Bits and Pieces: Opteron 6200 CPUs

Last week AMD introduced AMD FX processors, built on Bulldozer microarchitecture. FX-series are consumer-class CPUs, that feature from 4 to 8 cores, large level 3 cache, and improved Turbo Core technology. AMD also has plans to release large number of server-class "Bulldozer" processors, and the most powerful from them are Opteron 6200 with "Interlagos" core. These Opterons support quad-CPU configurations, and incorporate up to 16 cores.

Several known Opteron 6200 models were found in HP ProLiant DL165 G7 server datasheet (PDF file). The document contains partial specifications for Opteron 6212, 6220, 6234, 6238, 6272, 6274 and 6276 CPUs, that is almost all "Interlagos" chips with 115 Watt TDP:

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Processor specifications match previously leaked ones, with the exception of core frequencies of three chips. Incorrect frequencies first appeared on configuration pages of Altus 2850GTi, 2800i and 1800i servers. Correct frequencies for Opteron 6212, 6234 and 6238 models are 2.6 GHz, 2.4 GHz and 2.6 GHz.

Opteron 6200 CPUs were available for pre-order in US on and before October 7. They disappeared in less than 12 hours after we published Pre-order prices of AMD Opteron 3200, 4200 and 6200 processors story. The CPUs are still listed in some non-US online stores, though. A few Norwegian shops have on pre-order a number of known 6200-series models, as well as new Opteron 6228 HE. If information in this and other online stores is correct, then the Opteron 6228 HE has 12 cores, 2.1 GHz clock speed, 16 MB L3 cache and 85 Watt TDP.

Exact launch date of Opteron 6200 microprocessors at this time is unknown. In September, one of AMD press releases stated that "Interlagos is expected to launch and be available in partner systems in the fourth quarter of this year.". Our suspicion is that the processors may get launched this or next week. The reasoning behind this is quite simple. In September, AMD announced preliminary third quarter results, and they were lower than originally anticipated. The final Q3 results will be reported on October 27. There is no doubt that final results will be in line with preliminary results, i.e. worse than original forecast. Releasing new product line before this date may help AMD to soften the blow, and divert attention from bad financial news to more positive product launch news. The closer the launch of new CPUs to October 27, the better it will work. Of course, this is only a guess, and it maybe incorrect.