IBM adds Power5+ quad-core chips to the pSeries

Dual-core chips will feature across IBM's Unix server range by the end of the year

IBM has announced details of a major update to its pSeries range of high-performance Unix-based servers.

The upgrades include replacing the Power5 processor used in most of the pSeries systems with IBM's new flagship Power5+ processor. At the same time, IBM is also introducing a new Quad Core Module (QCM) to the pSeries range. The QCM integrates two dual-core Power5+ chips into the same ceramic packaging, resulting in higher levels of reliability, better energy efficiency and more compact servers, according to IBM.

Simon Robertson, pSeries development manager, said the Power5+ was introduced at a couple of points in the pSeries range late last year. "Now we're adding it to most of the entry points throughout the range. Later this year we'll announce the Power5+ in the rest of the pSeries range."