AMD 30925 manual What is the value proposition of the AMD Opteron processor?

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Builder’s Guide for AMD Opteron™ Processor-Based

30925 Rev. 3.04 February 2004

Servers and Workstations

 

Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows XP. Sixty-four-bit applications for the AMD Opteron processor include Apache Server, Mental Ray, Zeus, Cluster Strike Server, SendMail, MY SQL, IBM DB2, and CA Ingres. Sixty-four-bit versions of Microsoft IIS, Red Hat Stronghold, Oracle 9i, MS SQL Server 2000, MS Terminal server, Synopsys VCS, and CA Unicenter are under development.

Q:What is the value proposition of the AMD Opteron processor?

A:The AMD Opteron processor is the world’s first x86-based processor that can simultaneously run 32-bit and 64-bit applications, with leading performance for both. This gives businesses a competitive advantage with world-leading 32-bit performance, while allowing them to easily take advantage of 64-bit applications when conditions are right for their business to do so. By choosing open-standard, non-proprietary computer architecture, a business can maintain its current investment in IT and lower its total cost of ownership—there is no need to retrain IT professionals in a new proprietary architecture, no forced migration to 64-bit applications, and no need to overhaul hardware or change existing software. AMD Opteron processor models are available for 1- to 2-way workstations, and 1- to 8-way servers that support the full range of company’s computing needs from entry-level to enterprise workloads.

Q:For what types of servers is the AMD Opteron processor suitable?

A:The AMD Opteron processor is suitable for different workloads across an enterprise. Some examples are:

1P and 2P servers are suitable for front-end “edge-of-the-network” firewall, cache, and load balancing servers, as well as for Web servers and general purpose IT infrastructure servers.

2P through 4P servers are suitable for mid-tier heavy-duty Web servers and applications servers and for general purpose IT infrastructure servers.

4P through 8P servers are suitable for back-end database, decision support, and storage servers.

Q:What operating systems does the AMD Opteron processor support?

A:As a fully backward-compatible x86 microprocessor, the AMD Opteron processor is designed to support all existing 32-bit server and workstation operating systems from Microsoft (Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, etc.), major Linux distributors (Red Hat, SuSE, TurboLinux, SCO, MandrakeSoft), and Sun Microsystems Solaris. In addition, several 64-bit operating systems exist in production versions (SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8, UnitedLinux V1, MandrakeLinux Corporate Version 2.1 and NetBSD) and several, including AMD64 for Windows, Red Hat Advanced Server 3.0, and TurboLinux, are in development.

Q:What are the benefits of the AMD Opteron processor?

A:The AMD Opteron processor architecture is designed to provide unparalleled performance and supports the x86 instruction set, delivering outstanding performance for both 32-bit code and 64-bit code. As the need for memory-intensive 64-bit applications becomes greater, our

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FAQs

Appendix B

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Contents Revision Trademarks Contents Servers and Workstations EMI Reduction TechniquesList of Figures AMD Opteron Processor ArchitectureList of Tables Revision History Date Revision DescriptionRevision History AMD Opteron Processor Key Architectural Features AMD64 ArchitectureIntegrated DDR Dram Memory Controller Other Features of the AMD Opteron ProcessorHyperTransport Technology Value Proposition Validated Server Program VSPDesign Methodology for the VSP Platform Platform Description Model A2210 1U/2P Rack Server Model A8440 4U/4P Rack Server Not Yet a Member of VSP? Servers and Workstations Validated Server Program VSP AMD Opteron Processor-In-a-Box AMD64 Processor-in-a-BoxServers and Workstations AMD Opteron Processor-In-a-Box Heatsink Installation Heatsink Installation ProcedureBackplate Release Liner Ensure Proper Contact Between Backplate and Motherboard Tightening Down the Retention Frame Pushing Gently Down on the Processor Heatsink Centered Over Processor Pushing Straight Down on the Clip Turning the Cam Lever Installed Heatsink Servers and Workstations Heatsink Installation Hardware Considerations System Enclosures and Chassis SelectionBasic System Enclosure Selection Guidelines Basic Chassis Selection GuidelinesPower Supply Considerations Desirable Airflow-Power Supply with Bottom InletPower Supply Guidelines Server and Workstation Platform Power SuppliesCalculating System Power Consumption Power Worksheet 1-Component PowerPower Worksheet 2-Total Watts Total Watts A = W For Each Voltage LevelThermal Solution AMD Opteron Processor Thermal Solution GuidelinesMemory Guidelines for AMD Opteron Processor- Based Systems AMD Opteron Processor InformationAMD Opteron Processor Series and Model Numbers AMD64AMD Chipset Information AMD-8000 Series ChipsetGraphics and Storage AMD-8131 HyperTransport PCI-XTunnelAMD Opteron Processor Utilities and Updates AMD-8000 Series Chipset DriversBit Operating Systems Linux Drivers for the AMD-8000 Series of Chipset Components Drivers for Linux KernelServers and Workstations Hardware Considerations EMI Emission Standards EMI Reduction TechniquesSpread Spectrum Clocking Disable Unused Clocks Power Supply Cable RoutingRear I/O Connector Shield Processor Heatsink Fan Cable RoutingProcessor Heatsink Grounding Servers and Workstations EMI Reduction Techniques Appendix a AMD Opteron Processor-Based System Build Procedure Builder’s Guide for AMD Opteron Processor Builder’s Guide for AMD Opteron Processor-Based Appendix B FAQs AMD Opteron Processor FAQsWhat is the value proposition of the AMD Opteron processor? Validated Server Program FAQs Where are EMI guidelines for motherboards located?Will these validated servers be available in all regions? Builder’s Guide for AMD Opteron Processor