At Computex 2023, we noticed two next-generation server applied sciences from Intel. First, we noticed what seems to be an Intel Granite Rapids motherboard. Second, we noticed a MR-DIMM which is pronounced “Mister DIMM” and that placard says it’s for Granite Rapids.
Intel Granite Rapids Motherboard?
Only for some context, Intel goes to quickly improve the tempo of its Xeon generations after its 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Sapphire Rapids launch earlier in 2023. As a substitute of 1 technology per 18 months or so, Intel is taking a look at three generations in below two years. The following technology is Emerald Rapids slated to fit into the identical platforms after which Granite Rapids.
That leads us to this motherboard with lined sockets on the Computex present ground. Usually, sockets which were launched for 5-6 months will not be lined on present flooring, and solely next-gen sockets are lined. This motherboard appears to be like like an early try at an OCP DC-MHS motherboard which is perhaps notable itself, however there’s something lacking.
There’s an Intel FPGA close to the OCP NIC 3.0 and DC-SCM slots on the highest of the motherboard above, however there isn’t a PCH onboard. The sockets are lined and look a bit like SPR sockets from afar, however this doesn’t seem like a 4th Gen/ fifth Gen Intel platform since it’s lacking that element. Intel is modernizing its platform design with Granite Rapids/ Sierra Forrest so that’s the first technology we anticipate to be PCH-less that means that, regardless of the lined sockets, that’s doubtless what we’re taking a look at.
MR-DIMM versus MCR-DIMM
A part of how Intel and AMD are planning to get extra reminiscence bandwidth within the next-generation of servers is to make use of not simply DDR5 reminiscence, but in addition to make use of multiplexing on DIMM modules. To this point, Intel has mentioned its plans to make use of MCR-DIMMs at Intel DCAI 2023 Replace New Expertise and Up to date Xeon Roadmap. Coincidentailly, we had simply lined What’s a MCR DIMM or Multiplexer Mixed Ranks DIMM earlier than that announcement.
The MCR-DIMMs permit for a lot larger switch speeds. Even with fewer DIMM channels, having the brand new DIMMs will permit for a lot better bandwidth per DIMM.
On the AMD aspect, rumor has it that the corporate is engaged on MR-DIMM expertise together with transferring ultimately to 16 channel reminiscence in future platforms, up from 12 channel reminiscence with Genoa/ Genoa-X/ Bergamo.
Within the ADATA sales space, we noticed a MR-DIMM. If you’re questioning, sure, folks within the trade even by JEDEC requirements of us name these “Mister DIMM”. We knew that AMD had a watch on MR-DIMM expertise, however then the placard under the DIMM stated Granite Rapids.
Going by means of to the QR code website says that it helps Intel SPR platforms. We all know the sort of reminiscence is coming, however there may be in all probability a query on which commonplace shall be used within the trade that shall be answered briefly order. Seeing Intel demo MCR-DIMMs then ADATA present a MR-DIMM for a similar platform appears unusual.
Closing Phrases
A part of the enjoyable of Computex is that past cubicles, there’s a lot we get to see. Nonetheless, there are all the time applied sciences which can be proven on the present ground that give us pause. These are a couple of good examples from this yr’s present.
