AMD announces 16 core CPU for 2011!!

**vrd** · 03-05-09, 09:24 AM

AMD updated its server processor roadmap with several surprises. The new monolithic six-core Opteron version, code-named Istanbul, will be introduced in June. We will also see a new integrated memory controller technology, 12-core processors in 2010 and a 16-core CPU in 2016.

Following Intel’s Nehalem Xeon 5500 fireworks, AMD issued a rather surprising press release that indicates an overall accelerated server roadmap. Earlier today, the company launched a new 40 watt version of its 45 nm quad-core Opteron chip. In May, the company will begin shipping a new high-end, 6-core Opteron, which the company says will deliver 30% more performance than quad-core Opterons – and maintain the same power envelope. The chips will be formally introduced in June, AMD said.

An entirely new Opteron “6000” series for 2P and 4P systems is due in 2010. The Magny-Cours processors will be available in 8-core and 12-core versions and will debut on the G34 socket and the Maranello platform. A new “4000” series will address the entry-level 1P and 2P server segment and will launch with the C32 socket and “San Marino” platform with the 4- and 6-core “Lisbon” processor.

For 2011, AMD plans to introduce the Interlagos 12- and 16-core processor, which will be based on the Bulldozer core. The 32 nm CPU will be compatible with the Maranello platform, while another variant, the 6- to 8-core “Valencia” processor will target the 1P and 2P San Marino platform.

AMD said it will also introduce its Direct Connect Architecture 2.0, which will support up to 12 cores initially and offer “near native virtualization performance, and a range of full-featured power bands that continue to place a priority on low power consumption.”

Source:AMD pulls in six-core CPU, announces 16-core for 2011

**vishalrao** · 03-05-09, 09:28 AM

I don't see it in this article but read elsewhere that the 12 and 16 core chips will be "MCM" meaning dual 6 core or dual 8 core chips patched together... but still nifty anyhows

**vrd** · 03-05-09, 09:39 AM

personally, i don't think just upping the cores provides an advancement in technology without first developing/modifying the applications to support them.

by 2011,i think most of the apps will be getting used to utilizing just 4 cores :S

(when i got my q6600, i had no knowledge of cpus and apps utilizing them,now i console myself by saying i have made a future proof decision

)

**vishalrao** · 03-05-09, 09:44 AM

what do you use your Q6600 for? for example, when i compile software (say if using "make") then i run the -j 4 option like "make -j 4" and it uses all 4 cores and the compilation flies like a bullet!

it would fly like a spacecraft with 16 cores! and i believe games like crysis already make good use of multicore chips... certainly more and more upcoming games will...

**vrd** · 03-05-09, 09:49 AM

yeah thats why i am saying it is a future proof decision, as more and more games implement utilization of all 4 cores,buying a q6600 will be justified.

EDIT:my current config does not have linux on it. i have installed openSuse on a p4 based PC. after what you are saying, i may install it on this config

**madmaniac** · 03-05-09, 09:55 AM

Maya will use whatever you give it. 16 cores no problem at all will eat and eat and want to eat more.

**vishalrao** · 03-05-09, 10:10 AM

@vrd: well you can use all 4 cores with Vista/Visual Studio 2005/2008 too

For example: Source-level parallel build in Visual Studio 2005 | veracity

**Dark Star** · 03-05-09, 10:12 AM

ZOMG

! C'mon guys its server , the amount of load a server gets can only be withstand with these monstrous CPU, just like server crashed in MSDN with Win7 Rc release day

!

Why do guys even compare it with desktop apps. ?

**vrd** · 03-05-09, 10:19 AM

^ nah. we were just discussing multiple cores and their utilization with apps.

the processor in question got strayed away from i guess

@vishal

thanks for the link.

**vishalrao** · 03-05-09, 10:37 AM

Why compare it with desktop apps? Coz like madmaniac points out even desktop apps like Maya and other rendering/crunching apps can use all the cores they can get !

**VanishingNerd** · 03-05-09, 10:48 AM

Just look at web apps. Mysql, Oracle, Apache, IIS all these can use multiple cores. Plus these days companies prefer to use virtualization and use multiple OSes suited to different things under one umbrella OS. For such tasks many many cores are a must.

**chang143u** · 04-05-09, 04:23 PM

16 cores???

**chang143u** · 04-05-09, 04:24 PM

that's an overkill.why do we need such power!!ain't i7 enough for a regular gamer

**pateljitesh** · 04-05-09, 04:33 PM

Its not just for regular gamers!

For server Apps and other CPU hungry desktop apps... Games will start utilising the extra cores too.. Nothing is gonna be overkill... Even 16 core might get obsolete after fours years of launch!