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Technology III - Virtualisation, L3-Cache, HTT 3.0

07:38 - Monday 19 November 2007 by Bert Töpelt, Daniel Schuhmann
Source: Tom's Hardware UK – Keywords: Phenom_9700, Spider_Platform, 790FX
Categories: Hardware

Table of content:
5 – Technology III - Virtualisatio...

Technology III - Virtualisation, L3-Cache, HTT 3.0

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The virtualisation functionality integrated in the Phenom processor has also received a notable performance boost. Now, operating systems in virtual environments can interact directly with the hypervisor, the management software for virtual machines. This reduces the switching times between the hypervisor and the virtual machines.

This functionality is already found in the Barcelona-based Opteron processors of the server segment. Since both processors, i.e. the Phenom and the new Opteron, use the same core design, this function can now be used on the desktop without limitation as well.

L3 Cache

As a result of AMD’s decision to use a single-die design for its quad-core processor, the chipmaker is able to let all four cores share a common L3 cache. In other words, AMD is implementing an L3 cache. Each of the four processor cores possesses its own 512 KB L2 cache. Additionally, all cores have access to the same data pool through the 2MB of L3 cache. This leads to an additional increase in performance.

Additionally, the L3 cache acts as a write buffer for the system memory, which also brings a small performance increase with it.

Unlike the Athlon 64 X2, the Phenom processor no longer uses the Hypertransport 2.0 interface. Instead, AMD pairs it with the faster Hypertransport 3.0, which increases the available bandwidth to 20.8 GB/s and can result in better 3D performance. This is an especially important factor when a multi-card Crossfire setup is used.

Hypertransport versions and their respective bandwidths:

  • Version 1.0: 6.4 GB/s, 1600 MHz
  • Version 2.0: 8.0 GB/s, 2000 MHz
  • Version 3.0: 20.8 GB/s, 3600 MHz

Since the Hypertransport protocol is downward compatible, users will be able to plug the Phenom into older AM2 socket boards as well as the new AM2+ generation.


Talkback

tstebbens 19/11/2007 12:40
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tstebbens
"Intel, since the chip giant has already announced that its current high-end platform X38 will be incompatible to the next generation of high-end CPUs at the beginning of next year."

I'd rather have a slower processor but not have to rebuy the 3 of the most expensive components (CPU, mobo, and RAM) every time I want to upgrade something. That's why I've stuck with AMD for the last few years. Can't wait to drop a couple of Phenom FXs in to my 4x4 platform and have 8 processing cores.
technogiant 19/11/2007 01:32
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technogiant
Not so sure about forthcoming compatibility.

What is going to happen when AMD shortly moves to 45nm processors with DDR3 memory controllers?

unless AMD are going to put both DDR2 and DDR3 memory controllers on their 45nm processors or make them in both DDR2 and DDR3 versions then you will have to change you're ram, motherboard and processor to go 45nm.(that didn't happen with intel)

Unless motherboard makers put both DDR2 and DDR3 slots on current boards although the latter wouldn't be supported until 45nm come in.(can't see that happening though).
spuddyt 19/11/2007 06:39
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spuddyt
why do the companies have to be so selfish with this incompatable SSE thingy....
spuddyt 19/11/2007 07:00
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spuddyt
P21, that table isn't really taking the quad core part into account... because look, in things like supreme commander its quite a bit faster... (which is important to me...)
spuddyt 19/11/2007 07:03
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spuddyt
LOL at the .1% extra value for money compared to the q6600, AMD clearly did that to annoy intel...
jamesalexw 19/11/2007 09:47
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jamesalexw
Well seen as though thats a brand new chipset as well wouldn't it be a little foolish to expect full performance straight out of the box ?

I think these chips have more to come, thats an engineering sample and the mainboards got a chipset with undeveloped drivers.

I say give it a month for the nvidia chipset....... and retest.
BobWya 19/11/2007 11:23
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BobWya
Intels @4Ghz OC on air... AMD is on @3Ghz OC on air... Oh dear...

I can see why they need 4x Crossfire boards given the lack luster performance of the new ATI cards... ATI seem to be struggling since their Cope-de-grace with the X19xx series...

AMD clearly has a good design (architecture) but the process technology is their achilles heal. They need 4Mb+ L3 cache, high K transistor process, and 45nm like yesterday!!

As a bit of an AMD fanboy (I'm on a dual Opteron rig just now) I hate to see whats happening to them now!!

Bob
crackez 20/11/2007 03:03
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crackez
Bob if AMD was having 4mb+ L3 cache, high K transistor process and 45nm it will be twice expensive as the intel's solutions.

P.S. But it will be better :P.. I'm currently on a AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+.. and it's a bit overclocked(from 2.6 GHz to 3.01 Ghz) ..I'm on water although. Wish AMD be back on top!
Wild9 22/11/2007 03:18
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Wild9
I think for server setups this HT 3.0 is gonna shine. More so if you want to build a super-computer system. The bandwidth gains are enormous. But the actual core performance..sorry AMD, but this is just a little disappointing. Intel's current stock is already ahead of you. Perhaps 45nm products will address this (and allow for more L3 cache).

Overall, I like the way AMD has gone for compatibility and performance. The price is phenomenal and the ease of implementation will ensure downtime during upgrades is kept to a minimum. It's easy to under-estimate just how hard that is to pull off.
Wild9 22/11/2007 03:28
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Wild9
One of the CPU-Z pics shows a higher Vcore? Come on lads..who'se been naughty! ;) p.s. I would.

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