The 6th Generation EPYC processors from AMD, with the code name Venice and constructed on the Zen 6 cores, are expected to introduce a new SP7 socket.
This assertion originates from information provided by YuuKi_AnS, who seemingly possesses a server manufacturer's development plan. This forthcoming platform is projected to accommodate up to 16 memory channels, enhancing memory bandwidth for CPUs with a high core count. On the other hand, the 5th Generation EPYC processors, denoted as Turin, will continue to utilize the prevailing SP5 socket. This decision is consistent with AMD's historic practice of retaining the same socket across two server CPU generations.
However, the follow-up to Turin, named Venice and built on Zen 6 cores, will bring forth the SP7 platform. Notably, AMD has not publicly confirmed these details, having not openly discussed its data center strategies in recent times. These impending CPUs might be compatible with 12 or 16 memory channels and are expected to support DDR5 memory along with modern memory units like MR-DIMM and MCR-DIMM to meet the Zen 6 core requirements. Although the specific core count of these CPUs has not been disclosed, projections suggest a potential increase from the 96 to 128 cores present in the SP5 processors.
Regarding power, the present SP5 socket can accommodate up to 700W, which is apt for the existing CPUs. Yet, for the 6th Generation EPYC CPUs, a power augmentation is predicted. Observing ongoing developments from companies such as Intel and TSMC in advanced cooling solutions for upcoming multi-chip architectures consuming over 1 kW (1,000W), it is feasible to speculate that AMD's 2025-2026 CPUs will operate within a comparable power domain. One aspect not yet unveiled is the SP7 processor's pin count. The SP5 encompasses 6,096 pins, so it's logical to speculate that CPUs supporting more memory channels and elevated power needs would exhibit a greater pin count. A larger CPU package would likely facilitate the inclusion of additional chiplets, leading to a heightened core count and augmented capabilities. It's imperative to recognize that the mentioned details regarding AMD's 6th Generation EPYC processors have not been officially announced by AMD.
AMD Zen 6 EPYC Venice CPUs to Adopt New SP7 Platform: Some Technical Insights
