Introduction

The server processor market is witnessing a significant transformation with AMD's introduction of the EPYC 4005 'Grado' series. Designed to cater to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and dedicated hosting providers, these processors aim to deliver enterprise-grade performance at a cost-effective price point.

Background

AMD's EPYC lineup has been pivotal in challenging Intel's dominance in the server CPU market. The EPYC 4005 series, codenamed 'Grado,' builds upon this legacy by offering processors tailored for entry-level servers. These CPUs are based on the Zen 5 architecture and are compatible with the AM5 socket, ensuring a balance between performance and affordability.

Technical Specifications

The EPYC 4005 series encompasses several models, each designed to meet varying performance requirements:

  • EPYC 4245P: 6 cores, 12 threads, base clock of 3.9 GHz, boost up to 5.1 GHz, 32MB L3 cache, 65W TDP.
  • EPYC 4345P: 8 cores, 16 threads, base clock of 3.8 GHz, boost up to 5.3 GHz, 32MB L3 cache, 65W TDP.
  • EPYC 4465P: 12 cores, 24 threads, base clock of 3.4 GHz, boost up to 5.4 GHz, 64MB L3 cache, 65W TDP.
  • EPYC 4545P: 16 cores, 32 threads, base clock of 3.0 GHz, boost up to 4.3 GHz, 64MB L3 cache, 170W TDP.
  • EPYC 4565P: 16 cores, 32 threads, base clock of 4.3 GHz, boost up to 5.7 GHz, 64MB L3 cache, 170W TDP.
  • EPYC 4585PX: 16 cores, 32 threads, base clock of 4.2 GHz, boost up to 5.7 GHz, 128MB L3 cache, 120W TDP.

These processors support up to 192GB of DDR5-5600 ECC memory across two channels and offer 28 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, providing ample bandwidth for various server applications.

Performance Benchmarks

Initial benchmarks indicate that the EPYC 4005 series delivers impressive performance metrics. For instance, the EPYC 4564P processor achieves a SPECspeed®2017intbase score of 19.4, showcasing its capability in integer operations. This performance positions the EPYC 4005 series as a formidable competitor to Intel's Xeon E-2400 series, offering superior performance per dollar.

Implications and Impact

The introduction of the EPYC 4005 series has several implications for the server market:

  • Cost Efficiency: By providing high-performance processors at a lower price point, AMD enables SMBs and hosting providers to deploy robust server solutions without significant financial strain.
  • Energy Efficiency: With TDPs starting at 65W, these processors offer energy-efficient solutions, reducing operational costs and supporting sustainable data center initiatives.
  • Market Competition: AMD's aggressive entry into the entry-level server market intensifies competition, potentially leading to more innovative and cost-effective solutions across the industry.

Conclusion

AMD's EPYC 4005 'Grado' series represents a significant advancement in the entry-level server processor market. By combining the latest Zen 5 architecture with cost-effective pricing, AMD provides SMBs and dedicated hosting providers with powerful, efficient, and affordable server solutions. As these processors become widely available, they are poised to set new benchmarks in performance and value within the industry.

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