New Intel Xeon 3.4 GHz processors

The 'refresh' pushes the quad-core Xeon 5400 series from its previous 3.2GHz limit up to 3.4GHz. The processor is tagged under the enw name Xeon X5492. Most interesting fact is that this new flagship processor has the fast new 1600 MHz front side system bus. Intel characterizes the processor as intended for performance-driven, full size workstations and servers with a peak 150W of power.

Other introductions trade speed for power savings. A next step down, the X5470, drops to 3.33GHz and a slower 1.33GHz bus while using a more modest 120W of power; a single low-power L5430 entry is aimed at very small-profile desktops and servers and consumes just 50W at its 2.66GHz clock speed, or just a fraction of what a 2.66GHz Xeon processor consumed two years ago. One dual-core Xeon 5200 update has also been added and sees the X5270 set a new high of 3.5GHz with a 1.33GHz bus and 80W of power.

All of the quad-core processors are shipping now and will be available in systems through several large PC makers, including Dell and HP, and range in large-batch prices from $562 for the 2.66GHz part to $1,493 for the 3.4GHz Xeon.

A dual-core 3.5GHz chip sells for $1,172 but will be available later this fall.