By Anna Valmero
INQUIRER.net
THE recent launch of Intel’s multi-core Xeon 7400 server microprocessors (codenamed Dunnigton) has been dubbed to set the stage for virtualization 2.0.
Virtualization is touted to enable very low power and improved performance processing—the chips offer up to 50 percent processing improvement when compared to the previous 7300 series, according to Intel. Other performance records claimed by the chip are available from Intel’s Web site. (To view the presentation, click here.)
By 2010, virtual machines will hit 7.9 million units worldwide, up from 1.4 million units in 2005. This steep rise of the segment according to research firm International Data Corp. signals the need for more powerful chipsets to come after the 7400 series. And that will surely happen, suffice it is to say that we have enough time to harness the power of Dunnington chips.
So what are the benefits?
According to Intel, the new processor integrates six cores per chip and 16 megabytes of shared cache memory — now how about that? You have six cores that can enable you to run simultaneously high processing, power- and memory-hungry applications without putting too much stress on your system. Think about downloading files, playing high-definition videos, editing high-res photos while playing some games on the side — go ahead, add on to the list. But if you think that’s sweet already, wait until you here this: Intel tipped that you can integrate up to 16 Dunnington processors in your system — translating to 96 processing cores. Let me say it again: high processing, huge memory and low power. Isn’t that sweet?
One may ask if there is really a need for a high-processing machine with huge memory. Indeed, there is. For one, networking would be the prime benefactor as virtualization capacity improves over time. Servers which run 24/7 will greatly benefit from the launch of smart solutions to enable high processing while maintaining low energy draw. With the slew of personal applications requiring high performance, high memory and low power, Intel’s Dunnington makes virtualization one step closer to us.
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