Xeon
Xeon is the brand name of server and workstation processors from Intel. These are based on the then current versions of desktop processors and so on different micro- architectures.
In addition to CPUs under the name Xeon GPUs are also sold under the name Intel Xeon Phi since 2012, which are based on the earlier than Larrabee architecture presented.
Generations
Xeon processors has been around since 1998. The first generation was based on the then current P6 architecture and thus had as Desktoppendants the series Pentium II and Pentium III, however, took advantage of its own base and their own chipsets.
The second generation, which came on the market in May 2001, was based on the NetBurst microarchitecture and thus on the Pentium 4 Again own base were used, in addition appeared in this generation first dual core processors.
The third generation, introduced in October 2006, had the core micro- architecture as a basis and as Desktoppendants the Core 2 series. For the first time there was now Xeon -UP models for single-processor systems (see also naming system ) and quad-core processors, and later even models with six cores.
The fourth generation was put on the market in March 2009 and is based on the Nehalem microarchitecture. The equivalent in the desktop market, making it the Core i7.
The fifth generation was launched in January 2011, based on the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture. The underlying desktop processor is the Intel Core i7 second generation.
Nomenclature
In the P6- based Xeon models Intel still called all models simply " Pentium II Xeon ", " Pentium III Xeon " and hung the respective clock frequency to the name. With the introduction of NetBurst -based Xeons, these processors were called then but " Xeon DP" or " Xeon MP ", depending on whether they are for dual-processor systems ( "dual processor" ) or for multi-processor systems ( " multi- processor" ) were intended.
However, as developed in the NetBurst Xeons with the time a very wide range of models, Intel went the end of 2005 to a model number system:
- First, the two-letter abbreviation describes "DP" or "MP" the purpose of the processor.
- This is followed by a four-digit model number that allows a rough sorting performance. The first digit is correlated with the intended purpose: DP processors have here a 5 MP models have a 7
- The second digit indicates the generation, counting from 0. The higher the number, the newer the processor.
- The last two digits distinguish different clocked or equipped with various features models within a generation. Generally one can say that a higher number combination to a more powerful processor suggesting.
This system has been extended with the release of the Core -based Xeons. Now also Xeon models for single-processor systems ( "uni processor" ) were available. These were held "DP" or "MP" the abbreviation " UP" and as the first digit model number, the third
Pretty soon after the introduction of this third generation was added in another letter that makes a rough estimate of the TDP of the processor. This is directly in front of the four -digit model number and replaces the optional suffix "LV". There were initially three variants E, X, and L; since the fourth generation on the market, W is added.
- "E" to get ordinary models with average TDP, in the range of 65 to 90 watts.
- "X" get models with a higher TDP of 90 Watt. These are often higher clocked than E models.
- "W" have all Nehalem -based Xeons with a particularly high TDP of 130 watts. They usually represent the top models of her generation.
- "L " indicates low- voltage processors, which have a lower TDP of less than 65 watts.
For example, the " Xeon DP X5460 " is intended for two-processor systems ( "DP " and " 5") has an increased TDP ("X" ) and is, in the fifth generation DP X ( " 4") a powerful model represents ( " 60").
Technology
Xeon processors are usually derivatives of desktop processors of each generation, but which differ in various characteristics. Because of their ability to make use of particular multi-processor MP and DP models specific base and usually have much more cache or even via a further level in the cache hierarchy. In addition, Xeons are often the pioneer of technological innovations that are later introduced in the consumer market, such as Hyper -Threading or dual-channel memory access. To support the individual features and to supply additional, Xeons have to be operated with special chipsets often.
However, Xeon UP processors have a special position, since they correspond exactly to their desktop counterparts as a rule. Therefore, they also use the same base and offer the same features.
Since 2004 Xeon processors also include Intel 64, Intel 's implementation of the AMD64 extension. Thus, the Xeons were 64 -bit capable, which rival AMD could offer already with the Opteron before. However, this measure torpedoed the effort Intel to replace the Xeon product line through the steps of IA-64 processors, the Itanium series.
The advanced features of Xeon processors is reflected in a significantly higher price compared to the respective desktop version. Also Xeon -ready motherboards, coolers, case and power supplies are significantly more expensive because they are designed for high operational and data security.
Competition
In addition to Intel, AMD exists with only one major supplier of x86 - compatible processors. However, AMD has long focused time on retail banking and tried only in 2001, with the Athlon MP a competing product on the server and workstation market place. These attempts failed, and Intel maintained a virtual monopoly in this market segment. Only with the AMD Opteron and Intel was able to celebrate successes remove some market share. However, the Xeon is still by far the market leader for x86 -compatible server and workstation processors.
Presence
Due to the high heat of the NetBurst architecture was already the Intel SpeedStep technology, implemented here as Demand Based Switch ( DPS), the Xeon. But since these problems could not be solved, Intel moved to the Woodcrest cores as in its entire product range of the NetBurst architecture to the significantly more energy-efficient Intel Core microarchitecture. Meanwhile, the quad-core architecture has been introduced with the Clovertown in the Xeon CPUs.
List of some Xeon processors
5000 Series
1The cache column indicates the size of the shared caches of all cores. In the case of the 5500 and 5600 series, this is the L3 cache. In other models the L2 cache.
3000
E3 Family
With Ivy Bridge and Haswell E3 Family V2 and V3 came in slightly improved and some stronger versions on the market. To recognize the v2 and v3 after the model name.