Livraison imminente du Barcelona sans bug par AMD

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Quad-Core Servers: An Exciting Update from AMD
3. The Barcelona B3 Stepping: A Major Milestone
4. The TLB Problem: Identifying and Addressing the Glitch
   • 4.1 Background on the TLB Problem
   • 4.2 Steps Taken to Resolve the Issue
   • 4.3 Incorporating Fixes into Silicon
5. The Quad-Core Server Competition: AMD vs. Intel
   • 5.1 Maintaining Market Share in 2007
   • 5.2 Expanding into the 4P Market
   • 5.3 Leveraging the New Architecture of the Barcelona Processor
6. Conclusion

Quad-Core Servers: An Exciting Update from AMD

In this article, we'll delve into the latest news from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) regarding their quad-core servers. We have the privilege of speaking with Kevin Knox, Vice President of Information Services at AMD, to get all the details. Let's dive right in!

The Barcelona B3 Stepping: A Major Milestone

Before we dive into the recent updates, it's important to understand the significance of the Barcelona B3 stepping. This upcoming processor is promising to revolutionize the quad-core server landscape. As Knox explains, "We are going to be shipping our Barcelona B3 stepping parts at the end of this month to our partners, with shipment of systems for the public starting in April."

The Barcelona B3 stepping is poised to address the previous TLB problem, which hindered the initial release of the Barcelona processors. This fixed version incorporates all the necessary fixes at the silicon level, eliminating the need for software workarounds.

The TLB Problem: Identifying and Addressing the Glitch

4.1 Background on the TLB Problem

To truly appreciate the significance of the Barcelona B3 stepping, it's essential to understand the TLB problem that plagued the initial Barcelona release. The TLB, or translation look-aside buffer, glitch was first identified within AMD's labs. It was a problem that AMD didn't encounter in any production environment or field usage, but rather under extreme conditions within their testing facilities.

4.2 Steps Taken to Resolve the Issue

Given the critical nature of the applications intended to run on these servers, AMD made the decision not to release the flawed parts to the general public. Instead, they implemented software workarounds at the BIOS and kernel levels of the operating system. However, these were seen as temporary solutions, and AMD went back to the drawing board to incorporate the fixes directly into the silicon, leading to the Barcelona B3 stepping.

4.3 Incorporating Fixes into Silicon

With the Barcelona B3 stepping, AMD addresses the TLB problem at its root. By incorporating the necessary fixes into the silicon itself, AMD ensures a robust and reliable quad-core server chip. Knox expresses his excitement about the upcoming release and the strong demand they have been witnessing from customers.

The Quad-Core Server Competition: AMD vs. Intel

5.1 Maintaining Market Share in 2007

In 2007, AMD entered the quad-core server market with the Barcelona processors, garnering significant attention. However, the TLB problem resulted in some negative publicity for the company. Knox takes us through AMD's journey, explaining, "We've, for the most part, maintained our market share in the server space. In fact, in some areas like the 1P, we've actually grown. In the 4P market, we continue to hold a mid to high 50 percent market share in the US."

5.2 Expanding into the 4P Market

Knox highlights AMD's strategic focus on the 4P market, where their quad-core processors can truly shine. He states, "This is an area we really haven't been extremely competitive in, trying to compete dual core against quad core. So this is kind of a new market that we're going to go after." With the Barcelona B3 stepping and its revamped architecture, AMD aims to captivate customers looking to leverage multiple Threads and optimize their server performance.

5.3 Leveraging the New Architecture of the Barcelona Processor

It's essential to recognize the Barcelona processor's significance beyond the addition of four cores. Knox emphasizes, "We really re-architected Opteron. This is the most significant re-architecting of the processor since we introduced Opteron several years ago." The Barcelona processor introduces a new architecture and core design, setting it apart from its predecessors. AMD envisions it as a Game-changer in specific application segments that can fully exploit the power of multiple cores.

Conclusion

AMD's upcoming Barcelona B3 stepping and the new architecture it brings have generated immense excitement in the quad-core server market. The TLB problem uncovered during testing has been effectively addressed, and AMD is confident in delivering a top-notch product to its partners and customers. It's an exciting time for AMD as they compete with Intel, targeting the 4P market with their quad-core processors. As customers eagerly anticipate the release, AMD is poised to make a significant impact with its revolutionary Barcelona processors.