Monday, June 1st 2009

AMD Launches Six-Core Istanbul Opteron Processor

AMD today announced availability of the world's first six-core server processor with Direct Connect Architecture for two-, four- and eight-socket servers. Six-Core AMD Opteron processors (code-named "Istanbul") extend AMD's commitment to offering server customers superior value at every price point with unmatched platform flexibility.
Across a single platform, AMD can address the need for more cores and greater scalability with the new Six-Core AMD Opteron processor and offer a cost- and power-efficient solution with Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors. Systems based on Six-Core AMD Opteron processors are expected to be available beginning this month from leading OEMs including Cray, Dell, HP, IBM and Sun Microsystems, along with support from motherboard and infrastructure partners. HE, SE and EE versions of the Six-Core AMD Opteron processor are planned for the second half of 2009.

  • Six-Core AMD Opteron processors leverage existing platform infrastructure and a low-cost, power-efficient DDR-2 memory architecture which can help lower system acquisition costs;
  • HPC, virtualization and database workloads can benefit from increased 4P STREAM memory bandwidth of up to 60 percent enabled by HyperTransport technology HT Assist, which helps reduce processor to processor latency and traffic;
  • AMD Virtualization (AMD-V) technology and the AMD-P suite of power management features are available across all performance and power bands, ensuring no-compromise choice;
  • The new Six-Core AMD Opteron processor has up to 34 percent more performance-per-watt over the previous generation quad-core processors in the exact same platform. (AMD Opteron processor Model 2435 [SPECpower_ssj 2008 overall 1297 ssj_ops/watt, 501,246 ssj_ops at 287W @ 100% target load] compared to AMD Opteron processor Model 2382 [SPECpower_ssj 2008 overall 970 ssj_ops/watt,376,878 ssj_ops at 272W @ 100% target load])
"Based on close collaboration with our customers, we believe there is a clear value shift changing the economics of the server market," said Patrick Patla, vice president and general manager, Server and Workstation Business, AMD. "The new Six-Core AMD Opteron processor meets the increasing need for a combination of low total cost of ownership, superior performance-per-watt and scalability. Simply put, Six-Core AMD Opteron processors deliver top-line performance that's bottom-line efficient."
Source: AMD
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41 Comments on AMD Launches Six-Core Istanbul Opteron Processor

#26
Imsochobo
a111087wait, didn't Intel already release 6-core Xeon a few months back?
arstechnica.com/hardware/news/2008/09/intel-launches-six-core-xeon-monster-chip.ars

so, calling it "the world’s first six-core server processor" is a bit ... strange. but i guess its like the deal with any other article on techpowerup. we just copy them from other sites that copy it from press kits :)
It was dual tricores from intel to make 6 core, amd is making TRUE 6 core, and then to place two die's on one cpu!, 12 core in 6 months!

Gotta love compotition, pitty it doesnt help in crysis.
Posted on Reply
#28
Kenshai
FordGT90ConceptDunnington is NOT MCM (it has six Penryn-based cores on a single die):
news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-9878131-37.html
www.tgdaily.com/content/view/36198/135/


12-core Opteron processors aren't expected until at least 2010.

I haven't seen any power figures for Instanbul but if it isn't below about 80w, a 12-core Opteron won't be practical until AMD gets to a 32nm process (Q4, 2010).
Was posted earlier in thread that it's 75w here. If I'm mistaken excuse me.
Posted on Reply
#29
FordGT90Concept
"I go fast!1!11!1!"
Impressive. A duode-core (12-core) could be out early 2010 on 45nm fab.
Posted on Reply
#30
WarEagleAU
Bird of Prey
In July's Maximum PC they say they are going to have 12 core opterons out. They are doing what Intel does and glue two of these together.
Posted on Reply
#31
eidairaman1
The Exiled Airman
WarEagleAUIn July's Maximum PC they say they are going to have 12 core opterons out. They are doing what Intel does and glue two of these together.
Yup the MCM technique that Intel did with the Core 2 Quads. Course the 6 cores are far more complex now than the core 2 duos now.
Posted on Reply
#32
FordGT90Concept
"I go fast!1!11!1!"
Core 2 Quads were MCM'd on 65nm though. This is on 45nm so they have more room to work.

It's good to see AMD swallowed their pride though after attacking Intel's MCMs. They need to get back in this game even if it means twice as many cores as Intel.
Posted on Reply
#34
eidairaman1
The Exiled Airman
FordGT90ConceptCore 2 Quads were MCM'd on 65nm though. This is on 45nm so they have more room to work.

It's good to see AMD swallowed their pride though after attacking Intel's MCMs. They need to get back in this game even if it means twice as many cores as Intel.
AMDs poor marketing division came up with that tactic.
Posted on Reply
#35
Wile E
Power User
hayder.masterreal man use real cores , here is 6 real cores
Intel has processors with six real cores as well. AMD is not ahead.
Posted on Reply
#36
From_Nowhere
Hmm, interesting. I wonder how much this six core Opty costs, and how well it performs.
Posted on Reply
#37
Studabaker
From_NowhereHmm, interesting. I wonder how much this six core Opty costs, and how well it performs.
Like a current 4-core Opteron with 50% 'moar powarrr'!!!
Posted on Reply
#38
hat
Enthusiast
I like where this is going. 6 cores on the came cpu is better than 6 different computers, if given the complimentary amount of ram for it. Think about it, 8 computers in one, all powered by the same power supply, on the same motherboard, the same graphics card, and the same sound chip... it's bringing energy efficiency and space efficiency to a whole new level. Once you get a quad socket computer set up you've got just about as good as 24 computers in one...
Posted on Reply
#39
FordGT90Concept
"I go fast!1!11!1!"
From_NowhereHmm, interesting. I wonder how much this six core Opty costs, and how well it performs.
My guess is north of $1000. I'd also guess is this is an 8-way (or more), hence the price.
Posted on Reply
#40
TheLaughingMan
Not sure
StudabakerDidn't AMD say they were going to skip 6 cores and go straight to 8 and 12? Maybe they had no other choice in order to compete with Intel.
I am not sure, but I think AMD was referring to skipping 6 cores for desktop users. I am sure it never applied to servers. AMD's main focus for servers has been cost effective upgrades, which is why they rarely change the server socket. In this case once again, the only think you would need to upgrade is the processors.
Posted on Reply
#41
FordGT90Concept
"I go fast!1!11!1!"
My guess was way off, by the way. They are about $600-700.
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