AMD Share New Core Designs Detail

Chip maker AMD has revealed new details on its two next-generation x86 processor core implementations, featuring a unique approach to high-performance, multi-threaded computing, as well as low-power design capable of sub-one-watt functionality.

According to AMD’s announcement at the three-day microprocessor conference HOT CHIPS 22, AMD revealed “Bulldozer” for high-performance PC and server markets, and “Bobcat” for low-power notebook and small form-factor desktop markets. Both were designed from the ground-up to address specific customer requirements and compute workloads.

“In my opinion, Bulldozer and Bobcat are not only two of the greatest technical achievements in AMD’s rich history, but two of the most important for the industry as well,” AMD technology division senior vice president and general manager Chekib Akrout said in a statement. “With CPUs and APUs built from these core implementations, we expect our customers to deliver a new wave of innovative PC form factors and high-performance computing experiences.”

What will interest many server buyers is that Bulldozer’s innovative approach to multi-threaded compute performance promises a balance of dedicated and shared compute resources to provide a highly compact, high core count design that is easily replicated on a chip for performance scaling. It also features advanced power management features, which drive added cost savings.

These new designs could soon find their way into servers. In late March, PC and server maker Acer announced its intension to increase its presence on the server market, and as part of this push, it announced a strategic partnership with AMD to develop its products and solutions, extending its range of products featuring AMD as a strategic partner for its new server line up.