AMD to Release First x86 Multi-Core Processors mid-2005
The Evolution of Multi-Core Technology
With the introduction of the first computer came market demands for more computing capacity. Symmetrical multi-processing ( SMP ) has long been a technology used to increase computing performance and efficiency by spreading computing loads across multiple processors. SMP is especially effective in multi-threaded environments where many tasks (threads) need to be handled simultaneously.
As application performance demands grow, processor designers are facing the issue that it takes more power to drive more computing capability. More power means that dissipation levels also need to be managed. Add to this the demands of the industry for computers to become smaller ? more servers in a rack, thin and lighter laptops, and smaller footprint for a desktop system. Multi-core processing will help address these computing challenges. This evolution in technology will allow for increased performance and higher productivity in smaller computers that can simultaneously run multiple complex applications and successfully complete more tasks in a shorter amount of time.
Learn more about the evolution of multi-core technology and its features and benefits for commercial and consumer clients.
The Multi-Core Advantage
In today's digital world the demands of complex 3D simulations, streaming media files, added levels of security, more sophisticated user interfaces, larger databases, and more on-line users are beginning to exceed single-core processor capabilities.
Consider some benefits of multi-core technology:
* Improved system efficiency and application performance for computers running multiple applications, including consumer and commercial desktop and laptop systems and multi-purpose SMB servers.
* Enhanced performance for multi-threaded applications, such as database engines and engineering and graphics design software.
* Support for more users or tasks for transaction-intensive applications, such as web and application servers.
* Superior performance for compute-intensive applications, such as financial analysis and scientific simulations.
* Simplified overall computing infrastructure requirements helping to save you money
* Helps to eliminate thermal and environmental issues
AMD's Technology Leadership
The launch of the AMD Opteron? processor in 2003 represented the landmark introduction of AMD64, a new class of x86 computing. AMD64 represents an evolutionary path to pervasive 64-bit computing by enabling 32- and 64-bit applications to run simultaneously, with no degradation in performance.
The AMD Opteron processor offers the power and simplicity of AMD64 technology for servers and workstations. With its Direct Connect Architecture, the AMD Opteron processor addresses and helps eliminate the real challenges and bottlenecks of system architectures because everything is directly connected to the central processing unit. Direct Connect Architecture provides industry-leading performance by delivering the best performance per watt architecture in the market and the best 2P & 4P architecture for x86 computing.
AMD will continue to drive technology leadership by introducing another computing first: multi-core technology for the x86 based computing market . In 2005, AMD will introduce dual core processors to the market, starting with servers and workstations and then extending into desktops and mobile PCs.
Dual core AMD Opteron processors are one more example of how AMD is extending its evolutionary Direct Connect Architecture by connecting two CPUs on one die, eliminating the bottlenecks inherent in front-side bus architectures.
AMD identified early in the AMD64 development process that multiple cores would be the next evolution to garner the highest performance, so AMD64 was designed from the ground up to be optimized for multiple cores. AMD multi-core technology combines the load-sharing benefits of SMP environments with the dramatically reduced memory latency of Direct Connect Architecture.
Direct Connect Architecture helps eliminate the bottlenecks inherent in a front-side bus by directly connecting the processors, the memory controller and the I/O to the central processor unit (CPU) to enable overall system performance and efficiency.
AMD - First to Demonstrate Multi-Core Technology
In 2004, AMD became the first in the industry to demonstrate x86 multi-core technology when we presented an x86 dual-core processor for 32- and 64-bit computing. The showcase system was a 4-way server powered by four dual-core AMD Opteron? processors manufactured on the 90nm SOI process.
View a demonstration about AMD Opteron dual-core processors.
Availability of Multi-Core Products
AMD will release the first dual-core products for servers and workstations in mid-2005 , followed by dual-core processors for the client markets beginning in the second half of 2005 .
The first multi-core releases will feature one die with two CPU cores. Each core has separate L1/L2 cache hierarchies, as well as the integrated memory controller, HyperTransport? technology and AMD PowerNow!? technology found in single-core processors.
Dual-core AMD Opteron processors can be inserted into existing 940-pin sockets on the 90nm process technology (95W/80A) with a BIOS update, saving time and costs while increasing performance and value.
* Single-threaded and multi-threaded x86 and AMD64 software is compatible without requiring any code changes.
Enterprise Benefits
Corporate IT systems currently optimized for SMP multi-threaded applications should see significant performance increases by using AMD multi-core processors.
This logical performance boost will take place within current, available hardware and socket designs, enabling corporate IT managers to add more sophisticated system layers, like virtualization and security, without significant disruption to legacy systems.
Another key benefit: Simplified manageability, lower TCO, and maximum processor performance - the AMD Opteron? processor with Direct Connect Architecture enables one platform to meet the needs of multi-tasking environments, providing platform longevity.
Client/Consumer Benefits
AMD multi-core processors can immediately benefit businesses and general consumers by providing the capability to run multimedia and security applications with increased performance.
Clients and consumers can expect a new era of productivity. Tasks like CD burning, firewall operations, video compression and various ?digital home? operations can run in the background while users continue with other computing tasks. Consumers can perform popular ?digital home? tasks such as compressing video or burning CDs
The AMD 64 Multi-Core Advantage
Ease of Migration to Multi-Core Processors
* HP, IBM and Sun and other system manufacturers will be able to easily incorporate multi-core products into their existing AMD Opteron? processor-based designs
* Socket compatible with existing 90nm single core processor architectures
Higher Performance Per Watt
* Customers will experience the performance advantages of multi-core processors by getting the best performance per watt available in the market
Direct Connect Architecture
* Best 2-socket and 4-socket architecture for x86 computing
* Addresses and helps reduce the real challenges and bottlenecks of system architecture because everything is directly connected to the CPU
* Directly connects the processor cores to a single die to even further reduce latencies between processors
AMD Opteron Dual-Core Overview
* The AMD Opteron? processor was designed from the start to add a second core
o Port already existed on crossbar/SRI
o One die with 2 CPU cores, each core has its own 1MB L2 cache
* Drops into existing AMD Opteron 940-pin sockets that are compatible with 90nm single core processors
* A BIOS update was all that was necessary to get the 4-socket server up and running with dual-core AMD Opteron processors
* The 2 CPU cores share the same memory and HyperTransport? technology resources found in single core AMD Opteron processors
o Integrated memory controller and HyperTransport links route out the same as today?s implementation
Partner Support
?Dual- and multi-core processor technologies on industry-standard servers will redefine scalability, performance and value for enterprise and SMB customers,? said Paul Miller, vice president of marketing, HP Industry Standard Servers. ?Having the industry's first dual-core x86 processors from AMD up and running on HP ProLiant servers demonstrates both HP's close relationship and collaboration with AMD and our ongoing commitment to rapidly deliver the best new technologies to our customers.?
?As AMD?s strategic partner, we are in a unique position to support AMD64 dual-core technology with our hardware and software products,? said John Fowler, executive vice president of the Network Systems group at Sun Microsystems, Inc. ?The Solaris OS combined with the AMD Opteron processor-based Sun servers and workstations will take full advantage of the AMD64 dual-core architecture, managing multi-thread applications with superior efficiency and performance.?
The e326's dual-core technology design puts IBM in the lead to help customers transition to future dual-core solutions. "Designing for the dual-core specification, IBM has invested to enable our customers to be more confident with their hardware investments," said Alex Yost, director of product marketing, IBM eServer. "For organizations with high-performance computing demands that want investment protection and a migration path from 32-to-64-bit applications, the eServer 326 provides an optimum platform for clustering at an affordable price."
Industry Support
?Dual-core technology provides an attractive path for increasing processor performance with little or no increase in power consumption or heat dissipation,? observed Nathan Brookwood, principal analyst at Insight64. ?AMD laid the groundwork for its dual-core processors years ago, when it gave its single-core AMD64 processors the on-chip plumbing they would need to support a second core at a later date. As AMD moves dual-core technology from theory to practice, it is reassuring to see that current investments in core logic and platform technology will remain relevant for years to come.?
?AMD has recognized the importance of keeping a compatible system architecture while still meeting today?s demanding computing needs,? said Kevin Krewell, editor-in-chief, Microprocessor Report, Instat-MDR. ?AMD?s demonstration of a current platform operating on dual-core AMD Opteron processors based on AMD64 technology represents another industry first for AMD as the company continues to provide industry-leading innovations to the industry-standard architecture.?
Source: AMD.com
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It is not exactly mentionned in this article, but the next AMD processors should still be using socket 939. I've not found the article where I've red it, but it was from AMD.com also.
), you have to wait until M2 comes to market, and upgrade whole thing at that time. That's my interpretation of AMD's plan.. Am I wrong? (Honestly, I am hoping I am wrong, because I am S939 user as well)
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