Intel launches its most secure data center processor

SANTA CLARA, USA: Combining unprecedented security, performance and energy efficiency, Intel Corp. has launched the Intel Xeon Processor 5600 series.

The new processors deliver two new security features -- Intel Advanced Encryption Standard New Instructions (Intel AES-NI), and Intel Trusted Execution Technology (Intel TXT) -- that enable faster encryption and decryption performance for more secure transactions and virtualized environments, providing data centers with a stronger foundation for cloud security.

These are also the first server and workstation chips based on the groundbreaking, new Intel 32nm logic technology, which uses Intel’s second-generation high-k metal gate transistors to increase speed and decrease energy consumption.

The Intel Xeon Processor 5600 series supports up to six cores per processor and delivers up to 60 percent greater performance than the 45nm Intel Xeon processor 5500 series. In addition, data centers can replace 15 single-core servers with a single new one, and achieve a return on their investment in as little as five months.

Data centers will also benefit from the power efficiency of the Intel Xeon processor 5600 series. A two-socket server using the new low-voltage Intel Xeon processor L5640 can deliver the same performance as a server using the previous generation’s champion; the Intel Xeon processors X5570 series, but with up to 30 percent lower platform power.

“The Intel Xeon Processor 5600 series will be the backbone of mainstream computing environments,” said Kirk Skaugen, vice president and general manager of the Intel Architecture Group. “New security capabilities will boost the confidence of IT managers. Improvements in performance, server virtualization and power consumption will foster productivity and efficiency for a broad range of applications ranging from data transactions to workstations performing medical imaging and digital prototyping.”

Enhanced security
With emerging threats, new architectures and an ever-changing regulatory environment, security is an increasing concern for IT managers, and often an impediment to deploying more advanced computing infrastructures. The Intel Xeon processor 5600 series addresses these issues with features that help ensure greater data integrity.

The Intel Xeon processor 5600 series includes Intel AES-NI, a new set of instructions first introduced with the new 2010 Intel Core processor family. These instructions accelerate AES performance to enable faster data encryption and decryption for a wide range of applications such as database encryption features, full disk encryption and secure internet transactions.

Intel TXT will provide added security that cloud environments have been waiting for by enabling a more secure platform launch environment, along with providing more protection for applications that move between virtualized servers. Hardware-based capabilities integrated into the processor shield against malicious software to allow important applications and data to run more securely in a virtualized environment.

Working together, Intel TXT and Intel AES can ensure that virtualized environments experience better performance and functionality, and are more secure when they are launched, migrated or at rest.

New embedded processors
In addition to enterprise-class processors, Intel launched three unique processors for the embedded computing segment, including the first six-core processors, the Intel Xeon E5645 and L5638, the quad-core L5618 and E5620 processors.

These processors, featuring 7-year lifecycle support, are built for thermally constrained and robust communications environments, and will route applications more quickly and efficiently between connected devices.

Extreme 32nm
Today Intel also announced availability of the new Intel Core i7-980X Processor Extreme Edition, the company’s first 32nm, six-core processor with 12 computing threads for client applications. Offering stunning performance for digital content creation, 3-D rendering, multitasking and hardcore gaming, the new Intel Core i7-980X is drop-in compatible with most existing Intel X58 Express chipset-based motherboards.

Running at 3.33 GHz, the Intel Core i7-980X is overclocking-enabled to provide flexibility to advanced users who want to adjust their speed settings, and has 12MB of Intel Smart Cache – 50 percent more than the current Intel flagship desktop processor.

The Intel Xeon processor 5600 series ranges in price from $387 to $1,663 in quantities of 1,000. The E5645, L5638 and L5618 embedded processors are priced at $958, $958 and $530, respectively, in quantities of 1,000.

The Intel Core i7-980X is priced at $999 in 1000-unit quantities. To facilitate reseller transition to this new processor series, all currently shipping Intel Server Boards and Systems that support the previous-generation Intel Xeon processor 5500 series also support the Intel Xeon processor 5600 Series.