PLX Complements Xeon Processor E5-2600 With PCIe Gen-3

PLX Technology, Inc. reaffirmed its core portfolio PCIe Gen3 and 10GbE products are aligned with the launch of the new Intel Corp. Xeon Processor E5-2600 product family (formerly codenamed Romley) that server and storage manufacturers are preparing to deploy.

The powerful Intel Xeon Processor E5-2600 product family integrates the long-awaited, high-performance connectivity of the PCIe Gen3 standard supported by PLX ExpressLane switches. It is also the catalyst driving demand for cost-effective 10GbE-based networks, which are expected to ramp and will be serviced by PLX TeraPHY 10GBase-T transceivers.

"PLX’s PCI Express 3.0 switches are fundamental building blocks supporting Intel Xeon Processor E5-2600 product family platforms used in the new generation of data centers demanding superior performance," said Jim Pappas, director of technology initiatives, Intel Corporation. "PLX has been a long-time supporter of PCI Express, and its investment in PCI Express 3.0 switches is an important element for the advancement of this technology – they are a key contributor to the Xeon server ecosystem."

"The Intel Xeon Processor E5-2600 product family is well-balanced with the interconnect and networking capabilities of PCI Express Gen3 and 10GbE," said Jag Bolaria, senior analyst at the Linley Group and author of A Guide to Server Processors. "The integration of PCI Express Gen3 into Intel Xeon Processor E5-2600 product family systems should initiate a flurry of tremendously powerful and efficient servers for data center and cloud computing, while 10GbE technology provides an efficient and cost-effective way to develop networks in these applications."

"The rollout of Intel’s Xeon Processor E5-2600 product family is a significant milestone for the entire data center ecosystem which will swiftly take advantage of the combination of a powerful new Intel processor technology and the high-speed connectivity of PLX PCI Express Gen3 switches," said Ralph Schmitt, president and CEO, PLX. "The Intel Xeon Processor E5-2600 product family will also drive the demand for a higher-speed 10 Gigabit Ethernet network based on 10GBase-T technology."

PLX began sampling the first PCIe Gen3 silicon in 2010 and now offers production-ready switches with 11 announced configurations ranging from 12 to 48 lanes, and three to 18 ports. The company was first to market with Gen1 switches and has continued to invest in, resulting in low-latency and power-efficient products enabled by unique software allowing quick time to market.

PLX today has over 65 percent of the worldwide market share.

It also enabled the first 10GBase-T equipment, and its family of transceivers includes single- dual- and quad-port integrated devices designed on a 40-nanometer lithography node that are in production.