AMD has revealed new details on its two next-generation x86 processor core implementations, including AMDs unique approach to high-performance, multi-threaded computing, as well as a sub one-watt capable low-power design.
The two new designs, codenamed "Bulldozer" for high-performance PC and server markets, and "Bobcat" for low-power notebook and small form-factor desktop markets, were designed from the ground-up to address specific customer requirements and compute workloads. The new cores are central to AMD's future roadmap, including the AMD Fusion Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) products and AMD's new high-performance server and client CPUs.
"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," said Chekib Akrout, senior vice president and general manager, AMD Technology Development. "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."
Highlights of the new cores include:
Bulldozer
- An innovative approach to multithreaded compute performance that balances dedicated and shared compute resources to provide a highly compact, high core count design that is easily replicated on a chip for performance scaling
- New x86 instruction support (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, and XOP including 4-operand FMAC)
- Advanced power management features
- Manufactured on advanced 32nm process technology
Bobcat
- Sub-one-watt capable operation
- Out-of-order instruction execution for higher performance
- Estimated 90 percent of today's mainstream PC performance in half the area
- Core power gating and a microarchitecture optimized for low power
Highly synthesizeable design that moves easily across manufacturing technologies
