We already know, that AMD does not hurry to add DDR-3 memory support to its processors. Nevertheless, 45 nm AMD processors must find DDR-3 support simultaneously with the passage to AM3 socket. In this case given processors will preserve possibility to support DDR-2 and to work under AM2 socket motherboards; therefore there is no compatability problems.
Servers with opteron processors will be developed along their way. For example, the first barcelona socket F quadcore processor will be deprived from hyperTransport 3.0 support - as experts report , this is made for best compatability with existing infrastructure, and this is a decisive factorin in server segment . HyperTransport 3.0 system bus will obtain only Budapest quadcore processor in AM2+ socket, which are relatives to Phenom desktop processors.
Our associates after acquiring the fresh AMD documentation confirmed that 45 nm Shanghai processors will obtain the customary socket F performance, there will be only DDR-2 memory support and HyperTransport 1.0 system bus . The third level volume cache, which increase from 4 to 6 mb., will become the only visible difference between existing processors. There will be also some progress in energy consumption level in 45 nm technology.
Thus, AMD servers reject DDR-3 introduction minimum to 2009, indeed the Shanghai processors will be available in the second-half of 2008.
Some Barcelona tests are published, working at the frequency 2.3 GHz. Since the tests are carried by AMD company, we should wait to confirm their objectivity.