The latest news on the web unveils the fact that Intel plans to release its next-generation server processors during the first quarter of the next year. The fresh Intel Xeon chips will be based on the company's latest micro-architecture, Nehalem. The prices for the CPUs should be rather high but, at the same time, they are not expected to make too much of a fuzz, as there aren't many server and workstation enthusiasts willing to buy a lot of new equipment in Q1.

It seems that Intel plans to release quite a few new Xeon processors based on the Nehalem micro-architecture, 15 chips to be more precise, targeting a wide range of market segments. The prices of the processors will vary according to their performance levels, power consumption, aim and other characteristics, and are expected to range from $188 to $1600. One of the chips will be a dual-core, while the others will be quad-cores. Most of them will feature simultaneous multi-threading technology.

According to news site X-bit labs, Intel is unlikely to aggressively introduce fresh Intel Xeon DP models on Nehalem micro-architecture next year. As indicated, the company will release a new lineup in the fourth quarter, but it will be very similar to that launched in the first quarter.

The Nehalem chips will be ramped up rapidly into the 2P server space. It seems that, while in the first quarter, the share of the new chips among all Xeon DP shipments will be 20 percent, it is expected to rise to 50 percent in the second quarter, and all the way up to 75 percent in Q3 2009.

The fresh Intel Xeon 3500- and 5500-series processors will require customers to purchase new chipsets, cooling systems, as well as other components. If Intel plans to aggressively ramp up its Nehalem-powered chips, it will put a lot of pressure both on computer makers and its competitor Advanced Micro Devices. AMD will have to stand up to Nehalem's expansion while being forced to cut prices for its previous platforms.