AMD OPTERON 30925 - Manual (Page 9)

30925 Rev. 3.04 February 2004 Builder’s Guide for AMD Opteron™ Processor-
Based Servers and Workstations
Chapter 1 AMD Opteron™ Processor Key Architectural Features 9
Chapter 1 AMD Opteron™ Processor Key
Architectural Features
The key architectural features of an AMD Opteron™ processor-based system include AMD64
architecture, integrated DDR DRAM memory controller, HyperTransport™ technology, and many
other features.
Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the AMD Opteron processor architecture.
Figure 1. AMD Opteron™ Processor Architecture
1.1 The AMD64 Architecture
AMD64 architecture allows end users to run existing, installed 32-bit applications and operating
systems at peak performance, while providing a migration path that is 64-bit capable. It is
designed to enable 64-bit computing while remaining compatible with the vast x86 software
infrastructure. AMD64 architecture represents a new class of computing, enabling a single
architecture across 32- and 64-bit environments.