Green is the theme for Intel's new line of Xeon processors.

The company has released four new chips designed for better energy efficiency and using fewer hazardous materials.

The revamped Xeon 5400 line includes three quad-core chips as well as a dual-core model, each designed for use in high end workstations, blade servers and conventional servers.

All of the chips will be drop-in compatible with Intel's current dual-processor platform, the company claimed.

All four of the new processors will sport 45nm construction, as well as hafnium gate transistors and halogen-free design.

As a result, said Intel, the chips are among the most energy efficient on the market. The most efficient of the quad-core chips runs at just 50 watts and the higher-frequency dual-core model consumes 80 watts.

"Intel continues to expand its R&D efforts in eco-innovation while delivering unmatched versatility and performance," said Intel server platforms group vice president and general manager Kirk Skaugen.

"Customers using these new Xeon processors will not only benefit from greater performance and energy efficiency within existing platforms, but will be the very first to use Intel's halogen-free technology."

All three of the quad-core models are currently shipping, while the dual-core chip is expect to ship later this year.

Among the companies expected to offer the new processors are Dell, IBM, HP and Fujitsu.