models.
“The new Intel Xeon processor E7 family delivers record breaking performance with powerful new security, reliability and energy efficiency enhancements,” said Kirk Skaugen, vice president and general manager of Intel's Data Center Group.
“The industry momentum we're seeing for this new server processor architecture is unparalleled in Intel's history.
“The days of IT organizations being forced to deploy expensive, closed RISC architectures for mission-critical applications are nearing an end,” concluded the company's representative.
Pricing for Intel Xeon E7-8800/4800/2800 server processors ranges from $774 to $4,616 in quantities of 1,000 and the new chips are already available in a wide series of platforms from companies such as Cray, Dell, Fujitsu, HP or IBM.
