Chapter 2. Architecture and technical overview 45
2.2.7 POWER7 processor and intelligent energy
Energy consumption is an important area of focus for the design of the POWER7 processor
which includes intelligent energy features that help to optimize energy usage and
performance dynamically, so that the best possible balance is maintained. Intelligent energy
features (such as EnergyScale™) work with the BladeCenter Advanced Management Module
(AMM) and IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager™ to optimize processor speed
dynamically, based on thermal conditions and system use.
2.2.8 Comparison of the POWER7 and POWER6 processors
Table 2-2 shows comparable characteristics between the generations of POWER7 and
POWER6 processors.
Table 2-2 Comparison of technology for the POWER7 processor and the prior generation
Note: This shows the characteristics of the POWER7 processors in general, but not
necessarily as implemented in the POWER7 processor-based blade servers.
Feature POWER7 POWER6+ POWER6
Technology 45 nm 65 nm 65 nm
Die size 567 mm
2
341 mm
2
341 mm
2
Maximum cores 8 2 2
Maximum SMT
threads per core
4 threads 2 threads 2 threads
Maximum frequency 4.14 GHz 5.0 GHz 4.7 GHz
L2 Cache 256 KB per core 4 MB per core 4 MB per core
L3 Cache 4 MB of FLR-L3 cache
per core with each core
having access to the
full 32 MB of L3 cache,
on-chip eDRAM
32 MB off-chip eDRAM
ASIC
32 MB off-chip eDRAM
ASIC
Memory support DDR3 DDR2 DDR2
I/O Bus Two GX+ One GX+ One GX+
Enhanced Cache
Mode (TurboCore)
Ye s N o N o
Sleep & Nap Mode Both Nap only Nap only
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