Intel has demonstrated its first working quad core sample microprocessors for servers a mere two years after the introduction of the first dual core processors. The chip, codenamed Clovertown, features a new micro-architecture that will likely be detailed at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) this spring.
While the new processors will be manufactured using a 65nm processes, it is not clear whether all four cores will be on one die or separate. Intel CEO Justin Ratner said the company was so pleased by the design"s performance that it decided to show working samples even though the design was still currently in the validation process.
The server used to showcase Clovertown was designed for two physical CPUs. Intel"s CTO Pat Gelsinger said the company"s research and development priorities recently have focused on increasing the number of execution cores on its processors as well as training software designers to utilize them more efficiently.
Mr. Ratner also theorized that microprocessors in a decade will have ten to hundreds of execution engines each.