Intel discontinue Xeon 5500 processors

After Intel launched the latest Sandy Bridge-EP Xeon “Romley” platform last week, based off the 32nm LGA 2011 platform, they have decided to discontinue the 5500 series processors from the old LGA 1366 45nm platform. The “Tylersburg” platform is quite old and was introduced way back in 2009 on the Nehalem architecture. It has certainly stood the test of time with its performance still able to remain competitive against AMD even today. However, Intel wants to focus production on the newer more efficient Romley platform hence why the End-Of-Life (EOL) status has come for the 5500 Xeon processors. September the 28th, 2012 is set as the last date to take any orders for these chips. After this date, Intel will work clear any remaining orders and shift excess stock. Small stocks will still be held to honor any warranty claims that may occur from customers that continue to use the Tylersburg platform.

The chips to take the hit are:

• High-end: W5590, W5580, X5570, X5560 and X5550
• Mid-tier versions: E5540, E5530, E5520, E5507, E5506, E5504, E5503 and E5502
• Entry-level versions: L5530, L5520 and L5506

Source: CPU World