AMD unveils 12-Core Opteron Processor

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) today released first x86 12-core processor, doubling the number of cores in the previous generation chip in its Opteron line, leaving Fastest Intel Processor 8 Core Nehalem-EX in the dust.

The new 12-core Opteron is code-named “Magny-Cours” would fall under AMD Opteron 6100 Series.

The multi-socket processor features a dual-die each featuring 6 cores with total of 12 MB L3 cache, built using 45 nm fabrication technologies.

The Technology

AMD has pumped up a lot of new features including 4 memory channels, HyperTransport technology 3.0, a fourth HyperTransport technology link (for better processor-to-processor communication in 4P servers), and new power management features that enables AMD to double the cores, and achieve up to double the performance, without having to double the power or the cost.

Also, AMD claims that along with the increase of chip count, they have upgraded their direct connect architecture to improve CPU-to-CPU chip communication speeds by 33%.

Performance Benchmark

Instead of using another tool, AMD used the same tool as Intel for benchmarking their Processors– SPECint_rate2006 — for showcasing performance improvements.

Integer Performance: AMD Opteron Model 6174 processor vs. 2P Xeon X5680

Floating Point performance: AMD Opteron Model 6174 processor vs. 2P Xeon X5680

The new Opteron is 21% faster than Intel’s.

And these tests were not with “Highest Performing” AMD Opteron chips, but rather cost-effective ones.

Power consumption

AMD has done some magic around power efficiency. They have doubled cores and stayed in the same power/thermal range compared to previous generations, and therefore they beat Intel’s 130watt  by 80W ACP part

Pricing

AMD’s medium-high notch (read cost-effective) processor (which performs way better than Intel) is 42% cheaper than Intel’s. ($1663 vs. $1165)

[via AMD blog]

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