The product line
The Opteron Quad Core, code name “Barcelona”, is the server version of the K10, and the first processor available using the new architecture.
- Four cores, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, shared L3 cache of 2 MB ;
- Engraved in 65 nm, SOI ;
- Frequencies between 1.7 and 2 GHz with a TDP between 68 and 95W ;
- Socket F/F+ (LGA 1207) ;
- Three HyperTransport 1.0 lanes ;
- DDR2-667 registered support.
Five models are planned for dual processor platforms (Opteron 23xx in 95W and 23xx HE in 68W) for prices between $206 and $370 depending on the version; four Opteron 83xx models will also be available to be installed in configurations of up to eight processors (and therefore 32 cores !), with prices ranging from $690 to $1000. AMD plans on increasing frequencies and announces versions attaining 2.5 GHz for the end of the year.
Desktop versions of the K10 will be called the “Phenom” and will only arrive in the month of December. There will be the:
Phenom X4, code name "Agena" :
- Four cores, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, shared L3 cache of 2 MB
-Engraved in 65 nm, SOI ;
- Socket AM2+ (PGA 940);
- One HyperTransport 3.0 lane ;
- DDR2-1066 support.
The Phenom FX shares these characteristics, but benefits from a clock frequency which will most likely be slightly higher. It will also exist in Socket F+ versions.
The Phenom X2 "Kuma”" is the dual core version of the X4 :
- Two cores, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, shared L3 cache of 2 MB ;
- Engraved in 65nm, SOI ;
- Socket AM2+ (PGA 940);
AMD has planned two entry level models.
- The Athlon X2 "Rana", a Phenom X2 stripped of its L3 cache, in socket AM2+ ;
- The Sempron "Spica" which has a single core and no L3, also in socket AM2+.
And compared to the Core 2 ?
A closer look at the K10 reveals that AMD has opted for a judicious compromise between innovation and proven techniques for the design of its new architecture. The K10 inherits some of the qualities of the K8 while at the same time bringing what is necessary to be at the edge of innovation. K10 is most likely a balanced and high performance architecture. However, it is yet to be seen if these qualities will be enough to make them competitive compared to today’s Core 2 and if AMD will be able to quickly increase the K10’s frequency.
The first tests of K10 architecture on “desktop” applications gives us a glimpse with an average performance gain of 14% (with peaks of 21%) compared to the K8 at equal frequencies. This is slightly disappointing knowing that Core architecture is around 25% ahead of the K8. These tests were however carried out with the Opteron platform, and on the desktop there could be superior gains. For example, we don’t yet know to what extent the K10’s performances rely on memory speed compared to the K8. If it is more dependent on this factor, it is necessarily at a disadvantage in tests in DDR2-667.
Finally, if the K10 does indeed have potential, this will no longer be enough. The new challenge in improving performances involves mastering thermal dissipation and in this domain Intel is undeniably ahead in terms of production techniques. However, nothing is set in stone and the battle has not yet even begun.
