AMD discounts 6-core processor upgrades ahead of launch

Sunnyvale (CA) – AMD decided to give its customers a monetary incentive to upgrade to a newer Opteron server processor. The program includes dual-, quad and 6-core processors and includes an upgrade discount of up to 35%.

AMD said that the upgrade program will cut prices for 2000-series CPUs by $50 and by $100 for 8000-series chips. Channel partners and direct customers can take advantage of the company’s global “AMD Opteron Upgrade Program”.

It is interesting to note that AMD’s upcoming Istanbul processor, which is generally expected to be the first monolithic 6-core CPU when introduced, will be included in this program. Istanbul was originally planned for a H2 2009 launch, but industry sources now indicate that AMD has accelerated the launch schedule and will announce the processor in June.