Benefits
Table A-1 outlines key benefits of the Opteron processor.
Table A-1: Key benefits of the Opteron processor
Feature Benefit
Simultaneous 32- and 64-bit computing
capabilities
Users can run 32-bit and/or 64-bit applications and
operating systems – without sacrificing performance.
Direct Connect Architecture helps reduce
performance bottlenecks
Direct Connect Architecture can reduce memory latency,
provide better balance for throughput, and support more
linear symmetrical multiprocessing.
Support for up to three coherent
HyperTransport links, providing up to 19.2
GB/s peak bandwidth per processor
HyperTransport links provide substantial I/O bandwidth for
current and future application needs.
256 Terabytes (TB) of memory address space
More memory space creates a significant performance benefit
for applications where large datasets – or a large number of
datasets – are stored in memory.
Scales from one-way to eight-way The scalability of the processor helps maximize flexibility in
the IT infrastructure.
Integrated memory controller reduces
latencies during memory access
Reduced memory latency translates to increased performance
and productivity.
Low-power processor models are available
• HE – 55 W
• EE – 30 W
Low-power processor models can increase server density
and
reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for data centers
with limited power budgets. For example, more servers can
be supported at a data center with utility power constraints.
Breaking the 4 GB address limit
Opteron processors take advantage of the 64-bit addressing capabilities of Windows Server
2003 to break the 4 GB direct-addressing limit inherent in earlier x86 implementations.
Note:
Windows Server 2003 for 64-Bit Extended Systems is required to
extend memory space for x86 processors featuring 64-bit
extension technologies.
Information on the release of this operating system is available on
the
Microsoft website.
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