Dell announces first quad-core servers

Dell launched its much-anticipated range of servers and desktops based on Intel's quad-core Xeon processor on Tuesday.

The company also announced a new system based on the dual-core AMD Opteron processor and a host of other new products and services.

The new quad-core servers are based on existing Dell models. The Dell PowerEdge 1900, 1950, 2950 and 2900 will all include quad-core Xeon processors, as do the SC1430 and 1955 PowerEdge blade servers.

According to Dell, when equipped with quad-core, the new systems "rival the performance of dual-core, four-socket systems" and have up to 63 percent greater performance and up to 40 percent better performance "per watt".

The PowerEdge 1950 costs £1,279, the 2900 is £1,279, the 2950 is £1,479, the SC1430 is £939, the 1955 is £1,189 and the 1900 is £1,039. All the prices are for "entry-level configurations" excluding VAT, and the servers are available immediately.  

The Dell Precision 690 and 490 workstations can also be configured with the quad-core Xeon processors. The Precision 390 workstation will support the Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad-processor, the company said. Last week, ZDNet UK Reviews found that the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 offered excellent performance. The Dell Precision (with Core 2 Extreme) 390 costs £1,394, the 690 costs £944 and the 490 costs £904.

Eric Velfre, director of enterprise marketing for Dell, said that quad-core gave Dell customers an "even more compelling promise".

Quad-core "will become the mainstream technology in the market" Velfre said. "This is not a niche market".

The Dell PowerEdge 6950 now incorporates all AMD's dual-core Opteron processors. It is a dual-core, four-socket system and will offer a 20 percent reduction in power consumption over current servers in the range. It is available immediately, Dell said at an announcement in Barcelona on Tuesday.