AMD launches Low Power Opterons

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Advanced Micro Devices launched a low-power version of its Opteron processor on Monday, targeting customers who are hoping to save a few watts in the data center.

AMD announced five parts: the Opteron 8346 HE (1.8-GHz, $698) and 8347 HE (1.9-GHz, $873) for eight-way servers; and the two-way 2344 HE (1.7-GHz, $209), 2346 HE (1.8-GHz, $255) and the 2347 HE (1.9-GHz, $377). All are operable in what AMD calls the 55 watt power band, which consume 30 percent less power than the "standard-wattage," 75-watt "Barcelona" parts.

AMD envisions the new lower-power processors being used by IT managers who are running an existing data center at near to full capacity, closing in on the maximum power budget, said Brent Kerby, a senior product manager for the Opteron processor at AMD. AMD has said previously that it owns a power advantage over Intel , as its true quad-core parts can be power-managed individually, while Intel needs to manage them in pairs.

Although the lower-power parts command a premium over the 75-watt parts, Kerby said the new chips are hardwired for the voltage that allows them to operate at 55 watts, preventing AMD from easily shifting its inventory back and forth between the 55- and 75-watt parts. Kerby said that he believed the majority of sales will be in the 55-watt range. A 105-watt version is also planned for this summer.

Kerby said that AMD's strategy is to price its two-way processors "right on top," price-wise, on the Xeon processors from rival Intel, but that the company would continue to be more aggressive with its four-way pricing.