Intel today launched a twin set of 800MHz Tualatin PIIIs, the first dualie, it says for the low power ulta dense blade server segment.

The dual processor delivers 63 per cent better performance than their singleton counterpart, according to benchmarking conducted by Ziff Davis Media sub eTesting Labs.

Other features include support for up to 4GB memory, 512KB of on-chip level 2 cache memory on each chip, support for PC133 SDRAM, and a 133MHz bus. The chips are made on a 0.13micron production line (i.e. smaller, cheaper, lower power). The processor are housed in uFCBGA packaging.

Intel is targeting the servers at a subset of the blade server market. Products from Dell and Fujitsu Siemen is expected to ship later this year, while dual mobos from companies such as Force Computers, I-Bus/Phoenix and Kontron are immediately available.

The boards are targeted for areas where space and energy consumption, as opposed to performance, are at a premium. Intel suggests Web hosting and Internet firewalls as suitable apps for ultra-dense blade servers.

Its not finished yet: the mobos are aimed at applications that require "extended life-cycle support in the communications, transportation, automation, medical and military market segments, among others. Specifically, the boards are optimal for security, storage, telephony and wireless applications".

Intel is leaving it up to OEMs to publicise prices. ®

Intel press release