Intel Corporation is already supplying its last Xeon processor for 2-way systems with 533MHz Quad Pumped Bus. The actual release is likely to happen one of these days, as some stores in Tokyo, Japan, are already selling the new part. 

Intel Xeon processor 3.20GHz with 2MB level-three cache and 533MHz processor system bus is expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2004. The chip is made using 0.13 micron process technology and is probably based on the Gallatin core originally developed for MP servers. The microprocessor is fully drop-in compatible with existing Xeon infrastructure and will be shortly utilized by leading manufacturers of servers and workstations.

The launch of the new processor is not set to affect pricing of other models in the family, as the Intel Xeon DP processor 2M at 3.20GHz will be launched at $1043 price-point, a significant increase from $851 price-point of existing Intel Xeon DP processor 1M at 3.20GHz. The new 604-pin chip is available for $1172 in Tokyo today.

Along with the fastest chip for 533MHz Xeon infrastructure, Intel will launch a number of other DP processors with large caches to complement the lineup. According to people familiar with the matter, there will be two additional Xeon processors at 2.80GHz and 2.40GHz with 1MB L3 for 533MHz QPB, as well as Xeon processor 2.80GHz with 2MB level-three cache for 400MHz PSB. 

In the second quarter of the year Intel will issue a bunch of Xeon 1M processors with numerous micro-architecture expansions along with 64-bit extensions made using 90nm process technology.