Intel Corp. on Monday will release upgraded versions of its Xeon processors for dual-processor workstations and servers at speeds of 3GHz and 3.06GHz, according to sources familiar with the chip makers plans.
The faster chips have been on Intels roadmap for months, and some OEMs, such as Dell Computer Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co., began offering workstations featuring the processors in February.
Officials with Intel, of Santa Clara, Calif., declined to comment on Friday.
The 3.06GHz chip will feature a 533MHz front-side bus—the vehicle through which data passes between the processor and its various components, such as the memory and chip set. A 3GHz version will feature a 400MHz front-side bus, according to the sources.
Currently, Intels fastest dual-processing Xeon runs at 2.8GHz, with versions featuring either the 533Mhz or 400MHz front-side bus.
Dell, of Round Rock, Texas, is offering the 3.06GHz Xeon in its Precision 450 and 650 workstations. HP, of Palo Alto, Calif., is offering it in its xw6000 and xw8000 workstations
The Xeon speed bumps come two days before Intel launches its mobile computing platform, Centrino, which features the Pentium-M chip—formerly known as Banias—the accompanying 855 chipset and Wi-Fi module. That launch is scheduled for Wednesday in New York City.
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