AMD introduces Zen 5-powered EPYC “Turin” CPUs: Boasting 192 Cores, Arriving H2’2024

Computex Taipei

AMD’s highly anticipated Zen 5 CPU architecture is just around the corner, and the company took the opportunity to showcase its potential at Computex 2024. During the keynote, AMD launched its plans for Zen 5 across its entire product lineup, including mobile, desktop, and servers. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the 192 core EPYC “Turin” chip, which represents the pinnacle of AMD’s server processors.

Turin, the codename for AMD’s Zen 5-based EPYC server processors, is expected to be part of the EPYC 9005 series. While AMD had previously mentioned Turin in investor calls, this was the first time the public got a glimpse of the silicon. The official specifications reveal that the chip will boast up to 192 CPU cores, making it a true powerhouse in the x86 CPU market.

One notable detail is that AMD will continue to use its socket SP5 platform for Turin processors, ensuring compatibility with EPYC 9004 Genoa and Bergamo chips. This means that customers and server vendors can easily upgrade their systems without having to invest in entirely new infrastructure. Turin will also offer the same memory and I/O options as the EPYC 9004 series, including 12 channels of DDR5 memory and 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes.

In terms of power consumption, it is expected that Turin will have a similar TDP to existing SP5 processors, which max out at 400 Watts.

While AMD has not provided detailed information about the configuration of the Turin chip, it is likely to feature a Zen 5c design. This means that it will utilize CCDs based on AMD’s compact Zen 5 core configuration. AMD’s compact CPU cores prioritize overall core count over per-core performance, resulting in lower clock speeds and less cache memory throughout the chip.

The CCDs on the Turin chip were manufactured using a 3nm process, likely provided by TSMC. This choice of process allows AMD to maximize the number of CPU cores on a single chip. Despite the smaller process node, the CCDs are still quite large, and it is expected that Zen 5’s higher transistor count will offset any space savings. The Turin chip manages to accommodate 12 CCDs, four more than its predecessor Bergamo, resulting in an impressive 192 CPU cores.

The IOD (input/output die) of the Turin chip is confirmed to be produced on a 6nm process. This suggests that AMD may be using the same or a similar IOD as the Genoa/Bergamo chips. The consistency in socket/platform compatibility further supports this possibility.

During the showcase, AMD also presented benchmark results comparing the new EPYC chips to Intel’s Xeon processors. Unsurprisingly, AMD came out on top in these benchmarks. However, it’s worth noting that the benchmarked chips were all 128 core Turins, potentially using the full-fat cores.

AMD plans to release EPYC Turin in the second half of this year. As we approach the launch date, more details about the chips and their configurations will be revealed.

Background Information

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About AMD:

AMD, a large player in the semiconductor industry is known for its powerful processors and graphic solutions, AMD has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and user experience. With a customer-centric approach, the company has cultivated a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions that cater to the needs of gamers, professionals, and general users. AMD's Ryzen series of processors have redefined the landscape of desktop and laptop computing, offering impressive multi-core performance and competitive pricing that has challenged the dominance of its competitors. Complementing its processor expertise, AMD's Radeon graphics cards have also earned accolades for their efficiency and exceptional graphical capabilities, making them a favored choice among gamers and content creators. The company's commitment to innovation and technology continues to shape the client computing landscape, providing users with powerful tools to fuel their digital endeavors.

  

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About Intel:

Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

  

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About TSMC:

TSMC, or Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, is a semiconductor foundry based in Taiwan. Established in 1987, TSMC is a important player in the global semiconductor industry, specializing in the manufacturing of semiconductor wafers for a wide range of clients, including technology companies and chip designers. The company is known for its semiconductor fabrication processes and plays a critical role in advancing semiconductor technology worldwide.

  

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Event Info

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About Computex:

Computex, held annually in Taipei, Taiwan, stands as one of the world's leading technology trade shows, showcasing cutting-edge innovations in computing hardware, software, and emerging technologies. With a focus on industry trends and product launches, it serves as a pivotal platform for tech giants and startups alike to unveil their latest advancements and forge key partnerships, attracting a global audience of industry professionals, enthusiasts, and media representatives.

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Technology Explained

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CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.

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DDR5: DDR5 (Double Data Rate 5) is the next generation of memory technology for the computer industry. It is a modern day improvement on earlier DDR technologies, with faster speeds, greater bandwidth and higher capacities. DDR5 enables higher resolution, seamless gaming experiences and faster data transfer rates, making it an ideal choice for high-performance computing and 4K gaming. With its greater RAM compatibility, DDR5 provides faster buffering times and raised clock speeds, giving users an improved overall work system. DDR5 is also optimized for multi-tasking, allowing users to multitask without experiencing a significant drop in performance, increasing the productivity of digital tasks. As an ever-evolving technology, DDR5 is paving the way for the computer industry into a new and powerful era.

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EPYC: EPYC is a technology designed by computer chip manufacturer AMD for use in the server and data center industry. It was introduced in June 2017 and features an innovative design to improve performance and power efficiency. EPYC processor technology is based on an innovative 14nm processor architecture, allowing up to 32 high-performance cores in a single socket. This allows for more efficient processing power, increased memory bandwidth, and greater compute density. EPYC is now widely used in the data center and cloud computing industry and provides benefits such as greater scalability, increased resource efficiency, and advanced virtualization capabilities. Additionally, EPYC technology is used in data intensive servers like server farms, gaming, and virtualization platforms. EPYC ensures that even with large deployments in multi-processor environments, power consumption and performance levels are optimized to ensure maximum efficiency.

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PCIe: PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for connecting components such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards to a motherboard. It is the most widely used interface in the computer industry today, and is used in both desktop and laptop computers. PCIe is capable of providing up to 16 times the bandwidth of the older PCI standard, allowing for faster data transfer speeds and improved performance. It is also used in a variety of other applications, such as storage, networking, and communications. PCIe is an essential component of modern computing, and its applications are only expected to grow in the future.

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SP5: Socket SP5 (LGA 6096) is a zero insertion force land grid array CPU socket designed by AMD supporting its Zen 4-based Epyc server processors that launched on November 10, 2022.

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Xeon: The Intel Xeon processor is a powerful and reliable processor used in many computer systems. It is a multi-core processor that is designed to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. It is used in servers, workstations, and high-end desktop computers. It is also used in many embedded systems, such as routers and switches. The Xeon processor is known for its high performance and scalability, making it a popular choice for many computer applications. It is also used in many cloud computing applications, as it is capable of handling large amounts of data and providing high levels of performance. The Xeon processor is also used in many scientific and engineering applications, as it is capable of handling complex calculations and simulations.

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