AMD Bulldozer Architecture FAQs

With the launch of the AMD architecture, there has been a lot of buzz about the AMD bulldozer. The following FAQ, attempst to familiarize you about the AMD bulldozer processor.

Q1. What are modules and cores in the bulldozer processor.
A. The AMD architecture consists of modules. Each module comprises of two core if we are to believe the lingo of AMD. The core has a common part and a two dedicated parts. The processes that required more CPU power inside the CPU were assigned two imdividual core - for example the Integer calculation part. The parts that usually require lesser processing power are assigned

Q2. What are the things common in AMD bulldozer architecture with respect to the AMD64 architecture

Answer. - Well, the Memory Controller and the HyperTransport in the AMD bulldozer is the same at the AMD64 architecture.

Q3. What is the socket requirement for the new bulldozer processor ?
Answer – The AMD bulldozer processors will require a new AM3+ socket. It may however, also fit in some of the existing AM3 socket with BIOS update. Motherboard manufacturers like nVidia has announced the BIOS update.

Q4. Is it preferable to use the AM3+ sockets for any reason ?
Answer – Yes. It is preferable to use the AM3+ socket. It will take advantage of many new speed and features of the bulldozer architecture. Example includes the higher DDR3 speed and faster HyperTransport bus.

Q5. Will bulldozer processor have the turbo boost ?
Answer - Yes, the bulldozer processors will have the equivalent of the Intel turbo boost, which will increase the frequency of the processor on demand. For example the AMD’s FX-8130P processor has nominal core frequency of 3.80 GHz but increases to 4.2 GHz based upon demand.

Q6. What are the new instructions sets supported by Bulldozer ?
Answer – The new bulldozer instruction set is compatible with the older instruction sets. Besides, that it adds supports to the newer instruction sets

1. AVX (Advanced Vector Extensions)
2. SSE4.1 and SSE4.2
3. AES Encryption instructions.
4. LWP ( Light Weight Profiling)