Intel Set to Release Eight-Core Chips for LGA2011 Platform in March

From X-bit Labs: Intel Corp. is projected to release its highly-anticipated eight-core Intel Xeon microprocessors for dual-socket servers in March, 2012. The new chips will be based on Sandy Bridge-EP design with all cores activated and will be very competitive on both server as well as ultra high-end workstation markets.

Intel Xeon E5 “Sandy Bridge-EP” microprocessors with up to eight SNB-class x86 cores, quad-channel memory controller, up to 20MB of cache and other advantages, will be formally launched at CeBIT 2012 trade-show, on the 6th of March, 2012, according to unofficial information from VR-Zone web-site.

The Xeon E5 microprocessors will belong to next-generation dual-socket platform code-named Romley, which is essentially Intel X79 with support for two microprocessors, Serial Attached SCSI and other server/workstation specific capabilities. The Romley platform was delayed a number of times and is seriously anticipated by Intel's customers since it brings major performance increases both because of micro-architectural advantages of Sandyb Bridge over previous-generation chips as well as because of increased core-count.

Since mechanically Intel Xeon E5 is compatible with LGA2011, it remains to be seen whether they will be compatible with desktop-class motherboards. Such compatibility would allow enthusiasts to install eight-core Intel microprocessors into desktops; presently Intel only offers six-core chips for high-end desktops. Some manufacturers of enthusiast-class motherboards, namely Asustek Computer and EVGA, plan to introduce platforms for Xeon E5 designed for enthusiasts.

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