Advanced Micro Devices launched its new six-core Istanbul processor benefiting data centers for databases and server consolidation using virtualizations.

The Sunnyvale, California-based company announcement is several months earlier than had been planned. AMD seems accelerating its pace to produce faster products in a shorter time as it battles rival Intel Corp in the business chip market.

The new version of its Opteron server chip (Istanbul) has 30 percent more performance within the same power envelope and on the same platform as current Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors.

“AMD Opteron processors have always provided exceptionally long life cycles and consistent platforms,” AMD's Director, Business Development John Fruehe said last April for AMD Opteron Upgrade Program. “In the current economic environment customers are trying to stretch their IT budgets and to extend the life of their technology investments more than ever, all while improving performance and energy efficiency.

AMD did not disclose the price of the Istanbul processor.

California Launch Chip