Intel launched its first Itanium 2 processor with 9MB of L3 cache yesterday, as anticipated.

The new chip is clocked at 1.6GHz, as is a version with 6MB of cache. Intel also added a 4MB version, though that runs at 1.5GHz. All three processors operate across a 400MHz frontside bus and are pitched at multi-way systems.

Intel also introduced a pair of new processors for two-way machines. Both are clocked at 1.6GHz and contain 3MB of L3 cache. The first supports a 533MHz FSB, the latter the usual 400MHz bus.

The same core, 'Fanwood', forms the basis for a new low-voltage Itanium 3, clocked to 1.3GHz and operating with a 62W heat dissipation envelope.

Intel priced the new chips at the same level as the existing Itanium MP, DP and LV parts. The three MP chips are priced at $4226, $1980 and $910, respectively - the same as the 1.5, 1.4 and 1.3GHz Itaniums with 6, 4 and 3MB of L3, respectively.

The new DP parts come in at $1172 (533MHz FSB) and $851 (400MHz FSB) - the latter representing a big discount on the $2408 Intel charged for the previous version of the chip.

Intel continues to pitch Itanium as an alternative to Risc-based big iron, while Xeon - in its 32-bit and now 64-bit forms - continues to vacuum up the low-end server arena. ®

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