IBM is releasing three new rack servers built on Advanced Micro Devices' quad-core processors, all aimed at users who need large memory systems.

The systems, beginning with the x3455 -- a two-socket system with up to 48 GB of memory -- are aimed at users of scientific, technical and financial applications, said IBM. Pricing for the x3455 starts at US$1,809.

The x3655 model, also a two-socket model, can accommodate up to 64 GB memory and starts at US$2,499. The third model, x3755, has up to four sockets and 128 GB of memory. Pricing begins at US$3,407.

IBM says users can add processors according to their computing needs, and that all three servers will be available next month.

Volume shipments of AMD's Barcelona quad-core chip began in April after a delay due to a technical glitch. Other vendors, including Hewlett-Packard, have previously announced systems built on the AMD chip.

Gordon Haff, an analyst at Illuminata, said the chip is "a nice upgrade; it puts them back in the game for now against Intel," but he said there's no financial data yet on how the chip is helping AMD.