Intel quietly launches Xeon E3-1290 CPU

We previously reported on Xeon E3-1290 microprocessor, which was supposedly coming in the second quarter 2011. The expected launch date was deduced from the fact, that chip specifications were disclosed on Intel website in a document, titled "Processor reference chart for Q2 2011". According to the latest Intel price list, published today, the Intel E3-1290 was launched last Sunday.

The Xeon E3-1290 is the fastest from E3-1200 series of one-way microprocessors for Bromolow platform, which consists of a dozen of dual- and quad-core CPUs in LGA1155 form factor, and C200 series chipset. New quad-core model is clocked at 3.6 GHz, and may boost frequency of a single active core up to 4 GHz. The E3-1290 comes with 8 MB L3 cache, and supports full range of Sandy Bridge technologies, from Execute disable bit, and up to HyperThreading and Vpro. It also includes all possible extensions to instruction set from Intel 64, and up to AES and 256-bit AVX instructions. The processor supports DDR3 memory with 1066 MHz and 1333 MHz data rates, and fits into 95 Watt power envelope. The CPU is priced at $885, which is $270 more expensive than the E3-1280 model.

Based on roadmap information that we've seen, there are no other new mainstream Xeon E3-1200 chips planned for this year.