Intel has firm grip of the performance lead on both desktop and server markets with its Nehalem architecture, but AMD is putting up a fight and its latest weapon among servers is the Istanbul architecture. AMD's latest Opteron models use the current Socket F platform but comes with two more cores, for a total of six. AMD has started shipping its new six-core processors to stores as the first samples have appeared on shelves in Japan, but also at selected e-tailers.
The processors are made with AMD's 45nm technology and the six cores share 6MB L3 cache. They operate at frequencies between 2.2GHz and 2.6GHz and AMD has specified the new Opterons to operate in the 75W TDP envelope.
Istanbul Opterons in Japanese stores - Picture courtesy of Akiba
The three models currently available are Opteron 2427 (2.2GHz), Opteron 2431 (2.4GHz) and Opteron 2435 (2.6GHz). According to local e-tailers the processors are expected to arrive in 2-3 weeks. The table below shows an overview;
|
Processor model |
Clock frequency |
CPU cores |
Price |
|
Opteron 2435 |
2,6GHz |
6 |
~ $1,200 |
|
|
2,4GHz |
6 |
~ $900 |
|
|
2,2GHz |
6 |
~ $580 |
With full backward compatibility with AMD's current Socket F and Shanghai processors it is an easy and direct performance upgrade for those who doesn't want to install additional systems.
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Six-core AMD Istanbul processors in stores
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