Intel To Launch 45nm Processors, Penryn

Intel is all set to usher in the 45nm-era of desktop and server computing processors with the launch of their "Penryn" series of processors. They will be launching 12 new quad-core versions of their Xeon server chip, which will ship as the Xeon 5400 Series products.

These chips will be available at speeds between 2GHz and 3.20GHz with FSB topping out at 1600MHz and will sport L2 cache sizes of up to 12MB. In their consumer range of processors, the first one off the block will be the enthusiast level Core 2 Extreme QX9650. This will be the only "Penryn" chip that will be available this year for end-consumers and will retail for $1000 upwards.

The launch of these new processors marks a new beginning in the war between AMD and Intel. Ever since the Core 2 Duo was launched, AMD has been playing catch-up with Intel. Though they have recently managed to migrate to the 65nm process, with Intel introducing 45nm... AMD is going to be facing an uphill task of trying to match up.

This is simply because AMD which has the price vs. performance tag will soon lose it. As the "Penryn" processors launch, Intel current C2D range will drop in prices and become competitive in the budget ranges. Though AMD has tried to offset this by looking to offer "tri-core" processors, how this situation will play out is anybody’s guess