Single-Core and Dual-Core AMD Opteron processors with Direct Connect Architecture integrate key system elements:
AMD64
Allows end users to run their existing installed base of 32-bit applications and operating systems at peak performance, while providing a migration path that is 64-bit capable
Designed to enable 64-bit computing while remaining compatible with the vast x86 software infrastructure
Represents a new class of computing, enabling a single architecture across 32- and 64-bit environments
Direct Connect Architecture
Addresses and helps reduce the real challenges and bottlenecks of system architectures
Memory is directly connected to the CPU optimizing memory performance
I/O is directly connected to the CPU for more balanced throughput and I/O
CPUs are connected directly to CPUs allowing for more linear symmetrical multiprocessing
Integrated DDR DRAM Memory Controller
Changes the way the processor accesses main memory, resulting in increased bandwidth, reduced memory latencies, and increased processor performance
Available memory bandwidth scales with the number of processors
128-bit wide integrated DDR DRAM memory controller capable of supporting up to eight (8) registered DDR DIMMs per processor
Available memory bandwidth up to 6.4 GB/s (with PC3200) per processor
HyperTransport™ Technology
Provides a scalable bandwidth interconnect between processors, I/O subsystems, and other chipsets
Support of up to three (3) coherent HyperTransport links, providing up to 24.0 GB/s peak bandwidth per processor
Up to 8.0 GB/s bandwidth per link providing sufficient bandwidth for supporting new interconnects including PCI-X, DDR, InfiniBand, and 10G Ethernet
Offers low power consumption (1.2 volts) to help reduce a system’s thermal budget
Low-Power Processors
The AMD Opteron processor HE offers industry-leading performance per watt making it an ideal solution for rack-dense 1U servers or blades in datacenter environments as well as cooler, quieter workstation designs.
The AMD Opteron processor EE provides maximum I/O bandwidth currently available in a single-CPU controller making it a good fit for embedded controllers in markets such as NAS and SAN.
Other features of the AMD Opteron processor include:
64-bit wide key data and address paths that incorporate a 48-bit virtual address space and a 40-bit physical address space
ECC (Error Correcting Code) protection for L1 cache data, L2 cache data and tags, and DRAM with hardware scrubbing of all ECC protected arrays
90nm SOI (Silicon on Insulator) process technology for lower thermal output levels and improved frequency scaling
Support for all instructions necessary to be fully compatible with SSE2 technology
Two (2) additional pipeline stages (compared to AMD’s seventh generation architecture) for increased performance and frequency scalability
Higher IPC (Instructions per Clock) achieved through additional key features, such as larger TLBs (Translation Look-aside Buffers), flush filters, and enhanced branch prediction algorithm
