IBM has unveiled a dual-core version of its PowerPC chip for PCs and low-end servers at the Power Everywhere convention in Japan.

The newly developed 970MP is an upgrade of the 970FX architecture which is currently used by Apple in its G5 systems. A low-power version of the chip is also in the works, IBM said.

Apple is the most visible buyer of PowerPC chips, but is in the process of switching to Intel's x86 architecture. The vendor justified the switch earlier this year by saying that PowerPC used too much energy and lacked a reliable upgrade path.

PowerPC chips are used in other devices including the upcoming Nintendo Revolution and Xbox 360 gaming consoles, as well as low-end servers.

IBM also unveiled a technology that aims to set the dual-core PowerPC chips apart from the competition, allowing each core to be 'put to sleep' or completely shut down to achieve further power savings.

The company did not disclose pricing or a planned shipping date. The chip will be available in speeds ranging from 1.4GHz to 2.5GHz.