Windows 7: 64-bit edition to support over 64 Logical Processors

NormCameron · 28 Dec 2008

Not really Driver related, but couldn't think where else to post this

"Windows 7 will be able to take advantage not only of faster CPUs, but of multiple processors on a single chip. The 64-bit edition of the operating system in particular will be able to support over 64 Logical Processors per machine.

In this regard, Microsoft underlined the need for software developers to adapt their applications in accordance with the evolution of processor chips and that of the Windows operating system. Essentially, consistent gains in performance are synonymous with using parallel programming techniques in concordance with many-core processors. This is where non-uniform memory access (NUMA) comes in.

“The 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 support more than 64 Logical Processors (LP) on a single computer,” Phil Pennington, Windows Server Technical Evangelism, revealed. “New processors are now appearing that leverage non-uniform memory access (NUMA) architectures. Within the near future, a system with 4 CPU sockets, 8 processor-cores per socket, and with Simultaneious Multi-Threading (SMT) enabled per core, will achieve 64 Logical Processors. Many server-class solutions will need to be architected with NUMA awareness in order to achieve linear performance scaling on 64+ LP systems.”

NUMA is a designed to allow a way around the limitations of the processor bus. Because of its non-linear characteristics, each processor is more intimately connected with its proximate memory, rather than with all the memory available. Unlike the Symmetric Multi-Processor (SMP) model, in which processors are all on par when it comes down to memory and I/O access, NUMA allows for memory access optimization.

“There is nothing the matter with NUMA – machines with non-uniform memory access speeds – of course, other than the fact that they introduce complex, hardware-specific programming models if you want to build applications that can harness their performance and capacity effectively. What is decidedly new is the extent to which previously esoteric NUMA architecture machines are becoming mainstream building blocks for current and future application servers. For the connected applications of the future, our ability to build programming models that help server application developers deal with complex NUMA architecture performance considerations is the singular challenge of the many-core era,” Windows Performance Engineer Rick Vicik explained. "

Windows 7 Non-Uniform Memory Access Architectures - KezNews.com

garysgold · 28 Dec 2008

Thanks Norm.

Just wondering how long it will take software vendors to take advantage of this. Many seem terribly slow to get 64 bit software out the door.

Gary

darkassain · 29 Dec 2008

or software that may make use of it although visualization/hypervisors comes into mind
of course CAD and raw video editing and rendering are on the list...

johngalt · 30 Dec 2008

IOW, a Xeon version of the Core i7s, when it comes out, can be used in a (4 x 4) x 2 configuration and all cores would be supported.

We have a server at school that has 32 cores (8 x quad cores) and 32 GB RAM - the new i7 would be 4 x (quad core i7s with quad virtual cores) times 2 (dual mobo, a second mobo riser above the first) and that would be 64 logical processors.

I suppose they did this cause the Xeon variety of the Core i7s, if not already out, are coming soon....

darkassain · 30 Dec 2008

yes AFAIK that is true...

that would max you out....
even though server 2008 already had support for more than 64 processors

Quote:

Windows Server 2008 Datacenter

The operating system for large-scale virtualization and scale-up workloads

Windows Server 2008 Datacenter is optimized for large-scale virtualization on small to large server systems and for workloads that require the highest levels of scalability, reliability, and availability to support large, mission-critical applications.
With unlimited virtualization use rights and a hypervisor-based virtualization technology, Windows Server 2008 Datacenter provides the flexibility and cost savings to easily run large numbers of virtualized Windows Server instances.
Windows Server 2008 Datacenter supports the memory and processing needs of large-scale, business-critical workloads such as ERP, databases, server consolidations, and custom and line-of-business applications.

Large-Scale Virtualization

Server virtualization technology lets you optimize system utilization and resources and realize significant infrastructure and management cost savings. Windows Server 2008 Datacenter provides an ideal platform for enterprise-scale virtualization.
Windows Server 2008 Datacenter features Hyper-V™, a flexible high-performance hypervisor-based virtualization technology.
In addition, Windows Server 2008 Datacenter licenses include unlimited virtualization rights, meaning that you have rights to run an unlimited number of Windows Server instances on servers licensed with Windows Server 2008 Datacenter. This gives you the benefits of virtualization while helping to reduce license management headaches and costs, thus helping you:

Logically consolidate servers and streamline management.
Reduce the cost associated with power, cooling, and data center space.
Increase the availability of your systems. (The quick migration feature enables you to easily move running virtual machines between their physical hosts.)
Reduce server sprawl by using multiple virtual machines hosted on a physical server.

Increased Scalability

As organizations rapidly grow and change, IT infrastructures must remain flexible and scalable to help support, manage, and secure expanded functionality, an influx of additional users and locations, and increasingly robust applications.
Windows Server 2008 Datacenter easily scales to adapt to the increased needs of data warehousing and transaction processing. This scalability also allows for improved resource planning. Windows Server 2008 Datacenter provides:

Support for up to 64 processors and 2 terabytes of RAM.
Support for a virtually unlimited number of virtual private network (VPN) connections.
Authentication and authorization for a virtually unlimited number of network access service and network policy server connections.

High Availability

Succeeding in the global marketplace requires that remote employees and international customers and partners have around-the-clock access to information. A disruption in services can result in diminished productivity and lost opportunities.
Windows Server 2008 Datacenter offers features that enhance the availability of your applications and services, including failover clustering, dynamic hardware partitioning, and the Windows Server 2008 High Availability Program.
Failover Clustering
Windows Server 2008 Datacenter provides robust, rapid failover clustering that is easy to manage and automatically takes action in the event of a failed node, maintaining service so that users experience minimal disruption. Failover clustering in Windows Server 2008 Datacenter supports up to 16 nodes and provides:

Dynamic failover for both planned and unplanned server downtime.
Scalability by adding nodes as your needs increase.
Geographically dispersed clustering.

High availability is also about avoiding downtime before it occurs. The risk of downtime due to driver issues has been decreased in Windows Server 2008 Datacenter, because nonessential functions have been removed by default. The result is a singularly productive operating system, optimized for running the most demanding data center workloads.
Dynamic Hardware Partitioning
Windows Server 2008 Datacenter further enhances server availability with dynamic hardware partitioning. Windows Server 2008 Datacenter works with one or more isolated hardware partitions, each assigned its own processors, memory, and I/O host bridges that are independent from any other hardware partitions. You can hot replace or add additional processors and memory to these partitions without restarting the server. This increases the reliability, availability, and serviceability of your servers; for example, you can replace a processor that shows signs of failing or add spare processors to a partition as demand increases.
Windows Server 2008 High Availability Program
For customers whose business demands the highest levels of availability, Microsoft offers the Windows Server 2008 High Availability Program. Microsoft developed this optional program to provide customers with mission-critical server requirements with the highest quality server hardware configurations, support for Windows Server 2008 Datacenter, and change-management processes for the most reliable and complete Windows Server solutions.
The Windows Server 2008 High Availability Program provides the support you need to ensure maximum uptime for your applications.

Advanced Identity and Access Management

Today, employees are doing more business in more places—and on a wider variety of devices. At the same time, information loss, whether via outright theft or accidental leakage, is a growing concern for many enterprises.
To keep people productive while securely managing the flow of data across your organization through multiple devices in a security-enhanced environment, Windows Server 2008 Datacenter delivers advanced identity and access management features.
The new authentication architecture in Windows Server 2008 helps you guard against malicious software attacks and helps prevent data and confidential information from being distributed inappropriately. Windows Server 2008 Datacenter enables you to:

Provide federated access to internal resources for external users through Active Directory® Federation Services (AD FS).
Improve security and more easily ensure regulatory and privacy compliance with Advanced Certificate Management Services.
Gather more audit detail for management and compliance with Active Directory® Domain Services (AD DS).

Take advantage of the Windows Server operating system optimized for large-scale databases and applications.
Feature Summary

Windows Server 2008 Datacenter offers the following features over and above the Windows Server 2008 Standard:
- Support for 2 terabytes of RAM (64 GB on 32-bit systems)
- Scalable up to 64 x64/64-bit processors or 32 x86/32-bit processors
- Unlimited virtual image use rights
- Hyper-V–based unlimited virtualization
- Support for a 16-node failover cluster
- Hot Add/Replace Memory and Processors with supporting hardware
- Fault-tolerant memory synchronization
- Cross-file replication (DFS-R)
- Virtually unlimited Network Access Service connections (RRAS)
- Virtually unlimited Network Policy Server connections
- Total of 65,535 Terminal Server connections
- Advanced identity management

johngalt · 30 Dec 2008

True - but I was thinking more along the lines of, say, WHS 2.0, based upon the W7 kernel

darkassain · 30 Dec 2008

WHS 2.0 meaning Home Server???

i rather wait till Server 08 R2

Server Gives you more control...lol

well then again its of preference at this point...

also note that the 32 bit of Server can Handle more than 4gb (up to 32gb!!!)

johngalt · 30 Dec 2008

Yes, I mean WHS 20 - and the reasons I say that is because the average user is not going to use Windows Server 2008 - way too complicated to set up - but WHS I have a feeling will make one final stand, with new code base upon the W7 kernel, to see if M$ can make even more money getting the average Joe to convert their home networks from just LAN based PCs to actual home server and client environments.

Plus licensing for Server is way more than most average home users can really afford, technicallly speaking.