IBM Power Systems built with the POWER8 architecture and processors

Abstract

This paper describes architectures and significant implementation features of two systems in the IBM POWER8i processor-based family of servers. Specifically, the scale-out 2-socket rack server and the enterprise scale-up 16-socket rack server are detailed. The description of these systems highlights the increase in memory bandwidth from previous POWER A systems, the enablement of coherent accelerators, the highly-extensible I/O subsystem, and the high-performance directly attached storage subsystem. In addition, reliability, availability, and serviceability features are described. These systems deliver significant increases in core count, memory, and input/output bandwidth over previous POWER systemsVwith reliability and availability enhancements commensurate with the performance improvements.

The cache and memory subsystems of the IBM POWER8 processor

“…Another major change for the POWER8 processor was to replace the SMP backplane with a cabled SMP link connection, significantly reducing the system cost. System configuration is discussed in more detail in [2].…”

Solutions to IBM POWER8 verification challenges

“…The POWER8* microprocessor is the latest IBM chip in the POWER* family [1]. The chip area of 650 mm 2 contains over 5 billion transistors and 12 cores.…”