Intel hits AMD with Tulsa server processors

Stan Beer
Tuesday, 29 August 2006 20:40

Your IT - Home IT

Intel has continued its assault on AMD in the server space by unveiling a new series of Xeon processors for the server market. The new 64-bit dual-core Xeon 7100 processor, dubbed Tulsa, will take its place alongside the previously announced Woodcrest Xeon 5100 series and Montecito Itanium 2.

Like Woodcrest, the new Tulsa server chip promise more performance for less power and are designed for systems that can house up to four processors.

According to Intel, 40 manufacturers have already signalled their intention to include Tulsa chips in their servers. Three high profile vendors who have gone public include Dell, HP and Unisys.

For Intel, Tulsa, like Woodcrest and Montecito, is aimed squarely at breaking the impressive run that AMD has had in in the past 18 months at the expense of Intel.

AMD's market share, which has grown to well over 20%, has been driven largely by the number two chip maker's success with its Opteron range of processors in the server space.

While Intel has thrown the pressure back on AMD with a spate of new generation chip releases based on 65-nanometer design, many analysts believe that AMD has now got its foot firmly in the door at all the major vendors, including the last holdout Dell. As a result, Intel is not likely again to enjoy the exclusive supplier arrangements with hardware manufacturers that it once did.