Intel to launch Xeon processors on May 14

Today Dell announced PowerEdge C5220 micro-servers based on upcoming Ivy Bridge processors from Xeon E3-1200 v2 family. According to Dell, the new microservers will deliver up to 95% higher performance within the same rack, and up to 50% increased density in comparison with previous generation of PowerEdge C5220 systems. The micro-servers will be available on May 22, 2012, which implies that the launch of Ivy Bridge Xeon CPUs is just around the corner. Indeed, based on information that we have at hand, E3-1200 v2 series of processors will be announced on May 14. Even more, Xeon E5-2400 and E5-4600 series will be also announced on the same day. At this time we don't know whether the E3 and E5 processors will be available for sale at the announcement date, or not.

Three new Xeon families are aimed at different parts of the server market. Xeon E3-1200 v2 supports only one-way workstations and servers. This series is built on Ivy Bridge microarchitecture, and it utilizes socket 1155 infrastructure. E3-1200 v2 microprocessors have from 2 to 4 CPU cores, up to 3.7 GHz clock speeds, and Thermal Design Power ranging from 17 Watt to 87 Watt. Looking at "v2" processor numbers, you may notice that they are almost identical to the first generation of E3-1200 chips, and have similar characteristics. However, "v2" CPUs do offer a number of improvements over the first generation of Xeon E3s: newer micro-architecture, higher frequencies on some models, better graphics on E3-12x5 parts, and lower power consumption.

Xeon E5-2400 is based on Sandy Bridge micro-architecture, and it supports dual-processing. E5-2400 CPUs have from 4 to 8 cores, up to 2.4 GHz stock frequencies, up to 20 MB level 3 cache, and 60 Watt - 90 Watt TDP, depending on SKU. The E5-2400 series uses socket 1356. Prices of these models range from $192 to $1440.

Another Sandy Bridge series, Xeon E5-4600, supports quad-processor configurations and requires socket 2011. Like the E5-2400 family, the 4600 SKUs come with up to 8 cores and up to 20 MB L3 cache. These Xeons feature higher, up to 2.9 GHz, clock speeds, and they have TDP up to 130 Watt. Xeon E5-4600 parts are priced from $551 to $3616.