The massive image: AMD’s drive to design ever-larger Epyc processors has produced an unlimited new socket. Known as the SP5, it is a few third the dimensions of a mini-ITX motherboard, whereas every processor’s package deal is nearly 4 instances the dimensions of an everyday Ryzen processor.
AMD announced the Epyc 7004 CPU collection, codenamed Genoa, in November final 12 months. It makes use of the Zen 4 structure and is constructed on the TSMC N5 node, and options 12-channel DDR5 and PCIe 5.0. The CPUs can have as many as 96 cores / 192 threads and as few as 16 cores / 32 threads.
It is no shock that it’s going to want an even bigger socket than the up-to 64-core, DDR4-wielding 7003-series. The SP5 has 6096 pins, 49% greater than its predecessor’s 4094, and 46% greater than Intel’s present-day Xeon socket, the LGA 4189.
A member of the ServeTheHome boards has posted the primary picture of the socket (above) and it reveals how monumental it’s in comparison with some reminiscence slots. It seems to be just like the picture is of an engineering pattern board of some kind which may even have two sockets, judging by the format of the reminiscence.
Within the picture, the socket makes use of the retention {hardware} described within the paperwork leaked within the Gigabyte hack final 12 months, which confirms that it’s SP5. Due to its dimension, it probably wanted a brand new retention mechanism to safe it evenly whereas sandwiched between the motherboard and cooler.
In these two pictures of an alleged 16-core Genoa half, from VideoCardz, you may see simply how giant they’ve change into. In numbers, every processor’s package deal is about 75 mm by 72 mm, nearly 4 instances the dimensions of an everyday Ryzen processor.
AMD has mentioned that Genoa elements are already transport to key companions, which is probably going who now we have to thank for these pictures. A full launch is slated for later this 12 months, probably in Q3.
