| Q: | What are the features of First-Generation AMD Opteron processors?
| | A: | First-Generation AMD Opteron processors feature:
- Outstanding performance for multi-threading and multi-tasking needs in x86 server environments
- Attractive pricing for dual-core adoption
- The industry’s best x86 dual-core architecture -- AMD64 technology with Direct Connect Architecture, which directly connects multiple processors, the memory subsystem and the I/O directly to the central processor unit and helps reduce the bottlenecks inherent in traditional front-side bus architectures
- Exceptional performance-per-watt -- all First-Generation AMD Opteron processors operate within the same power envelopes as our single-core 90nm processors
- Investment protection with 64-bit and 32-bit computing
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| | Q: | Explain AMD’s model numbering conventions for AMD Opteron processors. What are the frequencies of the processors in relation to the model numbers?
| | A: | AMD Opteron processors are described by a three-digit model number. The first number indicates the maximum scalability of the processor:
- AMD Opteron 100 Series processors can be used in one-way servers or workstations
- AMD Opteron 800 Series processors can be used in up to eight-way servers and workstations
The second two digits indicate relative performance within the series.
For example, a First-Generation AMD Opteron processor Model 880 outperforms a First-Generation AMD Opteron processor Model 875. |
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| | Q: | Has AMD changed the model numbering conventions for Dual-Core AMD Opteron processors?
| | A: | Yes. The model numbers for the Dual-Core AMD Opteron processors will begin with 165, 265 and 865 and advance in increments of five versus increments of two like the single-core processors. This reflects how dual-core processors scale more than single-core processors. |
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| | Q: | What are the prices of AMD Opteron processors?
| | A: | Please see AMD processor pricing for a complete listing of prices for single-, dual- and quad-core processors. |
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| | Q: | What software supports these processors?
| | A: | As a backward-compatible x86 microprocessor, the AMD Opteron processor is designed to support all existing 32-bit server and workstation operating systems from Microsoft® (Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, etc.), major Linux distributors (RedHat, SuSE, TurboLinux, SCO, MandrakeSoft), and Sun Solaris.
In addition, several 64-bit operating systems exist in production versions (Windows 64-bit editions, RedHat Enterprise Advanced Server 4.0, TurboLinux 10 Server, Novell SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 9.3, UnitedLinux V1, MandrakeLinux Corporate Version 3.0, NetBSD, Solaris 10) and several more are in development.
View a list of operating systems and applications that support AMD64 processors.
For multi-tasking and multi-threaded environments, two cores offer more physical resources, enabling operating systems to prioritize and manage tasks from multiple applications simultaneously and, therefore, improve performance.
Dual-core AMD64 processors are compatible with the existing base of x86 software, whether it is single-threaded or multi-threaded.
This means the more than 1,300 applications from more than 300 ISVs and open-source software organizations that are featured in the AMD64 Ecosystem support AMD64 dual-core processors.
More than 30 strategic software partners joined AMD in the launch of AMD64 dual-core technology, including market-leading vendors for operating systems, development tools and database, IT infrastructure, engineering and graphic design tools.
The industry’s leading operating systems — Windows 64-bit editions Solaris 10 and Linux dual-core-compatible operating systems — are all optimized for AMD64 dual-core technology. |
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| | Q: | Are these processors available through the AMD Validated Server Program?
| | A: | Yes, the AMD Validated Server Program offers systems based on First-Generation AMD Opteron processors. |
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