X
Tech

AMD introduces 45nm quad-core "Shanghai" Opteron processors

Today AMD announces 45nm quad-core Opteron processors, codenamed "Shanghai" designed to deliver superior virtualization experience, performance and power efficiency.
Written by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, Senior Contributing Editor

Today AMD announces 45nm quad-core Opteron processors, codenamed "Shanghai" designed to deliver superior virtualization experience, performance and power efficiency.

opteron12-11-2008-23-16-40.png
The touted highlights of these new pieces of silicon are many and varied:
  • Extending virtualization capabilities.
  • Up to 35% more performance compared to "Barcelona" Opteron CPUs while having the same power envelope.
  • The only x86 processor spanning 2, 4 and 8 processor servers while maintaining socket and thermal compatibility with previous generation processors.
  • Approximately 35% less power usage at idle "Barcelona" Opteron CPUs.

A lot is being made of the virtualization capabilities of these new Opteron processors:

Here's an interesting video for those thinking about moving from Intel to AMD. It shows a live migration from Intel to AMD via Red Hat virtualization:

These new "Shanghai" Opteron processors deliver superior performance at a lower price point than Intel can deliver. For example;

  • 6% better performance for two-processor servers at a 29% lower price point
  • 24% better performance for four-processor servers at a 21% lower price point

Some more AMD vs. Intel comparisons:

When it comes to getting these processors out, AMD has partnered with big name OEMs such as IBM, Dell, HP, Sun and Cray to make sure that there are plenty of "Shanghai" Opteron-ready platforms.

What about price? AMD have priced the "Shanghai" Opteron processors to offer excellent performance-per-dollar.

Editorial standards