AMD today introduced a new high-performance datacenter-grade processor. The EPYC 7000 series processors are built up to 32-high-performance Zen cores. This allows the series to deliver improved performance compared to existing rivals. Additionally, Microsoft announced its Windows Azure and Windows Server support AMD EPYC processors.
The new series performs across a full range of memory bandwidth, integer, floating points, and I/O workloads. Server hardware manufacturers have thrown their weight behind the processors. HPE, Dell, Gigabyte, Asus, Lenovo, Inventec, Supermicro, Sugon, Tyan, and Wistron are currently supporting AMD.
Microsoft says it is supporting the EPYC 7000 range as part of a commitment to give customers the best possible performance:
“We’ve worked to make Microsoft Azure a powerful enterprise grade cloud platform, that helps guide the success of our customers, no matter their size or geography,” said Girish Bablani, corporate vice president, Azure Compute, Microsoft Corp.
“To power Azure, we require the most cutting-edge infrastructure and the latest advances in silicon which is why we intend to be the first global cloud provider to deliver AMD EPYC, and its combination of high performance and value, to customers.”
AMD says the EPYC 7601 CPU-based one-socket system delivers 20% CapEx savings over the Intel Xeon E5-2660 v4. The company adds its new series outperforms the competition in every target price point.
Pushing Intel
It is clear that AMD is taking the fight to Intel, which controls over 95% of the datacenter processor market. However, it will be a tough battle as Intel recently announced it is putting its technological focus on datacenters.
Previously, the chipmaker would bring new technology to the consumer sector first. A change in market demand means Intel will now be debuting new tech in datacenters.
“Each of the functional groups inside of Intel look at their business and their investments and their strategies, in the context of making the data center a priority,” said Intel’s data center chief, Diane Bryant.
