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Intel Officially Launches Six-Core Xeon Processors, Boasts 50% Performance Boost

Norman Chan — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:54:20 -0500

Intel today announced the official release of their Dunnington-based Xeon 7400 server CPU. The six-core chip is monolithic, meaning that all six cores are on one die, and is the first Xeon CPU to sport that design. The previous 7300 series CPU, dubbed Tigerton, was a quad-core processor with two dual-core chips on a single module (like existing quad-core consumer chips). As expected, Dunnington is still of the Penryn architecture (45nm High-K manufacturing process), and will be compatible with current Tigerton Socket 604 motherboards.

Speed-wise, Intel claims a 50% performance increase in the 7400 over the 7300 series CPU based on TPC-E database benchmark testing (TPC-E simulates the online transaction workload of a large brokerage firm). More impressive is Intel’s claim that even with the improved performance, Dunnington’s energy efficiency actually means it uses 10% lower power than the previous generation. The gains are largely attributed to the presence of a new 16MB level-3 cache, in addition to the extra compute power of two more cores. Xeon 7400 CPUs will launch at 2.66Ghz with either four or six core, and will be priced from $856 to $2729.

What does this mean for consumers? Unfortunately, not much. Intel has no current plans to release a six-core CPU to the mainstream market, and few applications would be able to scale well enough to take full advantage of the additional two cores. Intel seems to be pushing Nehalem for the consumer market, which will launch as a quad-core. Dunnington customers – large Web 2.0 companies like Myspace – will be the ones who benefit most from the extra performance and power efficiency, which may enable them to develop compute-intensive features like high-definition video sharing.

More pics of the sizable chip and Intel's press conference after the jump.

Intel Release’s New Midrange Chips On Monday

Justin Kerr — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 22:20:15 -0500

In an attempt to tighten the screws on AMD, Intel is continuing to roll out new midrange processors early next week. Despite the fact that they aren’t officially released yet, online e-tailers are already taking orders. The CPU’s will be based on Intel’s 45-nanometer process and both Alienware & Falcon Northwest are preparing to announce systems featuring the new parts in tandem with its release. The 95 watt Q9650 currently retails for $559 on Newegg, and features a core clock speed of 3 GHz. This paired with a 12MB L2-cache, and a 1333MHz front side bus make it a solid performer for the price. In fact, this puts midrange consumers within striking distance of the Dream Machine's 150 watt QX9775 which retails for a much heftier $1550. The QX9775 runs only 200MHz faster with the same 12MB’s of L2-cache. The main difference between the two is the 1600 MHz FSB, Skulltrail support, and the subsequent overclocking potential that comes with the extreme series. Looking for something more modest? The Q9400 is rated for 2.66 GHz and will feature 6 MB of L2-cache on a 1333MHz FSB. For those who prefer the dual core design, the Core 2 Duo’s lineup will be receiving an update as well. The new E8600 clocks in at 3.33GHz,with 6 MB of L2-cache and a FSB of 1,333MHz, while the lower end E7300 will sport a 2.66GHz clock with 3 MB of L2-cache, and a 1066MHz FSB. The 65 Watt E8600 is e-tailing for $279 and the E7300 will go for $144.

Ready to upgrade? What are you going to use?

XFX nForce 780i SLI

Gordon Mah Ung — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 14:35:25 -0600

We knew something was up when Nvidia officials were light on details concerning its 780i chipset during a recent press briefing. Normally quite happy to toot its hardware horn, Nvidia practically skipped the PowerPoint slide on the chipset.
Why? Like Intel’s x48, the 780i isn’t really that new. In fact, those familiar with the 680i are well acquainted with the 780i, which is pretty much a 680i with an extra chip (interestingly named the Nforce 200) thrown in to add PCI-E 2.0 support and a full x16 tri-SLI mode.

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Hypersonic Sonic Boom OCX

Nathan Edwards — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:44:12 -0600

January 2004. DirectX 9 had just shipped. SCO had begun its ultimately
futile crusade against IBM. And Hypersonic’s brightly colored Sonic
Boom, featuring Intel’s newest processor, was smacking our benchmarks
around.

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December 2007 - 100 Greatest Tech Innovations of All Time!

The Maximum PC Staff — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:38:21 -0600

The complete PDF archive of the December 2007 edition of Maximum PC, every article included, every page posted! Download it now!

Daily News Brief: EVGA Responds to Gripes Over 680i's Broke Penryn Support

Paul Lilly — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 20:20:27 -0600

EVGA offers 680i owners low-cost upgrade to 780i, Nintendo warns retailers against pricey Wii bundles, RIAA not happy with CD ripping, and more!

No BS Podcast #38: The Hard Drive Edition

Maximum PC Staff — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 18:00:13 -0500

In this weeks episode of the Maximum PC Podcast, the gang talks about hard drives, solid state drives, and Intel's X38 chipset

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It's A War Of Words Between Intel and AMD

Gordon Mah Ung — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:33:19 -0500

As Intel details new Nehalem and Penryn CPUs, AMD shoots back with tri-core CPUs. We wonder if FASN8 will survive?