AMD announced today three new 2.6GHz dual-core AMD Opteron processors.

The Opteron 185 is geared towards one-way/two-core servers and workstations, the Opteron 285 targets two-way/four-core servers and workstations while the Opteron 885 handles eight-way/16-core enterprise server duties.

"AMD integrates two AMD Opteron processor cores onto a single die, allowing them to communicate at full processor speed," said Randy Allen, corporate vice president, Server and Workstation Division, AMD. "That means Dual-Core AMD Opteron processors are the only native dual-core x86 systems available today for customers who want efficient solutions for their datacenters. Datacenter managers can fill racks with dual-core platforms without worrying about increased electricity and cooling costs."

AMD has already lined up top-tier system manufacturers for its new processors including:

• BladeCenter LS20, e36m and Intellistation A Pro product lines from IBM
• Galaxy Sun Fire X4100/X4200 servers and Sun Ultra 40 workstations from Sun Microsystems
• ProLiant D 585, DL385, DL145 G2, BL45p, BL35p, BL25p servers and xw9300 workstations from HP

Pricing for the Opteron 885 and 285 is listed at $2,149 and $1,051 respectively in 1,000-unit quantities and the processors are immediately available. Opteron 185 processors on the other hand are expected to be available within the next 30 days - pricing will be revealed closer to the launch date.

This news article was written on March 6, 2006, quoting AMD.