AMD Working on 16-Core Processor with Integrated PCI Express 3.0 Controller
In a document published by AMD some new information surfaced. It seems that AMD is working on a new 16-core processor, and that is a true 16 cores, thus not a an 12 CPU cores and 4 GPU cores combo or anything. And no it is not the existing AMD Opteron 6200 Series either. This is something new. Obviously such a processor would see a launch in the server segment first hence we think the processor will be an Opteron. The developer documents list the 16-core unit under Family 15h Models 30h – 3fh.
This 16-core processor will have a full uncore, which is terminology for the functions of a microprocessor that are not in the Core like QPI controllers, L3 cache, on-die memory controller and so on. The PCI Express and SPI are typically merged into the the chipset, not the Uncore.
There is no confirmed information available on what technology or family (Piledriver etc) the CPU cores are architectured but the Family 15h Models 30h – 3fh indicate SteamRoller CPU cores as previously released in AMD's Kaveri APUs; yet in this case with eight dual-core processor modules on a single die. Have a peek at the document right here.
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Wow! AMD is still trying to make new CPUs!?!
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As someone who owns the FX-6300, I won't be signing that petition. Steamroller seems to be the last of the "fixes" for the Bulldozer technology and will hopefully be the end of the line for DDR3. I'm thinking the amount of changes in SR is just a little too much for older chipsets to handle. This is a problem because some AM3 boards work with BD and PD AM3+ CPUs, while I get the impression some AM3+ boards don't all support PD, and it's already a headache for noobs to know which board works with what CPU. It'll also be a pain for mobo devs to update the BIOS. If people want high-end, they're going to shoot for Intel. If they want power efficiency, they still want Intel. The APUs are the only products AMD has that are actually getting them money, and while SR would make an ideal AM3+ CPU, it just isn't worth their time. I'm sure if they make a socket AM4 with Excavator, we might see some interesting results.
What I think AMD needs to do right now is release an A10 with 6 cores instead of 4. 6 seems to be the sweet spot in your average multitasking system these days, where most games only utilize 4 but the other 2 cores can be used for other tasks.
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I think you mean releasing PCIe 4.0. We've had 3.0 for a few years now, and I'm running 3.0 x8/x8 in SLI now. Intel has plans on releasing 4.0 this year or next. I thought I read somewhere by 2015 at the latest.
I saw 780's running in a x8/x8 2.0 rig and were slower in benches and gaming.
4.0 may be needed for the super enthusiasts looking to push all that bandwidth. There are already bigger and badder cards than Maxwell planned. I myself am not upgrading though.
I think what he meant was that he doesn't understand why PCIe 3.0 was released in the first place, when 2.0 hadn't been saturated.
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I would hope so. As far as I'm aware, we haven't even saturated 2.0 yet. Aside from some SSDs, I don't really understand the point of releasing PCIe 3.0.
AMD already has several 16 core Opterons. I'm guessing their current generation is Steamroller based, and I figure this new 16 core will also only be an Opteron. AMD has stated before they're not targeting the high-end/enthusiast desktop PC market anymore and that's exactly what a 16 core would be classified as. I don't see a reason for a 16 core entering the desktop market anyway - most people still can't put good use to an i7. But, Opterons are still relatively cheap. You could probably make a pretty good desktop computer out of an Opteron system as long as you expect the motherboard you get likely lack Crossfire/SLi support, built-in audio, and a slew of USB ports.
Because you can run more devices at higher speed using fewer lanes.