AMD targets cloud and data centre markets with 16-core chips

14 Nov 2011

Chip maker AMD has launched a new family of 16 core Opteron processors as part of its concentration on the enterprise server and data centre markets.

The AMD Opteron 6200 and 4200 series processors, formerly code-named Interlagos and Valencia respectively, deliver an 84pc increase in performance and 73pc more memory bandwidth, which is key for virtualisation and require half the power per core, and two-thirds less floor space.

“Our industry is at a new juncture; virtualisation has provided a new level of reliable consolidation and businesses are now looking to the cloud for even more agility and efficiency,” said Paul Struhsaker, corporate vice-president and general manager, Commercial Business, AMD.

“We designed the new AMD Opteron processor for this precise moment. The wait for the most-anticipated new product and architecture for servers is over.

“Leading OEMs are now offering cloud, enterprise and HPC customers a full suite of solutions based on the industry’s most comprehensive server processor portfolio, the new AMD Opteron family of processors which deliver an inspired balance of performance, scalability and efficiency.”

2012 road map to include web hosting and microserver markets

AMD also announced the expansion of its 2012 road map with the addition of the new AMD Opteron 3000 Series platform. The AMD Opteron 3000 Series platform is targeted to the ultra-dense, ultra-low power 1P web hosting/web serving and microserver markets.

The first processor will be the 4-8 core CPU code-named ‘Zurich’, expected to ship in the first half of 2012.

‘Zurich’ is based on the ‘Bulldozer’ architecture and leverages the new Socket AM3+. The AMD Opteron 3000 series offering is designed for hosting customers who require dedicated servers for their customers.

These cloud and web-hosting customers appreciate the cost savings associated with a lower-cost infrastructure, yet still want to deploy a server-class product with reliability and security features and server OS certification.

IT customers of all sizes can today take advantage of new servers based on the engineering and business advantages of AMD’s new ‘Bulldozer’ architecture, which has been engineered for the leading data centre workloads. Systems from Acer, Cray, Dell, HP, IBM and many additional channel and motherboard partners are expected on the market in the coming days and weeks.

AMD is also introducing embedded server processors designed for high-end embedded systems, such as storage, telecommunications and networking infrastructure. These models are planned to be available to match the embedded market’s longevity need.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com