With an aim to give data centers a stronger foundation for cloud security, Santa Clara, Calif.-based chip giant Intel Corp. has detailed its Intel Xeon Processor 5600 series that combine what the company said is unprecedented security, performance and energy efficiency.
The processors contain new security features: Intel Advanced Encryption Standard New Instructions (Intel AES-NI) and Intel Trusted Execution Technology (Intel TXT), which are meant to allow faster encryption and decryption performance for more secure transactions and virtualized environments.
Intel also said these are the first server and workstation chips based on its 32nm logic technology that leverages the company’s second-generation high-k metal gate transistors to increase speed and decrease energy consumption. The Intel Xeon Processor 5600 series architecture allows up to six cores to reside on each processor and the company said it can deliver up to 60 percent greater performance than the 45nm Intel Xeon processor 5500 series. As well, Intel claims data centers can replace 15 single-core servers with a single new one, and achieve a return on their investment in as little as 5 months.
Power efficiency in the data center is also an aim of the Intel Xeon processor 5600 series, the company said. For example, a two-socket server using the low-voltage Intel Xeon processor L5640 can deliver the same performance as a server using the previous generation’s champion; the Intel Xeon processors X5570 series, but with up to 30 percent lower platform power.
“The Intel Xeon Processor 5600 series will be the backbone of mainstream computing environments. New security capabilities will boost the confidence of IT managers. Improvements in performance, server virtualization and power consumption will foster productivity and efficiency for a broad range of applications ranging from data transactions to workstations performing medical imaging and digital prototyping,” asserted Kirk Skaugen, VP and general manager of the Intel Architecture Group, in a statement.
To address emerging threats, new architectures and an ever-changing regulatory environment, the Intel Xeon 5600 processors contain two new security features for better data integrity: Intel AES-NI and Intel TXT.
Intel AES-NI is a set of instructions first introduced with the 2010 Intel Core processor family that accelerate AES performance to allow faster data encryption and decryption for applications such as database encryption features, full disk encryption and secure internet transactions.
Intel TXT provides added security for cloud environments by allowing a more secure platform launch environment, along with more protection for applications that move between virtualized servers. Hardware-based capabilities integrated into the processor shield against malicious software to allow important applications and data to run more securely in a virtualized environment, Intel explained.
Working together, these features are meant to ensure that virtualized environments experience better performance and functionality, and are more secure when they are launched, migrated or at rest.
The company also pointed out that the security of the Intel Xeon 5600 processors is matched by performance, versatility and energy efficiency that will help increase the efficiency of data center operations, and that technologies such as Intel’s Turbo Boost Technology, Hyper-Threading Technology and Virtualization Technology (VT) adjust to the performance requirements of users, enhance multitasking and increase the reliability and manageability of consolidated IT environments.
The frequency-optimized quad-core version of the Intel Xeon processor 5600 series peaks at 3.46GHz with a TDP of 130 watts, while the six-core version reaches 3.33GHz with a TDP of 130 watts. Advanced six-core versions will top out at 2.93GHz and TDP of 95W, and the standard quad-core processor will reach 2.66GHz at 80W. Low voltage versions of the chip will have TDPs as low as 60W and 40W and feature six and four cores respectively.
Intel also announced the availability of the Xeon processor L3406 series that is meant to be used in the single processor micro server segment and has a TDP of just 30W, making it ideal for high-density form factors and power-sensitive environments.
In addition to the new Xeon processors, Intel launched three processors for the embedded computing segment, including the first six-core processors, the Intel Xeon E5645 and L5638, the quad-core L5618 and E5620 processors. These processors have seven-year lifecycle support, are built for thermally constrained and robust communications environments, and will route applications more quickly and efficiently between connected devices, Intel said.
Finally, Intel also announced availability of the Intel Core i7-980X Processor Extreme Edition, the company’s first 32nm, six-core processor with 12 computing threads for client applications. Aimed at digital content creation, 3-D rendering, multitasking and hardcore gaming, Intel said the Core i7-980X is drop-in compatible with most existing Intel X58 Express chipset-based motherboards. It runs at 3.33 GHz, is overclocking-enabled to allow flexibility to advanced users who want to adjust their speed settings, and contains 12MB of Intel Smart Cache.
Intel Xeon Processor 5600 Series
Intel
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