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AMD Socket C32
The AMD Opteron 4256 EE was a server/workstation processor with 8 cores, launched in November 2011, at an MSRP of $377. It is part of the Opteron lineup, using the Valencia architecture with Socket C32. To further increase overall system performance, up to two Opteron 4256 EE CPUs can link up in a multi-processor (SMP) configuration. Opteron 4256 EE has 8 MB of L3 cache and operates at 1600 MHz by default, but can boost up to 2.8 GHz, depending on the workload. AMD is building the Opteron 4256 EE on a 32 nm production process using 1,200 million transistors. The silicon die of the chip is not fabricated at AMD, but at the foundry of GlobalFoundries. The multiplier is locked on Opteron 4256 EE, which limits its overclocking capabilities.
With a TDP of 35 W, the Opteron 4256 EE consumes only little energy. AMD's processor supports DDR3 memory with a dual-channel interface. The highest officially supported memory speed is 1600 MT/s, but with overclocking (and the right memory modules) you can go even higher. ECC memory is supported, too, which is an important capability for mission-critical systems, to avoid data corruption. For communication with other components in the computer, Opteron 4256 EE uses a PCI-Express Gen 2 connection. This processor lacks integrated graphics, you might need a graphics card.
Hardware virtualization is available on the Opteron 4256 EE, which greatly improves virtual machine performance. Programs using Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX) will run on this processor, boosting performance for calculation-heavy applications.
Physical
Socket: |
AMD Socket C32
|
Foundry: |
GlobalFoundries |
Process Size: |
32 nm |
Transistors: |
1,200 million |
Die Size: |
315 mm² |
Package: |
FC-LGA1207 |
tJMax: |
64°C |
Processor
Market: |
Server/Workstation |
Production Status: |
End-of-life |
Release Date: |
Nov 14th, 2011 |
Launch Price: |
$377 |
Part#: |
OS4256HJU8KGU |
Performance
Frequency: |
1600 MHz |
Turbo Clock: |
up to 2.8 GHz |
Base Clock: |
200 MHz |
Multiplier: |
8.0x |
NB/IMC Clock: | 1600 MHz |
Multiplier Unlocked: |
No |
ACP: | 32 W |
TDP: |
35 W |
HT Links: | 2x 3200 MHz |
Architecture
Codename: |
Valencia |
Generation: |
Opteron
(Valencia) |
Memory Support: |
DDR3
|
Rated Speed: |
1600 MT/s
|
Memory Bus: |
Dual-channel
|
ECC Memory: |
Yes
|
PCI-Express: |
Gen 2 |
Core Config
# of Cores: |
8 |
# of Threads: |
8 |
SMP # CPUs: |
2 |
Integrated Graphics: |
N/A
|
Cache
Cache L1: |
384 KB |
Cache L2: |
8 MB |
Cache L3: |
8 MB (shared) |
Features
- MMX
- SSE
- SSE2
- SSE3
- SSSE3
- SSE4.1
- SSE4.2
- SSE4a
- AMD64
- AMD-V
- AES
- AVX
- CLMUL
- CVT16
- EVP
- FMA4
- XOP
- Turbo Core
- HT3.0
|
Notes
16KB L1 data cache per core.
64KB L1 instruction cache shared per two cores (per module).
2MB L2 cache shared per two cores (per module).
AMD's "ACP" or Average Core Power ratings exist to, "reflect the CPU power consumption running typical data center workloads" according to AMD. The number is a geometric mean of power consumed running TPC-C, SPECcpu2006, SPECjbb2005, and Stream. (Excerpt from AnandTech - "Testing the latest x86 rack servers for low power server CPUs" - Johan De Gelas, July 22, 2009) |