AMD Unveils Power-Efficient EPYC Embedded 8004 Series with Zen 4c Cores for Compact Systems
AMD has introduced a new series of EPYC processors specifically designed for embedded systems, the EPYC Embedded 8004 series. These processors utilize AMD’s Zen 4c architecture, optimized for higher core density and power efficiency. With core counts ranging from 12 to 64, the 8004 series is built for environments that demand robust performance in compact, power-constrained spaces.
These processors support up to 1.152TB of DDR5 memory via six memory channels, with Thermal Design Power (TDP) ratings ranging between 70W and 225W. The EPYC Embedded 8004 is ideal for networking devices, routers, security appliances, and industrial edge computing applications that require a balance of power and efficiency.
The standout feature of the 8004 series is its use of Zen 4c cores. This architecture packs the power of Zen 4 into a denser configuration by lowering clock speeds to optimize performance-per-watt. This reduction in clock speed allows AMD to fit more cores into smaller packages, which is essential for high-performance systems in tight spaces.
The table below highlights the core specs of some models from the EPYC Embedded 8004 lineup:
| CPU Model | Base/Boost Clock Speeds | Cores/Threads | TDP |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPYC Embedded 8534P | 2.3 GHz / 3.1 GHz | 64 / 128 | 200W |
| EPYC Embedded 8434P | 2.5 GHz / 3.1 GHz | 48 / 96 | 200W |
| EPYC Embedded 8324P | 2.65 GHz / 3 GHz | 32 / 64 | 180W |
| EPYC Embedded 8224P | 2.55 GHz / 3 GHz | 24 / 48 | 180W |
| EPYC Embedded 8124P | 2.45 GHz / 3 GHz | 16 / 32 | 125W |
| EPYC Embedded 8C24P | 2.45 GHz / 3 GHz | 12 / 24 | 100W |
Compared to AMD’s more powerful EPYC 9004 series, which uses the standard Zen 4 architecture, the 8004 series is optimized for efficiency. For example, the flagship EPYC Embedded 8534P runs 64 Zen 4c cores with a 200W TDP, compared to the 96-core EPYC 9654P, which has a higher 360W TDP and a boost clock of 3.7GHz. The 8004 series trades performance for efficiency by cutting down L3 cache by up to 3x and reducing PCIe lane count and memory channels in half (64 lanes and six channels respectively).
Despite these cuts, the EPYC Embedded 8004 series is tailored for users who need high performance while managing power consumption and thermal constraints. AMD highlights that the Zen 4c cores make the 8004 chips 19% smaller than their Zen 4 counterparts, which allows them to fit into more compact systems without sacrificing too much in terms of capability.
For industries and use cases where both density and energy efficiency are crucial, AMD’s new EPYC Embedded 8004 series offers an attractive solution.
