Intel is not a major player in high-end server market but it is trying everything to gain some traction. The previous generations of Itanium processors released by Intel have failed against processors released by IBM and other companies. The quad-core version of Itanium codenamed Tukwila will be the first monolithic design by Intel and will be released in early 2009. Tukwila will also have integrated memory controller and QuickPath Interconnect technology, increasing the data transfer rate in Itanium. The cache on the chip will also be increased to 30MB. The processor will run at 2GHz with TDP of 170 watts or 130watts depending on model. The new processor will give vendors the ability to deliver eight socket systems with up to 32 cores. An alliance that promotes the Itanium processors said that more than 30% jump has been observed in volume growth year to year and they are collaborating with Microsoft to deliver new programs.
[Via CNet]