IBM Unveils Line Of Quad-Core ServersIBM Unveils Line Of Quad-Core Servers

IBM is unveiling a line of servers loaded with quad-core Intel Xeon 5300 processors--four rack servers and one blade.

The servers deliver three to four times the performance of systems that IBM offered less than a year ago.

"The introduction of quad-core processors to the industry further drives the need for innovative server designs so that clients can take full advantage of the new capability, and at the same time it's also accelerating the need for clients to virtualize their infrastructure to simplify and get the most out of these systems," said Jim Gargan, a vice president at IBM, in a written release.

Among the new products:

-- The x3650 is a two-socket rack server that IBM bills for medium and large enterprises' data centers; starting price is $2,419.

-- The x3550 is another two-socket rack server that IBM said provides application density for power managed data centers. It too is suitable for medium and large enterprises' data centers. Starting price is $2,369.

-- The x3500 is two-socket tower server. Starting price is $ 2,189.

-- IBM is targeting the x3400 at small and medium businesses, remote/branch offices, and retail. Starting price is $1,839.

-- IBM also is offer the BladeCenter HS21. Starting price is $3,049.

The quad-core systems can be ordered beginning Tuesday, Nov. 14, with volume shipping expected to begin in December for the system x3550 and x3650, and in January for the x3400, x3500, and the BladeCenter HS21.