The server market always gets the cool stuff first. Intel is readying to launch its first 8-core processor to combat the already launched AMD 8 and 12 core Opteron units.

Named the Nehalem-EX, these octo-core chips are manufactured on the 45nm process, featuring  8 physical cores each support two simultaneous threads through Hyperthreading. It includes 4 integrated  DDR3 memory channels, 4 QPI links, Turboboost, 24MB shared L3 cache and a total of 2.3 billion transistors.

The chip is targeted towards four socket servers allowing for up to 64 virtual cores and are intended for data-intensive applications.

In seemingly outdated technology, Intel is looking at launching its six-core Westmere consumer level lineup within the next few months and AMD is said to be following close behind with a hexa-core product of its own.

I wonder if Intel will be using the updated cooling design recently seen in select models of its Core i7 920 lineup?