AMD Launches EPYC 8005 Series: New Processors for Edge, Telecom, and Storage
AMD has introduced the EPYC 8005 server processor lineup, targeting edge computing, telecommunications, and cloud storage deployments. The single-socket processors range from 8 to 84 cores, with thermal design power between 70 and 225 watts, based on the Zen 5 architecture.
Performance Claims
- The 84-core EPYC 8635P delivers 40% higher integer performance (SPECrate2017_int_base) than the previous-generation 64-core EPYC 8534P.
- AMD reports 9.5% higher performance per watt (SPECpower_ssj2008) compared to the earlier part.
- Against Intel's 40-core Xeon 6716P-B (235W), AMD claims the EPYC 8635P (225W) offers 91% higher integer performance.
- Comparisons with Intel's 72-core Xeon 6776P-B and Nvidia's Grace CPU Superchip on performance per watt were also provided.
Telecom Applications
The processors include optimizations for Layer 1 processing, supporting low-density parity-check workloads used in 5G networks. Samsung tested its multi-cell vRAN software on a single server using an EPYC 8635P, supporting 54 cell networks with downlink throughput of 9.5 Gb/s and uplink throughput of 2.0 Gb/s, according to AMD.
Retail AI
WobotAI uses the processors for in-store video analysis systems, running on existing camera infrastructure to monitor store conditions and generate task information, according to company president Will Kelso.
Storage Performance
In Phoronix Test Suite testing, single-socket servers with the EPYC 8635P delivered approximately 1.23 times the CephFS RADOS throughput of systems using the EPYC 8534P, according to AMD. Tests covered throughput, operations, and latency across nine benchmarks.
Hardware Specifications
- Up to 96 PCIe Gen 5 lanes
- Six channels of DDR5-6400 ECC memory
- Up to 3 TB memory capacity
- Support for wide thermal operating ranges and NEBS requirements for telecom and outdoor deployments
Market Positioning
The EPYC 8005 series is positioned below the EPYC 9005 processors, targeting compact systems in retail, virtual RAN, and dense storage nodes. The launch occurs as chipmakers compete for the growing market in compact servers handling AI inference, telecom software, and data processing outside centralized data centers.