HP rolls out six-core AMD desktop systems

HP has unveiled a line of enterprise workstations powered by AMD's six-core Opteron processors.

The new xw9400 workstations are geared towards traditional high-performance computing markets, such as 3D animation, engineering and geological exploration.

Customers will have the option of one or two of the Opteron chips, along with an ATI FirePro V7750 graphics card. The systems will start at $1,899 (£1,160).

The systems are the first to use the six-core Opteron chip for workstation applications. AMD's 'Istanbul' chip was unveiled earlier this year, and is mainly considered for use in server systems.

HP, however, hopes that the chip will appeal to high-end users who are increasingly hungry for multi-core chips.

"HP understands the immense pressure its customers are under to deliver more return on investment in a shorter period of time," said Jeff Wood, director of worldwide workstation marketing at HP.

"By providing the most extreme combination of technologies, up to 12 cores in one workstation, HP continues its commitment to bringing customers leading-edge technologies."