Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[Ixse]

Paul, re: WOW. What would that 2nd CPU and a full load of RAM bring to the table?!

I think you'll find it slightly different than you expect.

I don't think two A64FX cpu's will be able to work together. The A64FX only has one 16b HT I/F that could IF AMD implemented its original specs for clawhammer be split up into two 8b HT I/F's enabling dual processor functionality (one 8b to second processor, one 8b to the AGP tunnel). With the one processor setup they're using now they have the 16b I/F to the AGP tunnel available. I used 'IF AMD implemented its original specs' because it looks like it didn't as the current FX spec doc does NOT mention this split of the 16b I/F into two 8b I/F's at all: http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/white_papers_and_tech_docs/30431.pdf This spec doc does however mention only one bidirectional 16b I/F is available. Therefore it's probably not possible that two FX cpu's can function in a dual processor setup.

It's about 100% sure that it's possible to put two Opteron 24x processors in this board enabling dual processor operation(that's what MSI designed it for to start with anyway). These processors have dual 16b HT I/F's (one 16b to the other cpu, and one 16b to the AGP tunnel).

Also the memory controller of the second CPU can't be used because it's not connected.

Lastly more than two dimms in this system will make the memory slower instead of faster in a lot of games as memory timings need to be reduced then.

In summary I think no dual A64FX setup is possible. Single FX setup is what is tested now and is therefore possible. I also think one will need two Opteron 24x's to make any dual processor configuration working using this board. This does btw not change Anands conclusion that this is simply the fastest gaming system available.

Kind regards,

Ixse