While the competition is preparing to launch hexa-core server processors AMD is well on the way to launch dodeca-core Opteron processors. AMD will according to new information launch its new ‘Magny-Cours’ architecture March 2010. AMD’s next generation Opteron processors will focus on parallel workload and with up to 12 physical cores each there is power to go around.
As previously revealed the Magny-Cours architecture will introduce a new platform for the beefy Opteron processors. Socket G34 with 1944 pins will become the AMD Opteron 6000 family.
The Opteron 6000 family will house processors with eight or twelve cores and at launch in March there will be models with the maximal amount of cores. The first dodeca-core Opteron 6000 models will operate at 1.90GHz, 2.10GHz and 2.20GHz. AMD is also preparing HE and SE models with twelve cores, these will operate at 1.70GHz and 2.30GHz.
There will be similar setups of octo-core Opteron 6000 models that will operate between 1.80GHz and 2.40GHz.
Two of AMD’s hexa-core Istanbul becomes Magny-Cours
It’s not just clock frequencies that have been reduced compared to current Opteron processors, but also the integrated memory controller and L3 cache. The rated TDP is still pretty high though, with 140W for the top models.
Do note that Intel will presents its hexa-core processor with 32 nanometer technology in March, but AMD will let loose its dodeca-cores with 45 nanometer technology. Which of the two that is best for you is hard to say, but AMD has faith in its performance/watt ratio thanks to the many cores.
The Maranello platform and Opteron 6000 models will scale up to 16-core processors in 2011 with the Interlagos architecture.
Four dodeca-core Magny-Cours processors in action
