Core: Coming Soon(er)?

Intel unveiled its next-generation Core microarchitecture at last month's Intel Developer Forum, and the company invited select members of the press community to benchmark prototype Core-based systems. At the time, Intel would only say that Conroe (single-CPU desktop)- and Woodcrest (multiple-CPU workstation and server) spins of Core would ramp into production 'in the third quarter'. However, since then, rampant industry scuttlebutt has suggested that the company's decided to be more aggressive with its production timeframes.

AMD is rumoured to be pulling in its AM2 socket-based CPU launch in response (regardless of the fact that, from initial inspection, it appears AM2 won't do them much good near-term). And some data I got yesterday morning, during a breakfast meeting with HP, may corroborate the claims of a Core schedule speed-up. HP unveiled two desktop workstation lines; the mid-range xw6400 and high-end xw8400. What's inside them? It's a bit difficult to tell, but I've pulled out relevant quotes from the product briefs and news advisory I received:

xw6400:
"Featuring Intel’s newest dual-processor/dual-core technology with the Intel 5000X chipset….".
"Added is Intel’s new dual-processor, dual-core technology and the next-generation Intel chipset…."
"Available in Q3, 2006, the HP xw6400 delivers the latest 64-bit Intel Dual-Core Intel Xeon architecture…."

xw8400
"….incorporates up to two next-generation dual-core Xeon processors…."
"Based on revolutionary new, dual-processor/dualcore technology…."
"Available in the next 30 days, the HP xw8400 features delivers the latest 64-bit Intel Dual-Core Intel Xeon architecture for great personal workstation performance and expandability. Intel's next-generation chipset provides substantial improvements in bandwidth over previous Intel chipset technology."

HP's spokesperson spoke at great length about the dramatic power-performance system improvements Intel had enabled with this rev of the silicon as compared to past Xeon-based designs. But he wouldn't reveal the CPU specifics, nor would the Intel representative who was present at the briefing. The chipset is clearly Blackford, and the platforms are clearly Bensley and Glidewell. But what's the CPU; NetBurst microarchitecture-based Dempsey or Core-based Woodcrest? One telling sign is the frontside bus speed; if it's 1333 MHz the CPU is Woodcrest, if slower it's probably Dempsey. I'll try to track down an answer; stay tuned.

Followup: HP's PR team had a terse 'no comment for now, but we'll give you more details in a month' response to my frontside bus frequency question, but based on recent comments by Intel CEO Paul Otellini, I'm sticking with my prognosis that the Core-based Woodcrest CPU will be powering HP's new PCs.