AMD's next-generation quad-core AMD
Opteron server processor, code-named Barcelona, promises to
address
power and cooling issues affecting datacentre
expansion.
Due out in September, AMD's Barcelona chip could provide IT
managers with a way to expand a datacentre without increasing
power and cooling requirements.
AMD said the processor operates at 68 watts - the same power as
its previous dual-core processor - yet it boasts a 50% improvement
in floating point
performance, and a 20% gain in integer performance.
Furthermore, existing dual-core Opeteron servers can be upgraded to
the new chip.
Bruce Shaw, director of worldwide marketing at AMD, said,
"Performance improves with no additional power and cooling
requirements."
He added that AMD staff were able to install the Barcelona
processor in users' existing systems and upgrade the server's Bios
in about 10 minutes.
To reduce power requirements, each processor core can be run
independently at different frequencies. AMD has also provided dual
dynamic power management and independent voltage planes for
processor cores and the memory controller, which it said helps to
reduces processor energy consumption by enabling more granular
power management capabilities.
Essentially, each processor core is able to operate at reduced
power consumption levels while the memory controller continues to
run at full speed. AMD said this not only reduces the processor's
power consumption, it allows memory speeds to be increased, which
boosts overall performance.
In addition, AMD's Coolcore technology is used to reduce
processor energy consumption by turning off unused parts of the
processor.
Shaw said, "100 racks of dual-core servers with 8,000 cores can
be upgraded to 16,000 cores, giving an improvement in performance
of between 40% and 70%, with no need for additional cooling or
power."
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>>
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