AMD has started shipping its 8-core and 12-core “Magny Cours” Opteron processors for sockets G34 (2P-4P+), and C32 (1P-2P). The processors mark entry of several new technologies for AMD, such as a multi-chip module (MCM) approach towards increasing the processor’s resources without having to complicate chip design any further than improving on those of the Shanghai and Istanbul.

The new Opteron chips further make use of third-generation HyperTransport interconnect technologies for 6.4 GT/s interconnect speeds between the processor and host, and between processors on multi-socket configurations. It also embraces the Registered DDR3 memory technology. Each processor addresses memory over up to four independent (unganged) memory channels. Technologies such as HT Assist improve inter-silicon bandwidth on the MCMs. The processors further benefit from 12 MB of L3 caches on board, and 512 KB of dedicated L2 caches per processor core.

In the company’s blog, the Director of Product Marketing for Server/Workstation products, John Fruehe, writes “Production began last month and our OEM partners have been receiving production parts this month.”

The new processors come in G34/C32 packages (1974-pin land-grid array). There are two product lines: the 1P/2P capable (cheaper) Opteron 4000 series, and 2P to 4P capable Opteron 6000 series. There are a total of 18 SKUs AMD has planned some of these are listed as followed, with OEM prices in EUR:

• Opteron 6128 (8 cores) | 1.5 GHz | 12MB L3 cache | 115W TDP – 253.49 Euro
• Opteron 6134 (8 cores) | 1.7 GHz | 12MB L3 cache | 115W TDP – 489 Euro
• Opteron 6136 (8 cores) | 2.4 GHz | 12MB L3 cache | 115W TDP – 692 Euro
• Opteron 6168 (12 cores) | 1.9 GHz | 12MB L3 cache | 115W TDP – 692 Euro
• Opteron 6172 (12 cores) | 2.1 GHz | 12MB L3 cache | 115W TDP – 917 Euro
• Opteron 6174 (12 cores) | 2.2 GHz | 12MB L3 cache | 115W TDP – 1,078 Euro

Link to article: AMD Starts Shipping 12-core and 8-core ”Magny Cours” Opteron Processors

*cough*

The latest and greatest Nehalem-based Xeon Mac Pros are the fastest Apple computers you can buy. Unfortunately, they seem to have a serious problem when processing audio, a task that sucks 20% of its power while making the processors overheat.

According to Ars Technica, the problem—which happens with Early 2009 and Late 2009 models—doesn’t only happen while playing iTunes’ music or Quicktime videos, but also whenever you have USB or FireWire audio devices connected and working. Users have been reporting about it in support boards, but Apple has ignored the problem so far.

The company argues that the extra heat—which includes increases of 86ºF (30ºC)—is normal. The performance hit ranges from 15% to 20%. That is not normal at all, and users are understandably up in arms. Hopefully, Apple will start paying attention now. And hopefully, the problem won’t happen with the incoming Core i7-980X Mac Pros, which are rumoured to be announced on March 16.

Link to article: Nehalem Mac Pros have serious problems with audio processing

Intel and Micron’s recent announcement that their collective superhero body, appropriately named IM Flash, is sampling 25nm flash chips has been accompanied with a whirlwind tour of their Utah production facilities for a few lucky journalists.

PC Perspective bring us the atmospheric photo above, along with some videos, as they prance about one of the most hallowed (and cleanest) environments known to gadget lovers.

Apart from the die shrink, the lads also discuss Intel’s reputed plans for a G3 SSD refresh some time “later this year” with snappier controllers onboard, which apparently was echoed by Micron who also intend to pump out faster processors with their SSD products.

While you wait for all that to happen, head over to PC Perspective to find out how and where the stuff that gets put inside SSDs is made.

Link to article: Intel swings 25nm factory doors open for a tour de fab