Intel has a new I/O chipset which the chip Behemoth claims can triple the processing capabilities of Internet storage systems and large-scale databases.

The IOP310 chipset comprises the 80200 processor and the 80312 I/O companion chip which coordinates memory and physical I/O connections.

The new chipset is the first implementation of Intel's XScale microarchitecture, the low-power technology that the company says will reach speeds of up to one Gigahertz while drawing as little as 1.5W of power.

The low power consumption means Internet infrastructure equipment products can be built smaller and stacked closer together.

One of the first companies to adopt the new chipset is IBM subsidiary Mylex, which plans to use it to enhance its RAID product line.

Intel claims the new chipset provides as much as 300 percent greater I/O performance for advanced Internet storage applications. The 80200 Processor will be offered at four speeds, ranging from 333MHz to 733MHz, all consuming just over one watt of power

The 80312 I/O companion chip includes a 64-bit PCI-to-PCI bridge, an SDRAM controller and a high-speed application accelerator unit for RAID parity generation.

It is also code compatible with Intel's StrongArm SA110 processor and supports a number of real-time operating systems, including Wind River's IxWorks and embedded Linux.

The chipset is sampling now and should be in full production at speeds of up to 600 MHz during the first quarter of 2001. In 10,000 unit quantities, the IOP310 will cost $70 for the 333MHz version, rising to $93 for the 600MHz variant. Pricing for the 733MHz version will be announced later. ®