Intel has launched the Xeon 7400, the first x86 architecture design which holds six cores. The processor is targeted at high-end computing and is great for virtual machines and databases. The processor is about 50% faster and reaches 2.66GHz with the same 130W of peak power as would a quad-core or dual core Xeon.

Pricing and Availability: The new Xeon 7400 has been launched and many PC companies may start building systems on these chips, which cost between $856 and $2,729.

Watch this: These processors could be the next big thing but then since Core i7 architecture is coming up, this could be like a transition phase and some of the techniques in the Xeon 7400 may be rolled in to other processors as well.

Word around the Web:

Sean Fallon at Gizmodo:

“We should see Core i7 (Nehalem) by the end of the year.”

kdawson at Slashdot:

“As expected, Intel launched the Dunnington chip for high-end servers”

Via: Electronista