AMD has announced availability of the six-core server processor with Direct Connect Architecture for two-, four- and eight-socket servers. Six-Core AMD Opteron processors (code-named 'Istanbul') extend AMD's commitment to offering server customers superior value at every price point with unmatched platform flexibility, the company said. As per the company claims, this is world's first six-core server processor with Direct Connect Architecture for two-, four- and eight-socket servers.

Systems based on Six-Core AMD Opteron processors are expected to be available beginning this month from OEMs including Cray, Dell, HP, IBM and Sun Microsystems, along with support from motherboard and infrastructure partners.  HE, SE and EE versions of the Six-Core AMD Opteron processor are planned for the second half of 2009.
 
The new Six-Core AMD Opteron processor has up to 34 percent more performance-per-watt over the previous generation quad-core processors in the exact same platform, the company claimed.

"Based on close collaboration with our customers, we believe there is a clear value shift changing the economics of the server market. The new Six-Core AMD Opteron processor meets the increasing need for a combination of low total cost of ownership, superior performance-per-watt and scalability. Simply put, Six-Core AMD Opteron processors deliver top-line performance that's bottom-line efficient," said Patrick Patla, VP and GM (Server and Workstation Business), AMD. 

"Customers are looking for rapid returns and value from their technology investments, particularly given the current economic climate. The availability of AMD's six core Opteron Processor on the ProLiant G6 platform delivers integrated virtualization and energy efficient capabilities, providing industry-leading performance at a fraction of the power footprint of previous generations," said Rajesh Dhar, Director, Industry Standard Servers, HP India Sales.

Ajay Mittal, Country Manager -Systems x, Systems and Technology Group, IBM India/SA, said, "IBM is committed to deliver the broadest portfolio of System x and Blade Center servers in the market that offer exceptional power-efficiency, performance and virtualization capabilities for today's most demanding datacenters. The new Six-Core AMD Opteron processor allows our clients to grow the system along with their business, while offering the right combination of performance, efficiency, and price to customers."