The AMD Opteron processor, enabling simultaneous 32- and 64-bit computing, represents the landmark introduction of the AMD64 architecture. The AMD Opteron processor is designed to run existing 32-bit applications with outstanding performance and offers customers a simplified migration path to 64-bit computing. This evolutionary processor provides a dramatic leap forward in compatibility, performance, investment protection, and reduced total cost of ownership (TCO). The AMD Opteron processor is offered in three series: the 100 series (1-way), the 200 series (1 to 2-way), and the 800 series (up to 8-way).

The AMD Opteron processor provides a highly scalable architecture that delivers next-generation performance as well as a flexible upgrade path from 32- to 64-bit computing. With a single architecture designed to meet current and future business needs, the AMD Opteron processor can help to minimize the integration complexities presented by business environments today and in the future.

Putting the AMD Opteron processor to work
The AMD Opteron processor is available in 1 to 8-way servers and 1 to 4-way workstation solutions. Usage segments for the processor include:

* Worldwide Enterprises, Small-Medium Businesses, and Government/Education Institutions
* Companies who require faster database transactions, or support for more users on e-commerce type applications
* Customers needing quick graphics response such as CAD and DCC
* Industries with computational intensive tasks for financial modeling and scientific applications

"The Opteron is good now, but with lots more hardware support and a solid 64-bit OS, these chips could be downright fantastic." - Chris Connolly, GamePC, "It's Proving Time : AMD's Opteron 242 In The Real World", 05/28/03, Read the full review.

Important Note About Product Information

Features and Benefits Back to Top

* Retail
* Simultaneous 32- and 64-bit computing capabilities
Allows users to run 32-bit and/or 64-bit applications and operating systems as they desire without sacrificing performance
* Direct Connect Architecture addresses and helps reduce the real challenges and bottlenecks of system architectures
Provides optimized memory performance, balanced throughput, expandable I/O, and more linear symmetrical multiprocessing
* Support of up to three (3) coherent HyperTransport links, providing up to 19.2GB/s peak bandwidth per processor
Provides substantial I/O bandwidth for your current and future application needs
* 256 Terabytes of memory address space
Creates a significant performance benefit for applications in which large (or many) datasets are held in memory
* Scales from 1-way to 8-way across entire data or compute centers utilizing the same hardware and software infrastructure
Allows for maximum flexibility in IT infrastructure, helping contribute to bottom line success
* Integrated memory controller reduces latencies during memory access in a SMP server system
Yields fast computational processing for increased performance and productivity
* Low-power processors in HE (55 Watt) and EE (30 Watt) - Providing uncompromised performance
Increased compute density; lower TCO for datacenters with limited power budgets

* The AMD64 Architecture
o Allows end users to run their existing installed base of 32-bit applications and operating systems at peak performance, while providing a migration path that is 64-bit capable
o Designed to enable 64-bit computing while remaining compatible with the vast x86 software infrastructure
o Represents a new class of computing, enabling a single architecture across 32- and 64-bit environments

* Direct Connect Architecture
o Addresses and helps reduce the real challenges and bottlenecks of system architectures
o Memory is directly connected to the CPU optimizing memory performance
o I/O is directly connected to the CPU for more balanced throughput and I/O
o CPUs are connected directly to CPUs allowing for more linear symmetrical multiprocessing

* Integrated DDR DRAM Memory Controller
o Changes the way the processor accesses main memory, resulting in increased bandwidth, reduced memory latencies, and increased processor performance
o Available memory bandwidth scales with the number of processors
o 128-bit wide integrated DDR DRAM memory controller capable of supporting up to eight (8) registered DDR DIMMs per processor
o Available memory bandwidth up to 5.3 GB/s (with PC2700) per processor

* HyperTransport Technology
o Provides a scalable bandwidth interconnect between processors, I/O subsystems, and other chipsets
o Support of up to three (3) coherent HyperTransport links, providing up to 19.2 GB/s peak bandwidth per processor
o Up to 6.4 GB/s bandwidth per link providing sufficient bandwidth for supporting new interconnects including PCI-X, DDR, InfiniBand, and 10G Ethernet
o Offers low power consumption (1.2 volts) to help reduce a system£s thermal budget

* Low-Power Processors
o The AMD Opteron processor HE offers industry-leading performance per watt making it an ideal solution for rack-dense 1U servers or blades in datacenter environments as well as cooler, quieter workstation designs.
o The AMD Opteron processor EE provides maximum I/O bandwidth currently available in a single-CPU controller making it a good fit for embedded controllers in markets such as NAS and SAN.

* Other features of the AMD Opteron processor include:
o 64-bit wide key data and address paths that incorporate a 48-bit virtual address space and a 40-bit physical address space
o ECC (Error Correcting Code) protection for L1 cache data, L2 cache data and tags, and DRAM with hardware scrubbing of all ECC protected arrays
o .13 micron SOI (Silicon on Insulator) process technology for lower thermal output levels and improved frequency scaling
o Support for all instructions necessary to be fully compatible with SSE2 technology
o Two (2) additional pipeline stages (compared to AMD's seventh generation architecture) for increased performance and frequency scalability
o Higher IPC (Instructions per Clock) achieved through additional key features, such as larger TLBs (Translation Look-aside Buffers), flush filters, and enhanced branch prediction algorithms

Specifications Back to Top

* Model Number: 242
* Frequency: 1.6 GHz
* Wattage: 82.1w
* HT Speed: 800 MHz
* L2 Cache Size: 1 MB
* Socket: 940
* Mfg. Tech: 0.13 micron SOI
* Stepping: N/A
* Integrated Memory Controller Frequency: 1.6 GHz