Sun Microsystems has manufactured first silicon of its next-generation Niagra processor, which isn't due to ship until 2006.

The advanced chip contains eight 64-bit UltraSparc cores and will power new systems, which Sun plans to position as "throughput computing" engines capable of handing network-intensive tasks.

The eight-core Niagra will dissipate only 60 W of power, according to Sun. That's a fraction of the 100 W or so consumed by today's dual-core UltraSparc IV and is also likely beneath the power figure expected from dual-core processors due out of Intel and AMD in 2005.

Niagra will be fabricated in an advanced 90-nm process. It also boasts a host of on-chip features, which make its design highly integrated. The initial version will include an onboard Ethernet controller and a built-in memory controller. Subsequent versions, according to Sun, "will have 10-Gigabit Ethernet and even cyptologic [capability] built on the chip."

Sun said the year-long interval until the chip comes to market will be used to bring Sun's partners up to speed.

By: DocMemory
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