Following repeated production and bug-related delays, AMD finally began shipping its bug-free B3 stepping quad-core Opteron server processor chips in volume to channel partners today. The chipmaker named HP as the first big name to load its ProLiant G5 platforms with the quad-core chip, adding that “many more” systems are coming in the next few weeks from server makers and system integrators.

The chip lineup includes the Opteron 8300, 2300, and 1300 series with clock speeds ranging from 2.2Ghz to 2.5Ghz and is priced upwards of $2,000 for the higher-end Opteron 8360 model. Meanwhile, on the desktop side of things, AMD also launched its B3 stepping Phenom X4 quad-core processors late last month, which are finally making their way into the distribution channel with the quad-core Phenom 9550, 9750, and 9850 now available at Newegg . Stay tuned for TechSpot's take on the Phenom 9850 in the coming days.