AMD Launches 5th Gen EPYC Embedded Processors

AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) has unveiled its new 5th Gen AMD EPYC™ Embedded processors, expanding its x86 embedded processor portfolio. The AMD EPYC Embedded 9005 Series CPUs are optimized for embedded markets, offering a blend of cutting-edge compute power with specialized features that enhance product longevity, reliability, and system resiliency.

Powered by the “Zen 5” architecture, these processors deliver exceptional performance and energy efficiency, empowering networking, storage, and industrial edge systems to process data faster and more efficiently.

Key Features of 5th Gen AMD EPYC Embedded Processors:

1. Enhanced Performance and Energy Efficiency
   The AMD EPYC Embedded 9005 Series processors are designed for compute-intensive embedded systems, with core counts ranging from 8 to 192 cores per socket. These processors deliver up to 1.3X and 1.6X higher data throughput for networking and storage workloads, respectively, making them ideal for network and security firewall platforms, storage systems, and industrial control applications. The processors use the new “Zen 5c” core architecture, offering up to 1.3X better socket throughput and 1.3X better performance per watt compared to competitors.
2. Extended Longevity and System Resiliency
   AMD provides extended 7-year product manufacturing support for the EPYC Embedded 9005 Series, ensuring long-term availability and reducing system redesign efforts. The processors are designed for critical applications in harsh environments, minimizing downtime and repairs. Additional system resiliency features include Non-Transparent Bridging (NTB) for high availability and DRAM Flush, which protects against data loss in power failures.
3. Advanced Security and Ease of Application Development
   Security features include Dual SPI for secure boot and trusted execution, while ease of application development is supported with Yocto framework integration for custom Linux distribution creation. SPDK (Storage Performance Development Kit) and DPDK (Data Plane Development Kit) help optimize performance for network and storage applications.

AMD has partnered with ecosystem leaders like Cisco and IBM to bring the new processors to market. Cisco, for instance, has selected the AMD EPYC Embedded 9005 Series for its high-end firewall products, citing its scalability and performance. IBM also integrates the processor into its Storage Scale System 6000, providing performance and reliability for demanding enterprise AI workloads.

The AMD EPYC Embedded 9005 Series is currently in early access with select customers, and production shipments are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2025. The processors will be available in the SP5 socket form factor, compatible with the previous generation AMD EPYC Embedded 9004 Series for an easy upgrade path.

For more details on the 5th Gen AMD EPYC™ Embedded processors, visit AMD’s official website.