AMD EPYC “Siena” 8004 Series Processor Benchmark
Last month, AMD unveiled its server processors under the codename “Siena” – the EPYC 8004 series, targeted squarely at the single-socket, entry-level server market. These processors underscore an emphasis on density and performance-per-watt optimization, tailored for edge computing and telecommunications sectors. They aspire to deliver heightened energy efficiency, making them well-suited for low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) energy-conserving servers.
Recently, Phoronix conducted tests on two novel server processors, the EPYC 8324P and 8324PN. Both wield 32 cores, crafted from the Zen 4c architecture, revealing commendable performance from the Zen 4c cores under server workloads. They were juxtaposed against Intel’s Xeon Gold 6421N, which brandishes 32 cores, rooted in the Golden Cove architecture. In most scenarios, AMD’s new entrants matched or even surpassed their counterparts while boasting a reduced power draw.
A myriad of benchmarks were executed on the EPYC 8324P and 8324PN, roughly categorized into seven domains encompassing Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads, video encoding, code compilation, file compression/decompression, and High-Performance Computing (HPC). Under peak power configurations, both Siena processors outperformed the Xeon Gold 6421N. With standard configurations, the EPYC 8324P was 2.7% swifter than its Intel rival, while in performance mode, it surged ahead by 5%. However, under a restrained 155W TDP, it lagged behind by 2.5%. The EPYC 8324PN, with its diminished power and frequency settings, exhibited a modest decline in performance – 11.8% slower under standard configurations. Yet, when toggled to performance mode, it triumphed over its adversary, outpacing the Xeon Gold 6421N by 4.8%.
In terms of power efficiency, the EPYC 8324P and 8324PN were exemplary, with their average power output registering below 100W – a threshold they maintained even in performance mode. In stark contrast, the Xeon Gold 6421N’s energy efficiency left much to be desired, with an average power consumption of 137W. The Zen 4c architecture cores occupy a footprint 35% smaller than their Zen 4 counterparts, translating to superior energy efficiency metrics, albeit with a slight concession in raw performance.
