T2: Sun's new UltraSparc
Sun Microsystems has just launched the UltraSPARC T2 CPU, which easily outstrips its T1 predecessor performance-wise.
Early in the new millennium many major server manufacturers shifted to Intel or AMD. Sun itself actually used these CPUs in many of its models, leading augurs to prophesy the imminent demise of the established SPARC CPU. But in fact the opposite has happened: Sun's UltraSPARC T1 CPU which was launched in 2005 provided excellent performance and energy efficiency thanks to chip multi-threading with up to parallel 32 threads on eight cores.
Now the successor has arrived: the UltraSPARC T2 CPU is said to have twice the performance of its predecessor at the same clock speed. The T2 supports 64 parallel threads, each of which consumes less than two watts. Applications that lend themselves to parallelization, network applications, workload computing and virtualization will all benefit from this boost.
At the same time, the chip not only integrates a fast memory interface, a floating point unit and I/O interfaces, but also network interfaces and crypto units. The vendor now sees more scope for deploying the CPU in routers, switches or telecommunications technology, besides servers.
The new CPU, which will be GPLd just like its predecessor looks likely to be available to server manufacturers for less than US$ 1000 per unit by the end of this year.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Framework Laptop 13 Pro Competes with the Best
Framework has released what might be considered the MacBook of Linux devices.
-
The Latest CachyOS Features Supercharged Kernel
The latest release of CachyOS brings with it an enhanced version of the latest Linux kernel.
-
Kernel 7.0 Is a Bit More Rusty
Linux kernel 7.0 has been released for general availability, with Rust finally getting its due.
-
France Says "Au Revoir" to Microsoft
In a move that should surprise no one, France announced plans to reduce its reliance on US technology, and Microsoft Windows is the first to get the boot.
-
CIQ Releases Compatibility Catalog for Rocky Linux
The company behind Rocky Linux is making an open catalog available to developers, hobbyists, and other contributors, so they can verify and publish compatibility with the CIQ lineup.
-
KDE Gets Some Resuscitation
KDE is bringing back two themes that vanished a few years ago, putting a bit more air under its wings.
-
Ubuntu 26.04 Beta Arrives with Some Surprises
Ubuntu 26.04 is almost here, but the beta version has been released, and it might surprise some people.
-
Ubuntu MATE Dev Leaving After 12 years
Martin Wimpress, the maintainer of Ubuntu MATE, is now searching for his successor. Are you the next in line?
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.