With the G0 stepping of the Kentsfield CPU core, Intel will lower the TDP of several quad-core products by 10W.
Intel recently notified its customers about a future stepping change of several quad-core processors based on the Kentsfield core. Current Xeon X3220 and X3210 processors as well as the Core 2 Quad Q6600 model are based on the CPU core codenamed Kentsfield (consisting of two Conroe dice combined to a multi-chip module) in B3 stepping. Their TDP is currently specified ad 105W.
In the PCN 107463-00 Intel explains that on the 16th of July the company will be able to supply a new G0 stepping of this core which allows to cut the TDP down to 95W. This allows the use of the new CPUs in environments qualified for the "2005 Mainstream FMB" (up to 95W) as opposed to the "2005 Performance FMB" (up to 130W).
Apart from the fact that the new CPUs will feature different CPUIDs and S-spec codes, Intel doesn't expect any impact on customers, as the featureset remains unchanged and electrical, mechanical and thermal specifications remain within current specifications. A BIOS update will be required to recognize the new CPU.
