BIOS products support latest Intel processor

Phoenix Technologies has announced support for the new energy-efficient 45nm Intel Core2 Duo Processor T9400 optimised for embedded applications.

Intel's new hafnium-based 45nm high-k silicon process technology enables even more processor performance by doubling transistor density and increasing cache size by up to 50%.

The Intel Core2 Duo processor T9400, validated with the Mobile Intel GM45 Express chipset, provides excellent processor and graphics performance, storage speed, system memory and reliability, making it ideal for a broad range of embedded applications.

Over the past year, Intel has used Phoenix's BIOS software on its reference boards.

Phoenix's firmware solutions provide complete support for current industry standards and initiatives.

"We are excited about the new Intel architecture-based processors with higher performance/power ratio for the evolving embedded market", said Dr Gaurav Banga, CTO and SVP of Engineering at Phoenix Technologies.

"We are pleased that Phoenix's world-class, standards-based firmware, alongside Intel's newest generation of embedded processors, will provide the optimal solution for high performance embedded systems".

"Through its direct relationships and extensive distributor network, Phoenix is committed to helping OEM and ODM customers bring the latest Intel technologies to life in a wide variety of exciting new embedded applications".

"The T9400 processor coupled with Phoenix's SecureCore and AwardCore BIOS products offers PC user performance on systems such as gaming and industrial automation platforms", said Joe Jensen, General Manager, Intel Embedded Computing Division.

Phoenix SecureCore and AwardCore for embedded applications are available now for the Intel Core2 Duo Processor T9400 with both the Mobile Intel GM45 Express chipset and the Intel 5100 Memory Controller Hub (MCH) chipset.

Intel Xeon Processor 5000 Sequence

Quad-Core and Dual-Core Intel® Xeon® processors for embedded computing platforms
Breakthrough performance, energy efficiency, extended lifecycle support and common socket Intel Xeon processor-based systems make them the ideal choice for compute-intensive embedded, storage and communications applications.
Lower thermal design power (TDP) and higher Tcase temperature Intel Xeon processor options are ideal options for low power consumption and/or compliance with the AdvancedTCA* form factor and NEBS level-3 thermal specifications These processors are validated with two different chipsets, providing a choice of flexible, dual-processor-capable platforms for a wide range of applications. These include storage area networks (SANs), network attached storage (NAS), routers, IP-PBX, converged/unified communications platforms, sophisticated content firewalls, unified threat management (UTM) systems, medical imaging equipment, military signal and image processing, and telecommunications (wireless and wireline) servers.
Intel® 5000P chipset-based platforms are ideal for full performance and memory-intense applications by providing a maximum FB-DIMM memory capacity of 64 GB, 28 lanes of PCI Express* and accelerated I/O options.

Intel Debuts 16 New Processors

The New STI cell processor

New Disclosures to Jump start Creation of Cell-based Applications Beyond Gaming
IBM, Sony and Toshiba release key documents describing fresh technical details of the revolutionary Cell Broadband Engine architecture.
Just as the cells in a body unite to form complete physical systems, a "Cell" architecture will allow all kinds of electronic devices (from consumer products to supercomputers) to work together, signaling a new era in Internet entertainment, communications and collaboration.In March 2001, Sony and Toshiba and IBM (STI) announced that they had teamed up to design an architecture for what is termed a system-on-a-chip (SoC) design. Code-named Cell, chips based on the architecture will be able to use ultra high-speed broadband connectivity to interoperate with one another as one complete system, similar to the way neural cells interoperate over the brain's network. IBM expects Cell to define an entirely new way of operating. Cell's underlying architecture will enable it to manifest itself into many forms for many purposes, helping to open up a whole new set of applications. Incorporating this architecture, chips will be developed for everything from handheld devices to mainframe computers.

Cell will take advantage of IBM's most advanced semiconductor development and process technologies. These cells will deliver high performance while consuming small quantities of power

IBM Processor AMD Opteron Model

This AMD Opteron processor option provides a highly scalable architecture that delivers next-generation performance as well as a flexible upgrade path from 32- to 64-bit computing. With a single architecture designed to meet current and future business needs, the AMD Opteron processor can help to minimize the integration complexities presented by current business environments and answer future business growth needs. This evolutionary processor provides a dramatic leap forward in compatibility, performance and investment protection and can help significantly reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) variable. The AMD Opteron processor is offered in three models, the 244, 246 and the 248, ranging in processor speeds and is supported by 1MB of L2 cache on all modelsSupports large memory addressability for data-intensive applications, allowing for optimal performance and improved productivity in your work environments. Flexibility Minimizes integration complexities by providing simultaneous high performance 32- and 64-bit computing Provides the flexibility and scalability for demanding enterprise-class applications. Provides flexibility with a scalable design, delivering the headroom needed for future applications. Investment Protection Provides lower cost of ownership, helping with long-term IT investment protection Provides an investment with a long-span potential thanks to the performance upgrade capabilities inherent in the AMD Opteron processor Allows you to better manage the transition cost and timing of your application suite's 64-bit migration.

Intel Pentium IV Processor

The Intel® Pentium® IV processor, Intel® Pentium® IV Processor with HT Technology¹, and Intel® Pentium® IV processor - M for embedded computing with Intel NetBurst® micro architecture deliver the performance you need to meet the growing demands of a new generation of leading-edge embedded products, with scalability that helps minimize your total cost of ownership.

Networking, communications and storage appliances, sophisticated interactive clients, industrial automation solutions, digital security surveillance platforms, and imaging devices impose heavy application demands, and these leading-edge embedded processors provide the performance headroom you need.
Rapid platform development is supported by the latest operating systems, applications and Intel® Architecture development tools, as well as a variety of validated reference designs from Intel. While incorporating Intel's most advanced embedded processor technologies, the Intel Pentium IV processor, Intel Pentium IV Processor with HT Technology, and Intel Pentium IV processor - M are software-compatible with previous Intel® Architecture processors.

Intel Pentium 4 EE (Extreme Edition) 840 Dual-Core & i955X

Platforms based on the Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition feature Hyper-Threading Technology† which allows each processor core to function as two logical processors enabling 4 thread functionality. Each logical processor has its own architecture state with its own set of general-purpose registers and control registers to provide increased system responsiveness in multitasking environments and headroom for next generation multithreaded applications.Platforms built around the Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition and the Intel 955X Express Chipset are an ideal solution for enthusiasts who crave the computing power for gaming, media management, content creation, and compute intensive applications.

Intel Unveils World’s Best Processor

"The Core 2 Duo processors are simply the best processors in the world," said Paul Otellini, president and CEO of Intel. "Not since Intel introduced the Pentium processor has the industry seen the heart of the computer reinvented like this. The Core 2 Duo desktop processor is an energy-efficient marvel, packing 291 million transistors yet consuming 40 percent lower power, while delivering the performance needed for the applications of today and tomorrow."The highly anticipated processor family already has very broad support with more than 550 customer system designs underway—the most in Intel’s history. Ultimately, tens of thousands of businesses will sell computers or components based on these processors.Intel has been shipping production-ready Intel Core 2 Duo processors for all segments in advance of today’s unveiling. Initial Intel Core 2 Extreme processor-based systems are now available from system manufacturers, resellers and integrators, including Intel Channel Partner Program members. Intel Core 2 Duo desktop processor-based systems will be available beginning in early August. Intel Core 2 Duo processor-based notebooks will be available soon.

Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 Review - Effortless Overclocking

Core 2 Duo E6300 processor was easy, just wait till you laid hands on the E6420 processor. It may not set new clock speed records, but it’s incredibly easy to tap on to its hidden potential and it may even cost less in total system cost!..Leading performance, low power consumption and heat output were the official reasons why the Intel Core 2 Duo processors are a hit with consumers, but unofficially, the processor’s knack for overclocking is as important a factor as its other credentials. In the enthusiast’s world, it’s all about performance and clock speeds and the ease of overclocking these processors with huge gains made them an instant hit with this voiceful group. This echo was soon picked up by the mainstream DIY’ers whose mission is to pack the most value for any amount spent. Obviously with the Core 2 Duo processors and their huge headroom, many have a chance to dabble in this art safely without much concern as well as bag notable performance improvements. Now who wouldn’t want that?Overclocking for notable improvements has never been as easy as it has been with the Intel Core 2 Duo E6420, and more so since it doesn’t require expensive supporting components. If you’re still sitting on the fence, it’s about time you try it out yourself too and enjoy the kicks.

AMD vs Intel: Quad and Dual-core Processors

The fastest dual-core and quad-core processors from AMD and Intel go head to head in this performance comparison at Digit-Life (Intel Core 2 Duo E8500; Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770; AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+; AMD Phenom X4 9850):The top processor from AMD is outscored by the top processor from Intel by 45%. There is actually nothing to comment on. We could have added "we have food for thought now". However, there is nothing much to think about.Do you want to know what clock rate the Phenom X4 must have to catch up with the existing Core 2 Extreme QX9770, even if we assume that Phenom performance grows strictly proportional to its clock rate? The current clock rate of the top Phenom is 2.5 GHz. The target clock rate (according to our total performance score) is 132/91*2.5=~3.6 GHz. So, in order to reach parity with Intel, AMD has to raise the clock rate by 1.1 GHz. Given Intel is not launching any faster processors that is.

Intel® Pentium® 4 Processors

The Intel® Pentium® 4 processor, Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor with HT Technology¹, and Intel® Pentium® 4 processor - M for embedded computing with Intel NetBurst® microarchitecture deliver the performance you need to meet the growing demands of a new generation of leading-edge embedded products, with scalability that helps minimize your total cost of ownership. Networking, communications and storage appliances, sophisticated interactive clients, industrial automation solutions, digital security surveillance platforms, and imaging devices impose heavy application demands, and these leading-edge embedded processors provide the performance headroom you need.

Rapid platform development is supported by the latest operating systems, applications and Intel® Architecture development tools, as well as a variety of validated reference designs from Intel. While incorporating Intel's most advanced embedded processor technologies, the Intel Pentium 4 processor, Intel Prentium 4 Processor with HT Technology, and Intel Pentium 4 processor - M are software-compatible with previous Intel® Architecture processors.

Intel® Pentium® III Processors

The Pentium® III processor is ideal for high performance applied computing. It supports highend communications, transaction terminal, and industrial automation applications. While incorporating new features and improvements, the Pentium III processor remains software compatible with previous members of the Intel microprocessor family.

The Pentium III processor is validated with multiple chipsets for maximum flexibility and scalability. Combined with the Intel 840 chipset, the Pentium III processor provides high performance and bandwidth including dual processing and a second PCI bus. The 815, 815E, 810 and 440BX chipsets provide a scalable platform supporting a wide selection of Celeron® and Pentium III processors ranging from 66 to 133 MHz processor side bus speeds. The 440BX AGPset supports ECC for the highest data integrity and ISA for legacy I/O. The Intel 815, 815E and 810 chipsets utilize Intel Graphics Technology, an integrated graphics platform which provides more stability, higher quality graphics and a reduced OEM bill of materials cost.

AMD Phenom™ Processor Family

TRUE Multi-Core processing
AMD Phenom™ processors feature an exceptional next-generation architecture designed to provide advanced multitasking performance for today’s more demanding PC users.
http://www.amd.com/gb-uk/Processors/ProductInformation/0,,30_118_15331,00.html

Intel Core2 Processor with vPro Technology

Designed from the ground up to empower IT while meeting the demanding needs of business, the Intel® Core™2 processor with vPro™ technology provides enhanced security, remote manageability, and industry–leading performance¹ so you can spend more time on strategic initiatives while reducing PC issues and downtime.²

Learn more about PCs with Intel® vPro™ technology
Take business PCs to the next level with PCs with Intel® vPro™ technology (PDF 1.72MB)
White paper: Intel® Centrino® with vPro™ Technology and Intel® Core™2 Processor with vPro™ Technology (PDF 2.32MB)
Enhanced security and manageability features
Offering hardware-assisted security and manageability features built on the chip, PCs with Intel Core 2 processor with vPro technology allow IT to:

Remotely isolate, diagnose, and repair infected PCs, even if the OS is unresponsive and outside of the corporate firewall²
Get added protection against viruses, attacks, and unsolicited tampering enabled by agent presence checking and hardware defense filters³
Program PCs to connect automatically to receive software updates and patches even if the PC is asleep or powered down and without effecting the PC user
Conduct hardware and software inventory up to 94 percent faster², saving on IT time and resources while maintaining accurate asset inventory. Having up-to-date licenses helps to ensure that you're only paying fees for software you're actually using
Get broad industry support from leading manageability and security independent software vendors (ISVs) such as Symantec, LANDesk, HP, Microsoft, Cisco, and more that take advantage of the hardware-assisted benefits built into Intel Core 2 processors with vPro technology
Industry-leading performance¹
Delivering next-generation performance and energy efficiency, PCs with Intel Core 2 processor with vPro technology allow IT to:

Decrease energy requirements without compromise to performance with Intel Core 2 processor with vPro technology based on next-generation hafnium-based 45nm Intel® Core™ microarchitecture, offering reduced electrical current leakage, and increased performance while meeting ENERGY STAR*φ requirements

Intel prepares six-core Xeon

Quad-core and Octo-core might be the current next-gen craze for desktops and servers, but Intel seems wants to pitch a line of CPUs in-between as well. Intel will be adding on to their Xeon lineup with the “Dunnington” core later this year, a CPU that will have a total of six cores under the hood.

Dunnington, which was announced three years ago, is intended to be an enterprise-class chip and will feature 3MB of shared L2 cache per pair of cores, and shared 16MB L3 cache. According to the leaked slides, it'll use the 'somewhat dated' 1066MHz FSB, and is probably aimed at preventing the Opteron from regaining any ground once AMD gets back on their feet.

Intel prepares new mobile platform, Centrino 2,

Everything seems to indicate that Intel will be pushing a new mobile platform later this year that will succeed the very popular and successful Centrino. A number of online publications are betting on the "Centrino 2" name for the upcoming mobile platform that will likely boost small CPUs ranging from 1.2GHz to 2.4GHz manufactured using a 45nm process, plus a performance range that will scale up to 2.80 GHz. New chipsets are also incoming with an updated graphics core said to double the performance from the current X3100 GPU. Among networking choices, it is expected that WiMax will make a big debut in flagship laptop models. This latter technology has received astounding support from manufacturers, but adoption has been extremely slow in the consumer market.

Intel shows off 80-core processor

Chief Technical Officer Justin Rattner demonstrated the processor in San Francisco last week for a group of reporters, and the company will present a paper on the project during the International Solid State Circuits Conference in the city this week.

The chip is capable of producing 1 trillion floating-point operations per second, known as a teraflop. That's a level of performance that required 2,500 square feet of large computers a decade ago.

Intel first disclosed it had built a prototype 80-core processor during last fall's Intel Developer Forum, when CEO Paul Otellini promised to deliver the chip within five years. The company's researchers have several hurdles to overcome before PCs and servers come with 80-core processors--such as how to connect the chip to memory and how to teach software developers to write programs for it--but the research chip is an important step, Rattner said.

Intel used 100 million transistors on the chip, which measures 275 millimeters squared. By comparison, its Core 2 Duo chip uses 291 million transistors and measures 143 millimeters squared. The chip was built using Intel's 65-nanometer manufacturing technology, but any likely product based on the design would probably use a future process based on smaller transistors. A chip the size of the current research chip is likely too large for cost-effective manufacturing.

The computing elements are very basic and do not use the x86 instruction set used by Intel and Advanced Micro Devices' chips, which means Windows Vista can't be run on the research chip. Instead, the chip uses a VLIW (very long instruction word) architecture, a simpler approach to computing than the x86 instruction set.

Intel's new budget Celeron processor

Intel's new budget Celeron processor line will this year gain the Intel equivalent of an AMD64-like 64-bit addressing system - EM64T.

The roadmaps reveal that Q2 will witness the debut of EM64T-equipped desktop Celerons with model number 326, 331, 336, 341, 346 and 351, clocked at 2.53, 2.66, 2.8, 2.93, 3.06 and 3.2GHz, respectively. It is believed that the Socket 775 parts will replace today's 775-pin Celerons.

Furthermore, Intel's dual-core Pentium 4 processor, 'Smithfield', is now in production. We should see a launch of that chip in Q2 of this year.

In other Intel news, the chipmaker today showed the world a glimpse of the future of its Itanium processor family. The new model, codenamed Poulson, will succeed Tukwila, an Itanium processor due in 2007 that had previously been code-named Tanglewood. This is confirmation that Intel has long term plans for the Itanium.

Intel Celeron Processor for Notebooks

Intel Celeron Processor, A lifetime of computing starts here.
Everyone has different computing needs. And there’s no better way to meet your "everyday" needs than with the Intel® Celeron® processor. Stay connected with friends through email, track your finances and get your work done while you’re on the move.