Intel explains very odd server numbering scheme

IF YOU ARE as puzzled by the numbers Intel uses to sell its Xeon servers as we are, all it seems, is not lost.

There is a kind of logic to the stock keeping units (SKUs) or at least that's what Intel believes.

Take, for example, the X5355. What the heck does this combo mean? Bear with us, while we toss aside our Soduko puzzle to tease this out.

The letter "X" in front of a processor number means it's a performance optimised processor. An "E" means its a mainstream or tack optimised microprocessor. An "L" means it's either ultra dense or low voltage.

The first number describes which platform a chip belongs to. "9" stands for Itanium 9000s, "7" stands for Xeon MP 7000s, "5" stands for Xeon DP 5000s, and "3" stands for Xeon UP chips in the 3000 sequence.

Whew. The second number stands for the processor generation, with 0 representing Dempsey, 1 representing Woodcrest, and 3 representing Clovertown. There is no 2.

The third number represents the bin qualities, with "5" being the highest quality.

The fourth number represents what Intel calls a "place holder" for incremental changes with "0" being standard, and "5" a SKU with additional features.

There are some tips for the beginner Soduku player, here. These can be applied to Intel server CPUs. Try this Q1 2007, SKU first! It's easy! The X3220.

1 Make sure you have some free time
2 Resist guessing and use logic!
3 Solving an Intel SKU takes ages if you're a novice, but after solving puzzles such as the X5355 and the E5345, you'll soon become an expert.

We trust that's absolutely clear. µ