Details about Pacifica and the new sockets

We can finally provide more accurate details on the AMD Pacifica codename virtualization technology and new socket types.

As our loyal readers may know, AMD Pacifica and Intel Vanderpool service you can open a new chapter in the use of computers. The essence of hardware virtualization is that several completely independent operating systems can run on the same computer at the same time so that they do not know each other, so they cannot interfere with each other's operation.

For both business and home systems, this technology, which otherwise requires rather complex developments, could quickly spread. Of course, this requires a properly customized central unit and server environment, i.e. primarily a chipset. So, unfortunately, we will need new hardware components to implement virtualization, but knowing the development of computer technology, this change will soon be possible and painless.

We can expect very serious changes to AMD's processors next year, and this may fill many with sadness at first. This is because we need to replace the sockets again, but this is largely due to the appearance of support for DDR2 memories, which in any case involves replacement. All desktop AMD processors, from Semprons to Athlon 64 FXs, as well as the Opteron 100 series for single-processor workstations, will fit into the Socket M2. So we finally don’t have to deal with Socket 754 and 939 separately, which makes cheap systems much friendlier. Of course, owners of existing motherboards don’t have to worry, both the Socket 939 and 754 will survive for years, only with newly purchased systems will we get a much more thoughtful socket system.

As for the multiprocessor Opterons, they will fit into the 1207-foot Socket F. Solutions for laptops can't be left without something new either: the 754 feet used in their case will be replaced by a Socket S638 designed for 1 feet.