Intel Corp., the world’s largest maker of chips, has unveiled its new dual-core microprocessors for high-end servers that use more than four chips. The new central processing units (CPUs), are based on the outdated NetBurst micro-architecture and are likely to be the last processors that use it, however, the chips still offer generally high performance and power efficiency.

“Today’s introduction continues an historic ‘summer of servers’ for Intel where we have now delivered a record 23 new processors in three market segments in less than 100 days,” said Tom Kilroy, vice president and general manager of Intel’s digital enterprise group.

Intel Xeon 7100-series microprocessors, earlier code-named Tulsa, feature two processing engines, 1MB level-two cache per core, unified level-three 16MB cache as well as loads of Intel’s technologies, such as Hyper-Threading, virtualization, Intel cache safe technology and so on. The chips are available in typical thermal envelopes of 150W (those clocked at beyond 3.00GHz) and 95W (those that operate at or below 3.0GHz).

The chips exist for both 667MHz processor system bus and 800MHz PSB (compatible with 8501 core-logic sets). Being compatible with already shipping server platforms will allow the new Intel Xeon processor MP to quickly gain market acceptance.

“The Dual-Core Intel Xeon Processor 7100 series is the best choice for demanding enterprise workloads based on new world record benchmarks, significantly outperforming the industry in key areas while not compromising on the reliability and investment protection that is so critical,” Mr. Kilroy added to emphasize increased performance of the new dual-core server products.

The company added that Intel’s 65nm ramp is proceeding “extremely well” with production already exceeding the company’s total 90nm volume. This manufacturing ramp is enabling Intel to drive a fast dual-core Xeon Processor 7100 series ramp and  “substantially revise” prices for higher end Intel Xeon processors delivering new levels of price/performance.

Specifications and pricing of the new Xeon 7100-series chips are as follows:

• Intel Xeon 7140M: two processing cores, 3.40GHz, 16KB (data) L1 cache, 2MB L2 cache (1MB per core), 16MB (unified) L3 cache, 800MHz QPB. Pricing in 1000-unit quantities: $1980.
• Intel Xeon 7140N: two processing cores, 3.33GHz, 16KB (data) L1 cache, 2MB L2 cache (1MB per core), 16MB (unified) L3 cache, 667MHz QPB. Pricing in 1000-unit quantities: $1980.
• Intel Xeon 7130M: two processing cores, 3.20GHz, 16KB (data) L1 cache, 2MB L2 cache (1MB per core), 8MB (unified) L3 cache, 800MHz QPB. Pricing in 1000-unit quantities: $1391.
• Intel Xeon 7130N: two processing cores, 3.16GHz, 16KB (data) L1 cache, 2MB L2 cache (1MB per core), 8MB (unified) L3 cache, 667MHz QPB. Pricing in 1000-unit quantities: $1391.
• Intel Xeon 7120M: two processing cores, 3.00GHz, 16KB (data) L1 cache, 2MB L2 cache (1MB per core), 4MB (unified) L3 cache, 800MHz QPB. Pricing in 1000-unit quantities: $1177.
• Intel Xeon 7120N: two processing cores, 3.00GHz, 16KB (data) L1 cache, 2MB L2 cache (1MB per core), 4MB (unified) L3 cache, 667MHz QPB. Pricing in 1000-unit quantities: $1177.
• Intel Xeon 7110M: two processing cores, 2.60GHz, 16KB (data) L1 cache, 2MB L2 cache (1MB per core), 4MB (unified) L3 cache, 800MHz QPB. Pricing in 1000-unit quantities: $856.
• Intel Xeon 7110N: two processing cores, 2.60GHz, 16KB (data) L1 cache, 2MB L2 cache (1MB per core), 4MB (unified) L3 cache, 667MHz QPB. Pricing in 1000-unit quantities: $856.

Leading makers of servers, such as IBM, Dell, Fujitsu Siemens and HP have already unveiled machines powered by the new Xeon 7100 processors.