In June of this year, chip supplier Cavium made its first public release of the ThunderX system-on-chip (SoC). Recently, the company announced that the ThunderX is now available for purchase, featuring the industry’s first 48-core ARMv8 processor. This marks a significant step in the evolution of ARM-based server solutions.
The ThunderX product line consists of four distinct variants tailored for different workloads: ThunderX_CP for cloud computing, ThunderX_ST for storage applications, ThunderX_NT for web services, and ThunderX_SC for security-focused computing. Each variant is designed to deliver high performance and efficiency in its respective domain.
Rishi Chugh, Director of Product Marketing at Cavium’s Data Center Processor Group, explained that all four ThunderX products use 48-core SKUs. In two-socket configurations, each slot is equipped with one 48-core component, resulting in a total of 96 cores per server. This design allows for scalable and powerful computing capabilities.
The ThunderX platform supports up to 1TB of DDR4 memory running at 2400MHz in a two-socket setup. The system benefits from Cavium’s Consistent Processor Interconnect (CCPI) technology, which ensures full cache coherency across both sockets, enhancing performance and reliability.
From an operating system perspective, Cavium’s MontaVista division has optimized its Linux distribution for the ThunderX SoC. Additionally, other Linux distribution partners such as Canonical and Red Hat are actively developing support for ThunderX, ensuring broad compatibility and ecosystem growth.
Beyond the SoC itself, Cavium has also introduced reference platforms to support the ThunderX architecture. The ThunderX 2K is a two-socket reference platform capable of housing up to four ThunderX chips. It supports 8-channel DDR4 memory and up to six 2.5-inch SSDs or three 3.5-inch HDDs. Networking capabilities include 40GbE QSFP+ and 10GbE SFP+ ports, making it ideal for high-performance data centers.
The 1U Thunder 1K Server Reference Architecture is a single-slot configuration specifically designed for the ThunderX SoC, offering a compact yet powerful solution for edge computing and specialized applications.
Gopal Hegde, Vice President and General Manager of Cavium’s Data Center Processor Group, stated: “ThunderX is our flagship ARMv8 multi-core processor, offering the most comprehensive set of I/O groups and accelerators in the market. It represents a disruptive technology that enables our customers to deliver highly integrated, high-performance platforms to end users.â€
Looking back at the history of ARM in the server space, the journey has been challenging. When AMD announced its entry into the ARM market in 2012, it sparked a wave of interest, with companies like Calxeda, Marvell, Applied Micro, and Cavium all aiming to enter the server chip arena. Even Qualcomm joined the race, targeting the 64-bit ARMv8-A architecture. However, the market soon cooled down, with Calxeda collapsing and Intel’s Avoton becoming a strong competitor.
“The road for ARM has not been easy,†one analyst noted. “But with the right innovations and strategies, the future could still be bright.†As the industry continues to evolve, the potential for ARM-based solutions remains promising, especially as more companies invest in optimizing their ecosystems and expanding their capabilities.
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