AMD has announced three new triple-core processors and improved support for Microsoft's Hyper-V virtualisation technology.

The new chips include the Phenom X3 8750 Black Edition, with a Clock Multiplier Control and tuneable performance, and the energy-efficient Phenom X3 8450e and Phenom X3 8250e.

AMD is aiming the new chips at digital content creators and the high-end gaming market.

Meanwhile, the company has also announced that it is working more closely with Microsoft on virtualisation technology.

The new systems use AMD Opteron processors with AMD Virtualisation technology together with Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V. They are aimed at mid-sized companies looking to get into virtualisation.

"AMD has taken a leading role in driving virtualisation innovation into the x86 processor, helping to meet a compelling need in the commercial market for cost reduction, increased performance and energy efficiency," said Kevin Knox, vice president of worldwide commercial business at AMD.

"Now, through our continued partnership with Microsoft, AMD is expanding virtualisation's reach and the benefits of resource consolidation to companies that might not have taken advantage of virtualisation in the past."