Intel Corp. has introduced a new set of high-speed processors for small business-oriented devices.
Available immediately, the eight Xeon E3-1200 v6 CPUs unveiled today are the latest addition to Santa Clara, Calif.-based Intel’s E3 processor family, which targets entry-level servers and workstations. The chipmaker says the new 14nm CPUs offer up to 56 percent better performance than earlier E3-1200 v2 products and up to 3 times the graphics performance.
Error Code Correcting functionality enables the E3-1200 v6 family to deliver enhanced reliability as well by detecting and correcting data corruption automatically.
Other availability boosting features in the new processors include Intel Active Management Technology, which makes discovering, fixing, and protecting networked hardware easier; Intel Server Platform Services, which help administrators monitor and control the power consumption, heat output, and resource utilization of rack-mounted servers; and Intel Rapid Storage Technology, which enables businesses to safeguard critical data by implementing redundant storage.
When equipped with properly equipped motherboards, devices bearing E3-1200 v6 chips can also take advantage of the new Optane memory that Intel announced yesterday. Available April 24th in 16 GB and 32 GB modules, Intel Optane memory products are designed to accelerate digital content creation, engineering applications, and other resource-hungry workloads by providing faster access to data stored on sluggish hard disk drives.
According to Intel, E3-1200 v6 processors will help users of small business workstations keep pace with the demands of increasingly compute-intensive workloads like CAD, analytics, and multimedia production. The new systems also meet the technical requirements of virtual reality headsets like the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, the company says, making them a good fit for VR-enabled design solutions when combined with appropriate memory, storage, and GPUs.
Dell, HP, and Lenovo are among several OEMs with workstation models bearing E3-1200 v6 processors available today.
Entry-level servers will benefit from the E3-1200 v6 family’s enhanced speed, reliability, and security too, Intel asserts. Hardware-enhanced security features in the new processors include Intel Data Protection Technology, which accelerates data encryption and decryption; Intel Software Guard Extensions, which shield application code and data from disclosure and modification; and Intel Authenticate, which allows businesses to create customized multifactor authentication processes.
Thanks in part to the rise of public cloud computing, on-premises server shipments are currently in decline. Intel sees opportunity for itself and its partners in the market for entry-level servers just the same, due to the bandwidth constraints, regulatory compliance requirements, and reliance on onsite-only legacy applications that many small businesses face.
