AMD Direct Connect Architecture

Sun Microsystems X4600 M2 manual AMD Direct Connect Architecture, HyperTransportTM Technology

Sun Microsyste

•Provide digital content creation capabilities such as computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer-aided engineering (CAE), digital music production and video editing, and real-time media streaming solutions

•Require maximum performance for realistic and cinematic consumer experiences, including computer games, digital video, and real-time collaboration

x64 processors are designed to maintain full compatibility with x86 while providing the architectural enhance- ments that provide world-class 64-bit performance. With the x64 ISA, relevant instructions and encodings have evolved to support 64-bits, increasing the resources available to hardware and software. Major enhancements over legacy x86 include:

•Sixteen 64-bit general-purpose integer registers that quadruple the general purpose register space available to applications and device drivers as compared to x86 systems

•Sixteen 128-bit XMM registers for enhanced multimedia performance to double the register space of any current SSE/SSE2 implementation

•Full 64-bit virtual address space with 40 bits of physical memory addressing that can support systems with up to 4 petabytes of physical memory—65535 times the amount of RAM supported by 32-bit x86 systems

•64 -bit operating systems to provide full, transparent, and simultaneous 32-bit and 64-bit platform application multitasking

x64 processors include HyperTransport Technology and are designed for flexibility and scalability. HyperTrans- port Technology provides links-based multiprocessing, simplifying the design of multiprocessor workstations and servers. Compatibility with x86 makes the x64 computing platform the first 64-bit platform designed to be compati- ble with mainstream PC applications while offering world-class performance, making it suitable for solutions rang- ing from consumer client PCs to high-performance clusters. The combination of flexibility and scalability recon- ciles the broad range of capability and performance requirements IT professionals face today.

AMD Direct Connect Architecture helps eliminate the bottlenecks inherent in a front-side bus by directly connecting the processors, the memory controller, and the I/O to the CPU to enable overall system performance and efficiency. Directly connected CPUs provide more linear, symmetrical multiprocessing. A memory controller directly connected to a CPU optimizes memory performance, while an I/O directly connected to a CPU provides more balanced throughput and performance. Dual-core processors extend the benefits of the AMD Direct Connect Architecture by connecting two CPU cores to each other on one die to reduce latencies between those cores.

HyperTransportTM Technology

HyperTransportTM Technology is a high-speed, high-performance, point- to-point link for directly connecting integrated circuits. HyperTransport Technology also directly connects the I/O to the processors at a rate of up

23 of 63

X4600 M2, X4600 specifications

Sun Microsystems was a pioneering technology company that developed innovative hardware and software solutions, most notably in the server industry. Among their notable offerings were the Sun Fire X4600 and X4600 M2 servers. These high-performance systems were designed to meet the growing demands for scalability, flexibility, and reliability in enterprise-level computing environments.

The Sun Fire X4600 was introduced as one of the first four-socket, x86 servers specifically optimized for demanding workloads. Powered by AMD Opteron processors, the X4600 was capable of supporting up to 64GB of memory, which was a significant advantage for memory-intensive applications. Its architecture enabled efficient parallel processing, making it an ideal choice for tasks such as database management and virtualization.

One of the defining characteristics of the X4600 was its modular design. The server featured a combination of innovative technologies that allowed it to be easily expanded and upgraded. This made it well-suited for businesses seeking a long-term investment in their IT infrastructure, as it provided room for growth without necessitating a complete system overhaul.

The X4600 M2, an evolution of the original X4600 model, offered further enhancements in performance and flexibility. It supported the next generation of AMD Opteron processors, providing increased processing power and efficiency. Additionally, the M2 model enhanced memory capacity, allowing for a maximum of 128GB of RAM, catering to the more urgent needs of resource-intensive applications.

One of the key technologies incorporated in the X4600 and X4600 M2 was the Sun Fire’s Advanced Lights Out Management (ALOM), which allowed for remote management capabilities. This feature enabled IT administrators to monitor system health and performance without being physically present, reducing downtime and improving overall system management.

Both servers also offered extensive storage options, combining numerous high-capacity drive bays to ensure ample disk space for data-heavy applications. Their effective cooling solutions made them suitable for even the most demanding environments, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

In conclusion, Sun Microsystems' X4600 and X4600 M2 servers represented significant advancements in server technology. With their powerful architectures, flexible configurations, and innovative management features, they met the evolving demands of modern enterprise environments, solidifying their position as trusted solutions for robust computing needs.