IBM is releasing three new rack servers built on Advanced Micro Devices Inc.’s quad-core processors, all aimed at users who need large memory systems.
The systems, beginning with the x3455 — a two-socket system with up to 48 GB of memory — are aimed at users of scientific, technical and financial applications, said IBM. Pricing for the x3455 starts at US$1,809.
The x3655 model, also a two-socket model, can accommodate up to 64 GB memory and starts at $2,499. The third model, x3755, has up to four sockets and 128 GB of memory. Pricing begins at $3,407.
IBM says users can add processors according to their computing needs, and that all three servers will be available next month.
Volume shipments of AMD’s Barcelona quad-core chip began in April after a delay due to a technical glitch. Other vendors, including Hewlett-Packard Co., have previously announced systems built on the AMD chip.
Gordon Haff, an analyst at Illuminata in Nashua, N.H., said the chip is “a nice upgrade; it puts them back in the game for now against Intel.” but he said there’s no financial data yet on how the chip is helping AMD.
