Intel introduces quad-core processors

Intel has launched the company’s first quad-core processors, which are expected to boost the performance of servers and workstations significantly, the company announced today.The Quad-Core Intel Xeon 5300 and Intel Core 2 Extreme quad-core processor families essentially deliver four computing brains inside a single microprocessor.The company began its move to multicore processors four years ago with Intel Hyper-threading technology. Last year, Intel introduced the industry’s first dual-core PC processors.Intel officials said the company’s Quad-Core Intel Xeon Processor 5300 series provides more room for server virtualization than any other two-processor server platform on the market. The new processors deliver up to 50 percent faster performance within the same thermal envelope and at the same cost as the previous generation Dual-Core Intel Xeon Processor 5100 series, which Intel launched less than five months ago.The company announced four Intel Xeon processors today with clock speeds ranging from 1.60 GHz to 2.66 GHz, front-side bus speeds ranging from 1,066 MHz to 1,333 MHz and a thermal design power of either 80 or 120 watts.Intel will unveil two more quad-core Xeon processors early next year. The company will introduce a low-voltage version and a processor designed for single-socket workstations and servers, Intel officials said.Intel officials said the Intel Core 2 Extreme quad-core processor QX6700 is an ideal desktop processor for multimedia applications. It is 80 percent faster than the company’s current Intel Core 2 Extreme Processor X6800, officials said.Intel plans to offer a mainstream quad-core processor starting next year under the Intel Core 2 Quad processor name. It will be geared toward programs such as entertainment, gaming and multimedia activities.