Intel today announced expanded offerings for embedded market segments with new processors with extended life cycle support, a new chipset and a carrier-grade server.

The processors, based on Intel's high-k, metal gate transistor formula and manufactured on the company's 45-nanometer (nm) process, include the Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor 5400 Series and Dual-Core Intel Xeon processor 5200 Series.

These new processors, coupled with the new power-optimized Intel 5100 Memory Controller Hub (MCH) chipset, comprise the first 45nm CPU platforms for thermally constrained bladed applications. When using the Intel 5000P chipset, the 45nm processors can be used in applications such as storage, routers, security and medical solutions, as well as communications applications such as IP Multimedia Subsystems (IMS).

The processors take advantage of Intel's Hafnium-based, high-k metal gate transistor formula, which reduces power consumption, increases switching speed and significantly increases transistor density over the company's previous 65nm manufacturing technology. These 45nm CPU-based platforms, based on the Intel 5100 MCH chipset, are ideal for 200 watt maximum power envelope specifications.

Intel is offering extended lifecycle support for 7 years for the Dual-Core Intel Xeon processor 5200 series (E5240, E5220, L5238) and the Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor 5400 series (E5440 and L5408). This represents an expansion from previous minimum support of 5 years.

The processors are available today, and prices range from $321 to $690. The dual-core Intel Xeon processor L5238 at 35 watts will be available in April. The Intel 5100 MCH chipset is available today, starting at $76.