AMD server roadmap: from 6 to 16 cores

On the sixth birthday of the Opteron processor series, AMD has updated the roadmap of this line of processors. First, there's the 6-core Istanbul, which has already been demonstrated and is expected to be introduced in June, later this year.

A die shot if the 6-core Istanbul Opteron

About a year ago, the 12-core Magny-Cours was added to the roadmap. This chip is expected in 2010, combined with the arrival of the new G34 socket. Apparently, there will also be octacore versions of this processor. The Magny-Cours is based on Direct Connect Architecture (DCA) 2.0, which means that the chip features an integrated 4-channel DDR3-controller, 4 HyperTransport connection per CPU, improved virtualisation performance and an increased efficiency. 

The Istanbul and Magny-Cours processors are still 45nm. In 2011, the Interlagos is going to change this; the roadmap states that the chip, based on the Bulldozer core, will be a 32nm processor available in 12- to 16-core models. 

Apart from the aforementioned Opeteron 6000-series processor on the Maranello platform, the roadmap also shows details of the Opteron 4000-series, which is part of the San Marino platform and uses the new socket C32. In 2010, the Lisbon processor is expected. The Lisbon is to be a cheaper alternative to the Magny-Cours, bearing four to six cores. The 4000-series processor that will rival the Interlagos is the Valencia, a CPU with six to eight cores. 

While the 6000 series is made to perform, the Opterons from the 4000 line-up are made to score on efficiency and price/performance ratio 

Tags: ddr3 hypertransport opteron

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