Server vendors focus on memory in Nehalem-EX servers

From InfoWorld: Orthodox server designs are receiving a face-lift with Intel's Nehalem-EX processor, with vendors implementing new memory features to boost application performance.

Intel on Tuesday announced new Nehalem-EX processors, which will include up to eight cores and are targeted at high-end applications like databases and real-time business intelligence, said Kirk Skaugen, vice president and general manager of Intel's Data Center Group, during a Nehalem-EX launch event in San Francisco. The new chips include changes that provide faster access to memory, and IBM, NEC, and Dell have changed designs to take advantage of those features.

Intel has put four memory channels in Nehalem-EX processors to increase memory bandwidth. Servers with Nehalem-EX could also include separate buffered memory chips to temporarily store data alongside the main memory for faster execution.

Beyond the number of cores, system performance depends on a number of factors like on-chip cache and memory, said Jim McGregor, chief technology strategist at In-Stat.

View: Article @ Source Site