AMD "Zen" CPU Prototypes Tested, "Meet all Expectations"

[btarunr]

AMD reportedly finished testing some of its first "Zen" micro-architecture CPU prototypes, and concluded that they "meet all expectations," with "no significant bottlenecks found" in its design. This should mean that AMD's "Zen" chips should be as competitive with Intel chips as it set them out to be. The company is planning to launch its first client CPUs based on the "Zen" micro-architecture in 2016, based on its swanky new AM4 socket, with DDR4 memory and integrated PCIe (a la APUs). Zen sees AMD revert to the large, monolithic core design, from its "Bulldozer" multi-core module design with a near doubling of number-crunching machinery per-core, compared to its preceding architecture.



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[cdawall]

Let's hope it is a redux al la core2duo over pentium 4.

 

[GhostRyder]

Sounds good, however we need to see these for our selves before we can make a decision on to whether they are good. I am glad they ditched the Bulldozer method of cores and are going to push this new design which is more in line with it roots as that can help them become more competitive core to core. They could really use that and have more OEM's willing to put these into high end machines.

 

[cdawall]

bulldozer was a cool idea we just didn't have software that utilized it.

 

[the54thvoid]

Like Fiji versus GM200, I'm hanging onto my old 3930k until Zen versus Intel's next process or shrink.

 

[Jhelms]

Very much looking forward to this chip lineup. I run both AMD and Intel but have always rooted for AMD. If the chip is even equal to current intel or slightly older intel chips - I am game for several new systems in the house.

One of my main concerns is TDP / efficiency. Will be interesting to see if they can be even somewhat competitive in this category.

 

[RCoon]

"meet all expectations,"

Well that depends on what specifically the expectations were doesnt it?

 

[cdawall]

Well that depends on what specifically the expectations were doesnt it?

I hope the expectations were to beat the 6th gen 8 core xeons. That is my hope.

 

[64K]

It's still vague what AMD means by what they are reporting. I'm hoping for a home run but who knows right now.

 

[happita]

Well that depends on what specifically the expectations were doesnt it?

Exactly.

However, I'm sure that AMD knows if Zen doesn't kill it in sales, they won't have much longer to stay in the game. Like was said before, if Zen is close or matches Intel's current offering in the future with a reasonable price target then I will build my first AMD-based CPU system. They need to do some SMART marketing once they get a feel for how good it is when it officially hits shelves.

 

[GoldenX]

I only hope AM4 is still compatible with AM2/AM2+/AM3/AM3+/FM1/FM2/FM2+ heatsinks.

 

[ZoneDymo]

I never understand those graphs at all, all I see is the same process on both side with a few more blocks on one.
Also the 128 vs 256 obviously.

How does this make Zen look anything better then the older design?
Or is there a lot more at play there that these graphics dont show, and if so, then whats the point of the graphs?

 

[cdawall]

I never understand those graphs at all, all I see is the same process on both side with a few more blocks on one.
Also the 128 vs 256 obviously.

How does this make Zen look anything better then the older design?
Or is there a lot more at play there that these graphics dont show, and if so, then whats the point of the graphs?

It doesn't mention a lot, but the big thing they are saying will improve performance are the way the pipelines are setup.

 

[dorsetknob]

They need to do some SMART marketing once they get a feel for how good it is when it officially hits shelves.

Then they will need to use External marketing Because their own internal PR machine is Sh>>>>>>>>>>>>it

 

[robal]

AMD's last gasp for air in x86 space. No pressure...

 

[Patriot]

Giggity... /me waits expectantly for 3rd party benches.

 

[uuuaaaaaa]

Take it with a huge grain of salt, courtesy of wccftech (http://wccftech.com/amd-zen/) :

Original source of the info:
http://cdn.wccftech.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Whispers.jpg

 

[AsRock]

Let the Hype begin.

 

[Assimilator]

Well that depends on what specifically the expectations were doesnt it?

AMD CPU engineer: "It didn't catch fire when we applied power."
AMD CPU engineering manager: "That's a wrap folks, start shipping 'em!"
AMD marketing: "To put a positive spin on the product we're going to focus on its fireproof capabilities in our brochures."
AMD board: "RAMP UP TO FULL PRODUCTION IMMEDIATELY!!!"

 

[Casecutter]

So... there's this guy, who knows a guy (supposedly former employee) who still has "connections" (ie: beers) with his old buddies?

Looks like the start of the forum "drum beating" on what Zen is suppose to be. All this does is over-simulate expectations . While all fun to read, IT MEANS NOTHING, I will wait patiently for what if any information from AMD.

 

[dorsetknob]

Looks like the start of the forum "drum beating" on what Zen is suppose to be. All this does is over-simulate expectations . While all fun to read, IT MEANS NOTHING, I will wait patiently for what if any information from AMD.

I would Sooner Wait for Information from sources not connected to AMD publicity machine its been proven not to be Trusted

 

[Sasqui]

I'm seeing bulldozer architecture shuffled around a little. L2 cache no longer says "shared" but it sure still looks like it is.

 

[BiggieShady]

"no significant bottlenecks found"

Makes me wonder how much insignificant are bottlenecks that are found.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

Pretty much my reaction:

 

[swaaye]

I sense AMD would do well to offer preorders.