Intel is soon launching an entirely new high-performance server platform line based on the next-generation Xeon processors. These processors feature 800MHz front-side bus (800 FSB), 90 nanometer technology, 1 MB Level 2 advanced transfer cache, 16KB L1 cache, and EM64T (Intel® Extended Memory 64 Technology).

The Intel® Xeon™ processor with 800 MHz system bus is designed for high-performance dual-processor workstation and server applications. Based on the Intel® NetBurst™ microarchitecture and the Hyper-Threading Technology, it is binary compatible with previous Intel Architecture (IA-32) processors. The Intel Xeon processor with 800 MHz system bus is scalable to two processors in a multiprocessor system providing exceptional performance for applications running on advanced operating systems such as Windows XP*, Windows Server* 2003, Linux*, and UNIX*.

The Xeon 800FSB processors will be matched with motherboards using the E7520 (performance), E7525 (workstation) and 7320 (value) line of chipsets. The XEON 800 will officially start at 3.6GHz but will also be available in other speeds.

• 800 MHz system bus
• Symmetric Multiprocessing (Dual processor capable)
• 90 nanometer process
• 16 KB Level 1 cache
• 1 MB Level 2 Advanced transfer cache
• Hyper-Threading Technology
• Intel® Extended Memory 64 Technology (enables system support of up to 64GB physical memory)
• Demand Based Switching with Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology
• Streaming SIMD Extensions 3 (SSE3).
• Hyper Pipelined technology

Intel® Extended Memory 64 Technology is one of a number of innovations being added to Intel's IA-32 Server and Workstation platforms in 2004. It represents a natural addition to Intel's IA-32 architecture, allowing platforms to access larger amounts of memory. Processors with Intel® EM64T will support 64-bit extended operating systems from Microsoft, Red Hat and SuSE. Processors running in legacy* mode remain fully compatible with today's existing 32-bit applications and operating systems. (Note: EM64T is not compatible with Itanium processor architecture or software.)

EM64T has 3 modes. The modes are NOT selectable but determined by the processor itself based on the proper support of installed components such as EM64 enabled BIOS, drivers, OS, and applications. The modes are:

1 - Legacy Mode = 32-bit O/S and 32-bit applications: No software changes are required; however the user gets no benefit from Intel® EM64T

2 - IA-32e = Compatibility Mode = 64-bit O/S and 32-bit applications: This usage requires all 64-bit device drivers. In this mode, the O/S will see the 64-bit extensions, but the 32-bit application will not. Existing 32-bit applications do not need to be recompiled, and may or may not benefit from the 64-bit extensions. The application will likely need to be recertified by the vendor to run on the new 64-bit extended O/S

3 - IA -32 = 64-bit Mode = 64-bit O/S and 64-bit applications: This usage requires 64-bit device drivers. It also requires applications to be modified for 64-bit operation and then recompiled and validated

SuSE Linux, Redhat and Microsoft will all offer 64-bit support Operating Systems for the new XEONS starting in second half of 2004. Microsoft currently has BETA preview version available for testing downloads. Here are the links (compatibility is not guaranteed):

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/64bit/extended/trial/default.mspx (Server 2003)

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/evaluation/upgrade.mspx (Windows XP)

The 1U is for 1U chassis only, the 2U passive is for 2U or Intel pedestal cases that include the cooling Air Ducts (SC5300 series - all versions). If you use SC5275e chassis or third-party chassis you must use the active heatsinks.

For more information on the new 800FSB XEON processor products go to WWW.ASISERVER.COM