In a quiet launch event, AMD announced their Zen CPU which will be launched in Q1 of 2017 … and from what we’ve heard and seen so far, it kicks Intel’s i7-6900K’s butt!! in both performance and price. Let’s wait and see when the chips becomes available on the market.
AMD’s high-performance x86 Core “Zen” architecture delivers an unprecedented 40 percent improvement in instructions-per-clock cycle over the previous generation AMD core, without increasing power.*
Maximum Compute Efficiency
The new “Zen” core is the engine at the heart of inspired new computing products from AMD expected in market next year. An all-new, clean sheet, high performance x86 core, “Zen” is designed for maximum data throughput and instruction execution plus high bandwidth, low latency cache-memory support for optimal compute efficiency.
“Zen” Core to Span from Server to Fanless Mobile Designs
In 2017, AMD expects to introduce “Zen” core-based computing products first for high-performance desktops, then for enterprise-class servers, mobile PCs, and then embedded applications.
Performance and Efficiency for Next-Gen Applications
Cloud computing, enterprise productivity, immersive visual experiences, gaming and data security open up new frontiers – and demand more computing performance with maximum energy efficiency. From the very beginning, AMD engineers designed the new “Zen” core to meet and exceed the evolving performance and efficiency needs of the next generation of applications and beyond.
“Zen” Microarchitecture Details
The new AMD Zen architecture uses a wide execution engine in a simultaneous multithreading (SMT) capable design. “Zen” cores are designed to efficiently use available microarchitectural resources for maximum compute performance. A new, low latency three-tier cache and new pre-fetch algorithms lead to dramatically fewer cache misses and greater bandwidth compared to the previous microarchitecture.
High Level View:
- Two threads per core
- 8 MB shared L3 cache
- Large, unified L2 cache
- Micro-op Cache
- Two AES units for security
- High efficiency FinFET transistors
Powered by the AM4 Platform
From 7th Gen APUs to upcoming Zen-based “Summit Ridge” desktop processors, the future-ready AM4 platform features the newest I/O standards and an AMD commitment to support it into the future.
The initial “Zen” cores for “Summit Ridge”-powered desktops will utilize the AMD AM4 socket, a new unified socket infrastructure that is compatible with 7th Generation AMD A-Series desktop processors. With dedicated PCIe® lanes for cutting-edge USB, graphics, data and other I/O, the AMD AM4 platform will not steal lanes from other devices and components. This allows users to enjoy systems with improved responsiveness and the future looking technologies that the AM4 platform provides, resulting in a powerful, scalable and reliable computing solution for all their needs.
Source: AMD
