Intel Core i5 & Xeon 3400 Processors Launched [New 2.8GHz i7 860 & 2.93GHz i7 870, Quad-Core with 8MB Level 2 Cache, Xeon 3400 Series Adds Support for Error-Corrected Memory]

As we reported back in July, it would only be a matter of time before chipmaker Intel decided that it was ready to intro its latest and greatest. Today, Intel announced the official launch of its newest chip architecture. This announcement also just so happened to herald the beginning of its new lower-cost and improved desktop platform, Lynnfield. Leading the charge for the just-born chipset is a new Core i5 processor as well as a redesign of the previous Core i5 model. These changes integrate both the memory controller and 16X PCI Express interface directly into the processor die. This strategic design change cuts intrasystem device communication lag by funneling control of the remaining PCI Express slots and other mainboard duties through a single mainboard chip.

The new Core i7 series features two models, the 2.8GHz i7 860 and 2.93GHz i7 870. Both chips sport Intel’s quad-core technology along with 8MB of Level 2 cache. New to the i7 series is the use of Hyperthreading, which enables the chips to handle as many as eight program executables at once. The redesigned Core i5 will remain a solo chip with just one model, the 2.66GHz i5 750. What sets the i5 apart from its big brother the i7 is the absebce of the Hyperthreading option. All three processors are designed to consume 95W at peak operating capacity.

Not to be left out of the Lynnfield fun are the enterprise workstations and servers. Both of these applications are being addressed with the introduction of the new Xeon 3400 series. The Xeon 3400 series will include four quad-core, eight-thread chips at 2.53GHz, 2.66GHz, 2.8GHz and 2.93GHz. A four-thread limited 2.4GHz model and a low-power 1.86GHz version round out the series. Not unlike Intel’s earlier Xeon processors, all of the new models will add support for error-corrected memory and improved RAID interface.

The Intel Core i5 and Core i7 series are available immediately in both pre-configured systems as well as in stand-alone mainboards and processors. Bulk prices list for $284 and $562 for the 2.8GHz and 2.93GHz Core i7 chips respectively while the single Core i5 will run $196 in similar quantities. The higher-end Xeon 3400 line, which is expected to begin shipping first in servers and workstations only, has a bulk pricing range of $215 to $589 with the 2.4GHz chip coming in at $189. The low-power technology of the 1.86GHz version increases the cost to $284.