AMD press release - MS endorses Opteron platform for SQL Server?

[twilyth]

OK, this is an AMD press release, but check the paragraph in bold. Seems like MS is endorsing Opteron as 'best of breed' for running SQL Server 2008. What happened to the Wintel alliance/conspiracy?

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced its support for the Microsoft Corp. Release to Manufacturing (RTM) of SQL Server 2008, its next-generation data and analysis platform. SQL Server 2008 running on Quad-Core AMD Opteron™ processors promises to provide customers with a “best-of-breed” platform for their data-intensive business applications, even during peak workloads. AMD today is also highlighting the record-breaking data management and analysis benchmark tests of the HP ProLiant DL785 G5 server featuring Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors running SQL Server 2008; these results underscore the performance and scalability promise of this AMD-Microsoft solution.

“Now, more than ever, it is imperative to offer customers a forward-looking database solution that enables the full capability of the SQL Server Data Platform today, and that also scales for the future,” said Dan Neault, marketing general manager, SQL Server at Microsoft Corp. “AMD Opteron processors provide a robust, scalable and power-efficient platform in order to offer our joint customers an optimized solution that will run high capacity, business critical applications with outstanding performance.”

The exceptional scalability and performance of AMD’s Direct Connect Architecture is evident in two unique benchmark tests conducted by HP using Quad-Core AMD Opteron processor-based 8-socket HP ProLiant servers running Microsoft SQL Server 2008. These tests demonstrate that customers can deploy large decision support and enterprise resource planning solutions at competitive pricing with optimum scalability and performance.

* An HP ProLiant DL785 G5 running Microsoft® Windows Server® 2008 x64 operating system and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Enterprise x64 Edition database has achieved a world record on the TPC-H@300 GB decision support benchmark.1
* Further, the HP ProLiant DL785 G5 8-socket server with Quad-Core AMD Opteron™ processors Model 2360 SE also achieved first place on the two-tier SAP® Sales and Distribution Standard Application Benchmark among 8-processor, 32-core x86 class servers with similar configurations and workloads. At the time of testing, the server was running Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition operating system, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 x64 database and the SAP Enterprise Resource Planning application.2

“In conjunction with the launch of Microsoft SQL Server 2008, AMD is proud to offer customers a comprehensive database platform that offers outstanding performance-per-watt and scalability capabilities,” said Patrick Patla, general manager, Server and Workstation Business, AMD. “When customers leverage the power of a Quad-Core AMD Opteron processor for two-socket servers and higher, they know that they have a dynamic solution that will handle the most demanding database workloads, evolve with their business needs and empower them to make real-time decisions.”

“As one of the top ten real estate Multiple Listing Services in the country, and with over 30,000 active users, our IT infrastructure needs to be able to scale to handle heavy workloads during peak hours,” said Matt Levallee, director of technology, MLS Property Information Network, Inc. “With that in mind, we are eager to upgrade to SQL Server 2008 from SQL Server 2005 running on AMD Opteron™ processor-based systems, as we realize it offers an optimal combination of performance, scalability and efficiency for our money. We are also quite pleased with the fact that the technology we’re implementing can grow with us as our business thrives—that is something AMD uniquely offers.”

In addition to posting top database-related scores with SQL Server 2008 and HP ProLiant DL785, the HP ProLiant DL 585 G5 servers based on Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors also hold top TPC-C scores among 4-processor, 16-core systems,3 and top SAP SD two-tier benchmark scores among 4-processor, 16-core systems,4 with SQL Server 2005.

[Shintai]

Desperate PR before Nehalem? Their other last press release was junk too.

And MS would talk very good about Intel and AMD regarding SQL. They worry about DB2, Oracle etc there. And most run on Sparc/Power.

Not even sure I would call it news, rather than PR relaying.

[twilyth]

I don't know if it's typical for MS marketing managers to praise a product so highly. It's a press release so it's definitely PR but it's as much news as this thread.

[Shintai]

It's a press release so it's definitely PR but it's as much news as this thread.

Oh so true!

[bowman]

Wintel died when Intel cozyed up to Linux and open source in general.

Lintel?

[Nikolasz]

I say i dont care abaut microsoft anyway, it cost as hell, and you got problems with new products. Idunno why they sell them as good products, eh?

[insurgent]

I say i dont care abaut microsoft anyway, it cost as hell, and you got problems with new products. Idunno why they sell them as good products, eh?

Um... they make software that actually makes that $1xxx++ system be useful, and you don't have to buy a new OS every year, plus the "upgrades" are free.

[perkam]

MS Likes AMD's 4-way proccies

Perkam

[zanzabar]

amd has had 4cpu systems faster than the xeons for years now, and the new intel chips most likly wont change that since the HTT bus wirks much better than the NB controlled way of doing it

and the amd streamGL puts everything to shame

[MpG]

Wintel died when Intel cozyed up to Linux and open source in general.
Lintel?

Probably didn't help that Intel pressured MS into fudging the whole Vista Capable/Premium thing, then let MS take the heat when it came back to roost.

[Shintai]

amd has had 4cpu systems faster than the xeons for years now, and the new intel chips most likly wont change that since the HTT bus wirks much better than the NB controlled way of doing it

and the amd streamGL puts everything to shame

Uhm....say what?

Trichannel IMC, QPI thats quite faster than HTT and alot faster core in all aspects? Nehalem removes any last benefit AMD has. This is basicly the last firework before the party is over.

[zanzabar]

Uhm....say what?

Trichannel IMC, QPI thats quite faster than HTT and alot faster core in all aspects? Nehalem removes any last benefit AMD has. This is basicly the last firework before the party is over.

well we will wee when its out, but im confident that if u were on the openCL sql client u could do that better than 4cpus with 1 card

and dosnt QPI (i amuse thats intels inter cpu communication) use the NB and the cpus IO bandwidth bouncing off of the NB

[Shintai]

well we will wee when its out, but im confident that if u were on the openCL sql client u could do that better than 4cpus with 1 card

and dosnt QPI (i amuse thats intels inter cpu communication) use the NB and the cpus IO bandwidth bouncing off of the NB

No, QPI connects directly. The NB is just also connected via QPI.

[Rammsteiner]

No, QPI connects directly. The NB is just also connected via QPI.

But does it scale as well?

I mean, no offence, Bloomfield shows some impressive technologies (although most of it has been with AMD for years now) but is it going to work? On paper it all looks good, but in the end no one expected Prescott to be such a failtrain after Northwood either.

Though I dont think Bloomfield will be anything like Prescott at all, however if Intel's technology isn't fully optimized yet and the scaling is crap there's not much of a place for it in the server business yet.

Also, Bloomfield isn't out yet while the Quad Opties are. No point in waiting for nech technology all the time.

[Shintai]

But does it scale as well?

I mean, no offence, Bloomfield shows some impressive technologies (although most of it has been with AMD for years now) but is it going to work? On paper it all looks good, but in the end no one expected Prescott to be such a failtrain after Northwood either.

Though I dont think Bloomfield will be anything like Prescott at all, however if Intel's technology isn't fully optimized yet and the scaling is crap there's not much of a place for it in the server business yet.

Also, Bloomfield isn't out yet while the Quad Opties are. No point in waiting for nech technology all the time.

Yes, and it scales better. Faster links, more links, alot better coherency. Also opterons are still using HTT1.

Wis...thinking otherwise is just being blind to realities.

And talking about future products....SQL 2008? Out yet? I dont think so. So stop being doublestandard. Its RTM and might be out when Nehalem is actually.

Further, the HP ProLiant DL785 G5 8-socket server with Quad-Core AMD Opteron™ processors Model 2360 SE

Wouldnt 2360 SE be for dual socket systems only...

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en...3-3716072.html

They cant even get their pressreleases right.

Quad-Core AMD Opteron™ Processor 8360 SE (2.5 GHz, 105 Watts ACP)
Ouch...that might be some 145W+ TDP. Hello presshott!

[Rammsteiner]

Yes, and it scales better. Faster links, more links, alot better coherency. Also opterons are still using HTT1.

Wis...thinking otherwise is just being blind to realities.

And talking about future products....SQL 2008? Out yet? I dont think so. So stop being doublestandard. Its RTM and might be out when Nehalem is actually.



Wouldnt 2360 SE be for dual socket systems only...

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en...3-3716072.html

They cant even get their pressreleases right.

Quad-Core AMD Opteron™ Processor 8360 SE (2.5 GHz, 105 Watts ACP)
Ouch...that might be some 145W+ TDP. Hello presshott!

Wow, been a while I saw a post this desperate... I almost feel sorry for you man, but this is not good.

First off, Bloomfield still hasn't been reviewed so pretty interesting you claim it has better scaling. More links doesnt mean it's better/faster, faster links sounds good, doesnt mean it will be used for 100% from the start although I guess it is possible so Intel can release another chipset as soon as they release a 2Mhz faster CPU.

Regarding SQL2008, do I look like someone F5'ing 30 times/second to see if it has been released yet. What does it matter in the first place since MS apparently is proud to show off SQL2008 on the platform of best choice and AMD is happy because it's them. Bloomfield isn't yet available, nor is Shanghai while SQL2008 has to be shown off to get everyone waiting for it more excited.

You can use 2360 SE in an 8-way motherboard too, however not more than two (I think).

Also, ACP is an official standard, so why the flame over that? Intel does exactly the same with their CPU's and calls it TDP. Besides that, have a clue, 105W ACP is 125W TDP, flame somewhere else with your '145W+ TDP'.

[Shintai]

Wow, been a while I saw a post this desperate... I almost feel sorry for you man, but this is not good.

First off, Bloomfield still hasn't been reviewed so pretty interesting you claim it has better scaling. More links doesnt mean it's better/faster, faster links sounds good, doesnt mean it will be used for 100% from the start although I guess it is possible so Intel can release another chipset as soon as they release a 2Mhz faster CPU.

Regarding SQL2008, do I look like someone F5'ing 30 times/second to see if it has been released yet. What does it matter in the first place since MS apparently is proud to show off SQL2008 on the platform of best choice and AMD is happy because it's them. Bloomfield isn't yet available, nor is Shanghai while SQL2008 has to be shown off to get everyone waiting for it more excited.

You can use 2360 SE in an 8-way motherboard too, however not more than two (I think).

Also, ACP is an official standard, so why the flame over that? Intel does exactly the same with their CPU's and calls it TDP. Besides that, have a clue, 105W ACP is 125W TDP, flame somewhere else with your '145W+ TDP'.

ACP and TDP is not the same. And no, Intel doesnt call ACP for TDP. Only AMD uses ACP to hide their massive power consumption.
http://www.dailytech.com/AMD+The+Lie...rticle9955.htm

You can also try as Alucasa how his experience with Opterons and ACP went..
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...1&d=1194978817

Kinda funny when you think about this...
http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/cont...-core_duel.pdf

Next, Bloomfield is a desktop product. And yes, its been reviewed. Also the dual socket versions.

You say Nehalem, Shanghai etc is a future product. But you eat an unreleased and future SQL 2008? Nice...

[duploxxx]

Uhm....say what?

Trichannel IMC, QPI thats quite faster than HTT and alot faster core in all aspects? Nehalem removes any last benefit AMD has. This is basicly the last firework before the party is over.

since you know everything so well....

4way nehalem is scheduled for 2h 2009.....

ACP and TDP is not the same. And no, Intel doesnt call ACP for TDP. Only AMD uses ACP to hide their massive power consumption.
http://www.dailytech.com/AMD+The+Lie...rticle9955.htm

You can also try as Alucasa how his experience with Opterons and ACP went..

Next, Bloomfield is a desktop product. And yes, its been reviewed. Also the dual socket versions.

You say Nehalem, Shanghai etc is a future product. But you eat an unreleased and future SQL 2008? Nice...

massive power consumption, when are you finally going to quit bullting???? go have some fun in the intel thread there ius nothing wrong with the ACP calculation like there is nothing wrong with the intel tdp calculation.
btw acp is only used on opteron, in they are right with that calculation, its iontel that is hiding the total massive power consumption due to there fbdimm.. gone is the advantage of any 45nm xeon when you use more then 16gb ram in a server.

[Rammsteiner]

ACP and TDP is not the same. And no, Intel doesnt call ACP for TDP. Only AMD uses ACP to hide their massive power consumption.

There by you say intel does hide it's massive power output? Since as I said, ACP is the same way calculated as Intel calculates their TDP.

Besides that, AMD shows off what ACP equals like in TDP, so they hide all.

You can also try as Alucasa how his experience with Opterons and ACP went..
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...1&d=1194978817

Nice picture, it tells me nothing though.

Kinda funny when you think about this...
http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/cont...-core_duel.pdf

No pdf reader installed

Next, Bloomfield is a desktop product. And yes, its been reviewed. Also the dual socket versions.

Oh? Where?

You say Nehalem, Shanghai etc is a future product. But you eat an unreleased and future SQL 2008? Nice...

Because MS is showing off their product on excisting hardware? Who are you to tell MS to showcase their soon to be released product with Nehalem because it will be out soon as well? Maybe Intel doidnt even offer a Nehalem platform to show it off, thought about that?

[gallag]

ACP is the same way calculated as Intel calculates their TDP.

Not true.

[Rammsteiner]

Not true.

I seem to read different stroies on the internet, but go on, post some proof

[gallag]

I seem to read different stroies on the internet, but go on, post some proof

Do I really need too? Do you honestly believe ACP is as close too max tdp as Intel's TDP figure is? And if I do prove it will you say "ok, I was wrong" or will you just ignore it and take the argument on a different tangent?

[Rammsteiner]

Do I really need too? Do you honestly believe ACP is as close too max tdp as Intel's TDP figure is? And if I do prove it will you say "ok, I was wrong" or will you just ignore it and take the argument on a different tangent?

Well, proof this wrong, try if you can do that. If you come up with something good, then of course Ill admit Im wrong. Point is, Intel's TDP isn't the max TDP, where as AMD always listed the max TDP but this is a bit of a drawback for them when someone compares them. I find it a smart move to be honest.

Source I
Source II
Source III

Also, I found it very funny how Sintel links to Dailytech and apparently carefully doesnt read the update. Funny how pikcy you read and believe things. Makes you someone to take very serious as well.

[SocketMan]

AMD FTW








Yeaaaa I win