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Bulldozer (microarchitecture)

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Bulldozer
General information
Launchedlate 2011
Discontinuedpresent
Common manufacturer
Architecture and classification
Technology node32 nm
Instruction setAMD64
Physical specifications
Socket
Products, models, variants
Core names
History
PredecessorK10
SuccessorPiledriver

Bulldozer is the codename for a microprocessor microarchitecture developed by AMD for the desktop and server markets. It was released on October 12, 2011 as the successor to the K10 microarchitecture.

Bulldozer is designed from scratch, not a development of earlier processors.[1] The core is specifically aimed at computing products with TDPs of 10 to 125 watts. AMD claims dramatic performance-per-watt efficiency improvements in high-performance computing (HPC) applications with Bulldozer cores.

The Bulldozer cores support most of the instruction sets implemented by Intel processors available at its introduction (including SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AES, CLMUL, and AVX) as well as new instruction sets proposed by AMD; ABM, XOP, FMA4 and F16C.[2][3]

Overview

According to AMD, Bulldozer-based CPUs are based on GlobalFoundries' 32 nm Silicon on insulator (SOI) process technology and reuses the approach of DEC for multitasking computer performance with the arguments that it, according to press notes, "balances dedicated and shared computer resources to provide a highly compact, high units count design that is easily replicated on a chip for performance scaling."[4] In other words, by eliminating some of the "redundant" elements that naturally creep into multicore designs, AMD has hoped to take better advantage of its hardware capabilities, while using less power.

Bulldozer-based implementations built on 32nm SOI with HKMG arrived in October 2011 for both servers and desktops. The server segment included the dual chip (16-core) Opteron processor codenamed Interlagos (for Socket G34) and single chip (4, 6 or 8 cores) Valencia (for Socket C32), while the Zambezi (4, 6 and 8 cores) targeted desktops on Socket AM3+.[5][6]

Bulldozer is the first major redesign of AMD’s processor architecture since 2003, when the firm launched its K8 processors, and also features two 128-bit FMA-capable FPUs which can be combined into one 256-bit FPU. This design is accompanied by two integer clusters, each with 4 pipelines (the fetch/decode stage is shared). Bulldozer also introduced shared L2 cache in the new architecture. AMD calls this design a "Module". A 16-core processor design would feature eight of these "modules",[7] but the operating system will recognize each "module" as two logical cores.

The modular architecture consists of multithreaded shared L2 cache and FlexFPU, which uses simultaneous multithreading. Each physical integer core, two per module, is single threaded, in contrast with Intel's Hyperthreading, where two virtual simultaneous threads share the resources of a single physical core.[8]

Architecture

Bulldozer core

Block diagram of a complete Bulldozer module, showing 2 integer clusters
Block diagram of a 4 module design with 8 integer clusters
Memory topology of a Bulldozer server
  • AMD has re-introduced the "Clustered Integer Core" micro-architecture, an architecture developed by DEC in 1996 with the RISC microprocessor Alpha 21264. This technology is informally called CMT (Clustered Multi-Thread) and formally called "module" by AMD. In terms of hardware complexity and functionality, this "module" is equal to a dual-core processor in its integer power, and to a single-core processor in its floating-point power: for each two integer cores, there is one floating-point core. The floating-point cores are similar to a single core processor that has the SMT ability, which can create a dual-thread processor but with the power of one (each thread shares the resources of the module with the other thread) in terms of floating point performance.
    • A "module" consists of a coupling of two "conventional" x86 out-of-order processing cores. The processing core shares the early pipeline stages (e.g. L1i, fetch, decode), the FPUs, and the L2 cache with the rest of the "module".
  • Each "module" has the following independent hardware resources:[9][10]
    • 2 MB of L2 cache per "module" (shared between the two integer clusters in the core)
    • 16 KB 4-way of L1d (way-predicted) per cluster and 2-way 64 KB of L1i per core, one way for each of the two cluster[11][12][13]
    • Two dedicated integer clusters
      - each one consists of two ALU and two AGU which are capable of a total of four independent arithmetic and memory operations per clock and per cluster
      - duplicating integer schedulers and execution pipelines offers dedicated hardware to each of two threads which increases performance in some multi-threaded integer cases
      - the second integer cluster increases the Bulldozer core die by around 12%, which at chip level adds about 5% of total die space[14]
    • Two symmetrical 128-bit FMAC (fused multiply–add capability) floating-point pipelines per module that can be unified into one large 256-bit-wide unit if one of the integer cores dispatches AVX instruction and two symmetrical x87/MMX/SSE capable FPPs for backward compatibility with SSE2 non-optimized software
  • All "modules" present share the L3 cache as well as an Advanced Dual-Channel Memory Sub-System (IMC - Integrated Memory Controller).
  • A "module" has 213 million transistors in an area of 30.9 mm² (including the 2 MB shared L2 cache) on an Orochi die.[15]

Instruction set extensions

  • Support for Intel's Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX) instruction set, which supports 256-Bit floating point operations, and SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AES, CLMUL, as well as future 128-bit instruction sets proposed by AMD (XOP, FMA4 and F16C),[16] which have the same functionality as the SSE5 instruction set formerly proposed by AMD, but with compatibility to the AVX coding scheme.

Process technology and clock frequency

  • 11-metal layer 32 nm SOI process with implemented first generation GlobalFoundries's High-K Metal Gate (HKMG)
  • Turbo Core 2 performance boost to increase clock frequency up to 500 MHz with all threads active (for most workloads) and up to 1 GHz with the half of the thread active, within the TDP limit.[17]
  • The chip operates at 0.775 to 1.425 V, achieving clock frequencies of 3.6 GHz or more[15]
  • Min-Max TDP: 25 – 140 watts

Cache and memory interface

  • Up to 8 MB of L3 shared among all cores on the same silicon die (8 MB for 4 cores in Desktop segment and 16 MB for 8 cores in the Server segment), divided into four subcaches of 2 MB each, capable of operating at 2.2 GHz at 1.1125 V[15]
  • Native DDR3 memory support up to DDR3-1866[18]
  • Dual Channel DDR3 integrated memory controller for Desktop and Server/Workstation Opteron 42xx "Valencia";[19] Quad Channel DDR3 Integrated Memory Controller[20] for Server/Workstation Opteron 62xx "Interlagos"
  • AMD claims support for two DIMMs of DDR3-1600 per channel. Two DIMMs of DDR3-1866 on a single channel will be down-clocked to 1600.

I/O and socket interface

  • HyperTransport Technology rev. 3.1 (3.20 GHz, 6.4 GT/s, 25.6 GB/s & 16-bit wide link) [first implemented into HY-D1 revision "Magny-Cours" on the socket G34 Opteron platform in March 2010 and "Lisbon" on the socket C32 Opteron platform in June 2010]
  • Socket AM3+ (AM3r2)
    • 942-pin, DDR3 support only
    • Will retain backward compatibility with Socket AM3 motherboards (as per motherboard manufacturer choice and if BIOS updates are provided[21][22]), however this not officially supported by AMD; AM3+ motherboards will be backward-compatible with AM3 processors.[23]
  • For the server segment, the existing socket G34 (LGA1974) and socket C32 (LGA1207) will be used.

Processors

Main articles: List of AMD FX microprocessors and List of AMD Accelerated Processing Unit microprocessors
Chipset and I/Os for 1st CMT generation

The first revenue shipments of Bulldozer-based Opteron processors was announced on September 7, 2011.[24] The FX-4100, FX-6100, FX-8120 and FX-8150 were released in October 2011; with remaining FX series AMD processors released at the end of the first quarter of 2012.

Desktop

Model Modules
(cores) 		Frequency Max. turbo L2 cache L3 cache TDP Memory Turbo Core Socket
Full load Half load
FX-8150 4 (8) 3.6 GHz 3.9 GHz 4.2 GHz 4 × 2 MB 8 MB 125 W DDR3
1866 MHz 		Yes (2.0) AM3+
FX-8120 3.1 GHz 3.4 GHz 4.0 GHz
FX-8100 2.8 GHz 3.1 GHz 3.7 GHz 95 W
FX-6200 3 (6) 3.8 GHz 4.0 GHz 4.1 GHz 3 × 2 MB 125 W
FX-6120 3.5 GHz 3.9 GHz 4.1 GHz 95 W
FX-6100 3.3 GHz 3.6 GHz 3.9 GHz
FX-4170 2 (4) 4.2 GHz 4.3 GHz 4.3 GHz 2 x 2 MB 125 W
FX-4130 3.8 GHz 3.9 GHz 4.0 GHz 4 MB
FX-4100 3.6 GHz 3.7 GHz 3.8 GHz 8 MB 95 W

Major Sources: CPU-World[25] and Xbit-Labs[26]

There are two series of Bulldozer-based processors for servers: Opteron 4200 series (code named Valencia, with up to eight cores) and Opteron 6200 series (code named Interlagos, with up to 16 cores).[27]

Performance

Performance on Linux

On 24 October 2011, the first generation tests done by Phoronix confirmed that the performance of Bulldozer CPU is somewhat less than expected.[28] In many tests the CPU has performed on same level as older generation Phenom 1060T.

The performance later substantially increased, as various compiler optimizations and CPU driver fixes were released.[29][30]

Performance on Windows

The first Bulldozer CPUs were met with a mixed response. It was discovered that the FX-8150 performed poorly in benchmarks that were not highly threaded, falling behind the second-generation Intel Core i* series processors and being matched or even outperformed by AMD's own Phenom II X6 at lower clock speeds. In highly threaded benchmarks, the FX-8150 performed on par with the Phenom II X6, and the Intel Core i7 2600K, depending on the benchmark. Given the overall more consistent performance of the Intel Core i5 2500K at a lower price, these results left many reviewers underwhelmed. The processor was found to be extremely power-hungry under load, especially when overclocked, compared to Intel's Sandy Bridge.[31][32]

The Tom's Hardware website commented that the lower-than-expected performance in multi-threaded workloads may be because of the way Windows 7 currently schedules threads to the cores. They point out that "if Windows were able to utilize an FX-8150's four modules first, and then backfill each module's second core, it'd maximize performance with up to four threads running concurrently." This is similar to what happens on Intel CPUs with HyperThreading – Windows 7 "schedules to physical cores before utilizing logical (HyperThreaded) cores."[33]

On 13 October 2011, AMD stated on its blog that "there are some in our community who feel the product performance did not meet their expectations", but showed benchmarks on actual applications where it outperformed the Sandy Bridge i7 2600k and AMD X6 1100T.[34]

In January 2012, Microsoft released two hotfixes for Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 that significantly improve the performance of Bulldozer CPUs by addressing the thread scheduling concerns raised after the release of Bulldozer.[35][36]

On 6 March 2012, AMD posted a knowledge base article stating that there was a compatibility problem with FX processors, and certain games on the widely used digital game distribution platform, Steam. AMD stated that they had provided a BIOS update to several motherboard manufacturers (namely: Asus, Gigabyte Technology, MSI, and ASRock) that would fix the problem.[37]

Overclocking

On 31 August 2011, AMD and a group of well-known overclockers including Brian McLachlan, Sami Mäkinen, Aaron Schradin, and Simon Solotko managed to set a new world record for CPU frequency using the unreleased and overclocked FX-8150 Bulldozer processor. Before that day, the record sat at 8.309 GHz, but the Bulldozer combined with liquid helium cooling reached a new high of 8.429 GHz. The record has since been overtaken at 8.58 GHz by Andre Yang using liquid nitrogen.[38][39] On August 22, 2014 and using an FX-8370, The Stilt from Team Finland achieved a maximum CPU frequency of 8.722 GHz.[40]

Revisions

Second generation (Piledriver)

Main article: Piledriver (microarchitecture)

Piledriver is the AMD given codename to an improved microarchitecture based on Bulldozer. AMD Piledriver cores are found in Socket FM2 Trinity and Richland based series of APUs and CPUs and the Socket AM3+ Vishera based FX-series of CPUs.

Third generation (Steamroller)

Main article: Steamroller (microarchitecture)

Steamroller is the AMD codename for their microarchitecture based on an improved version of Piledriver. Steamroller cores are found in the Socket FM2+ Kaveri based series of APUs and CPUs.

Fourth generation (Excavator)

Main article: Excavator (microarchitecture)

On 12 October 2011, AMD revealed Excavator to be the codename for the 4th generation Bulldozer core.[41] Excavator will initially be implemented in the 4th Generation A-series Fusion APU line in 2015. Reports indicate this APU will be codenamed Carrizo.[42]

See also

References

  1. ^ Bulldozer 50% Faster than Core i7 and Phenom II, techPowerUp, retrieved 2012-01-23
  2. ^ AMD64 Architecture Programmer’s Manual Volume 6: 128-Bit and 256-Bit XOP, and FMA4 Instructions (PDF), AMD, May 1, 2009, retrieved 2009-05-08
  3. ^ Striking a balance, Dave Christie, AMD Developer blogs, 7 May 2009, retrieved 2009-05-08
  4. ^ AMD Sets New Mark in x86 Innovation with First Detailed Disclosures of Two New Core Designs, AMD, August 24, 2011, p. 1, retrieved September 18, 2011
  5. ^ Analyst Day 2009 Summary, AMD, November 11, 2009, retrieved 2009-11-14
  6. ^ AMD bestätigt: "Zambezi" ist inkompatibel zum Sockel AM3, Planet3dnow.de, retrieved 2012-01-23
  7. ^ Analyst Day 2009 Presentations, AMD, November 11, 2009, retrieved 2009-11-14
  8. ^ http://cdn3.wccftech.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/AMD-Steamroller-vs-Bulldozer.jpg
  9. ^ Bulldozer microarchitecture block, AnandTech, August 24, 2010
  10. ^ Bulldozer module functional schematic, AMD, August 24, 2010
  11. ^ More On Bulldozer, Tomshardware.com, 2010-08-24, retrieved 2012-01-23
  12. ^ AMD Reveals Details About Bulldozer Microprocessors, AMD Reveals Details About Bulldozer Microprocessors, Xbitlabs.com, retrieved 2012-01-23
  13. ^ Real World Technologies (2010-08-26), AMD's Bulldozer Microarchitecture, Realworldtech.com, retrieved 2012-01-23
  14. ^ Bulldozer design power efficiency, AMD, August 24, 2010
  15. ^ a b c AP (PDF), retrieved 2012-01-23
  16. ^ XOP and FMA4 Instruction set in SSE5, Techreport.com, 2009-05-06, retrieved 2012-01-23
  17. ^ AMD Financial Analyst Day 2010, Server Platforms Presentation, Ir.amd.com, 2010-11-09, retrieved 2012-01-23
  18. ^ AMD Roadmap, retrieved 2012-01-23
  19. ^ AMD (2012-05-14), AMD Opteron&TM; 4200 Series Processor Quick Reference Guide (PDF), www.amd.com, retrieved 2012-08-15
  20. ^ AMD (2012-05-14), AMD Opteron&TM; 6200 Series Processor Quick Reference Guide (PDF), www.amd.com, retrieved 2012-08-15
  21. ^ ASUS confirms AM3+ compatibility on AM3 boards, Event.asus.com, retrieved 2012-01-23
  22. ^ MSI confirms AM3+ compatibility on AM3 boards, Event.msi.com, retrieved 2012-01-23
  23. ^ AM3 processors will work in the AM3+ socket, but Bulldozer chips will not work in non-AM3+ motherboards[dead link]
  24. ^ AMD Ships First "Bulldozer" Processors
  25. ^ AMD FX-Series processor families, Cpu-world.com, 2012-10-02, retrieved 2012-10-21
  26. ^ Shilov, Anton (2012-09-21). "AMD Sets the FX "Vishera" Launch Date". X-bit laboratories. X-bit labs. Retrieved 2012-09-23.
  27. ^ What Is Bulldozer?, 2010-08-02[dead link]
  28. ^ AMD FX-8150 Bulldozer On Ubuntu Linux, phoronix.com, 2011-10-24, retrieved 2012-12-13
  29. ^ AMD Bulldozer Cache Aliasing Issue Fix, phoronix.com
  30. ^ AMD's FX-8150 Bulldozer Benefits From New Compilers, Tuning, phoronix.com
  31. ^ Bulldozer Has Arrived: AMD FX-8150 Processor Review, X-bit labs, 2011-10-11, p. 13, retrieved 2012-01-23
  32. ^ Bulldozer Has Arrived: AMD FX-8150 Processor Review, X-bit labs, 2011-10-11, p. 14, retrieved 2012-01-23
  33. ^ Tom's Hardware review, Tomshardware.com, 2011-10-12, retrieved 2012-01-23
  34. ^ Our Take on AMD FX, community.amd.com, 2013-11-14, retrieved 2012-01-23
  35. ^ An update is available for computers that have an AMD FX, AMD Opteron 4200, AMD Opteron 6200, or AMD Bulldozer series processor installed and that are running Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2, support.microsoft.com, 2012-01, retrieved 2014-02-11 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  36. ^ An update that selectively disables the Core Parking feature in Windows 7 or in Windows Server 2008 R2 is available, support.microsoft.com, 2012-01, retrieved 2014-02-11 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  37. ^ STEAM Games on AMD FX platforms, support.amd.com, 2012-06-12, retrieved 2012-10-11
  38. ^ AMD Bulldozer CPU beats world record again achieving 8.461GHz, geek.com, 2011-11-01, retrieved 2012-10-16
  39. ^ AMD Bulldozer Speed Record Broken Again at 8.58GHz
  40. ^ Samuel D. "CPU-Z Validator 4.0". Retrieved 23 September 2014.
  41. ^ The Bulldozer Review: AMD FX-8150 Tested, AnandTech, 2011-10-12, retrieved 2012-01-23
  42. ^ New confirmed details on AMD's 2014 APU lineup, Kaveri delayed - VR-Zone
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