NEWS  Computer  November 12, 2023  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

RISC-V on the Rise in CPU Landscape

In a move targeting data center operators and hyperscalers, Ventana has launched its Veyron V2 RISC-V processor design, aiming to redefine server design precision and scalability. The successor to the earlier Veyron V1 chiplets introduces an IO hub and accelerators, aligning with the UCI-Express chiplet connectivity standard, offering an impressive 192 cores per socket.

Innovative Design and Connectivity

Ventana's Veyron V2 showcases a groundbreaking design where six 32-core V2 chiplets are seamlessly connected with the IO hub through UCI-Express. This design incorporates domain-specific acceleration, enabling the IO hub to connect with memory and components through DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 controllers. Notably, organizations have the flexibility to opt for HBM3 controllers instead of DDR5, providing a tailored approach to computing needs.

Hyperscalers Take Notice

Ventana's strategic move to launch the Veyron V2 shortly after Veyron V1 is attributed to Intel's introduction of the UCI-Express standard in March of the previous year. Recognizing the superiority of UCI-Express for chiplet connectivity, Ventana swiftly integrated this technology into the latest iteration of its chip, garnering attention from hyperscalers.

Benchmarking Success

The Veyron V2 processor demonstrates remarkable benchmarking success, outperforming several competitors in throughput. Ventana's figures reveal that the 192-core Veyron 2 RISC-V CPU easily surpasses the 64-core Arm Neoverse V2, 56-core Intel Xeon SPR 8400+, 96-core AMD EPYC Genoa 9654, and 12-core AMD EPYC Bergamo 9754 CPUs. Notably, it boasts a significant 23% higher integer throughput than AMD's Bergamo CPU, positioning itself as a highly competitive option for businesses.

Production and Future Prospects

The base model of the Veyron V2 design, featuring four chiplets for 128 cores and eight DDR5 RAM channels, is slated to enter production in the third quarter of the upcoming year. The production timeline hinges on the availability of the UCI-Express 1.1 PHY standard, emphasizing Ventana's commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to the market.

In the dynamic landscape of computing, Ventana's Veyron V2 RISC-V processor emerges as a formidable contender, challenging the dominance of industry giants AMD and Intel. As hyperscalers turn their attention to this innovative solution, the future of computing may indeed be shaped by these processing units.

(Cover image by Ventana)