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The quad-core Intel Xeon L5400 series processor is designed to take advantage of Intel's 45nm manufacturing capabilities and to boost performance and reduce power consumption in data centers, according to the company.

The Xeon L5400 processors are claimed to be 25 per cent faster and have a 50 per cent larger cache size than previous-generation, low-voltage quad-core Intel Xeon processors, while at the same time maintaining a 50W thermal envelope. The quad-core L5420 and L5410 processors run at 2.5GHz and 2.33GHz, respectively, and feature 12MB of on-die cache and dedicated 1333MHz FSB.

According to Intel, the systems vendors that are supporting the L5400 series include Asustek Computer, Dell, Fujitsu, Fujitsu-Siemens, Gigabyte Technology, Hewlett-Packard, Hitachi, IBM, Microstar, NEC, Quanta, Rackable, Supermicro, Tyan and Verari.

Intel also notes that it will soon begin shipping a new dual-core low-voltage processor that will boast a 40W rating and clock speed of 3GHz, with a 6MB cache size and a 1333MHz FSB. Intel says it is extending the existing quad-core Intel Xeon 5400 series processors for embedded market segments by offering the quad-core Intel Xeon L5410 processor with support for a 7-year life cycle.