IBM preps Power servers with AI support, new processor

The Power11

On the processor side, the next generation IBM Power11 system features processor, system, and stack-level innovations to help enterprises propel digital transformation initiatives for their mission-critical infrastructure, Balakrishnan stated.

“IBM Power also continues to support emerging enterprise AI use cases with the MMA (Matrix-Math Assist) architecture,” wrote Balakrishnan.

MMA is a feature of Power10-based servers that handles matrix multiplication operations in hardware, rather than relying solely on software routines. It offers four-times better performance per core for matrix multiplication kernels at the same frequency, according to IBM.

“The Power11 processor is designed to deliver higher clock speeds and can add up to 25% more cores per processor chip than comparable IBM Power10 systems,” Balakrishnan wrote. “The Power11 processor builds upon the key capabilities we delivered with Power10 including stronger reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS) characteristics, better energy efficiency and energy management, and improved quantum-safe security,” Balakrishnan stated. 

The Power11 processor will feature a new integrated stack capacitor (ISC) technology and 2.5D packaging along with innovations in cooling such as improved heatsinks and more efficient fans to optimize energy delivery, improve thread and core strength and increase system capacity, according to a blog by William Starke, IBM Power Processor chief architect and distinguished engineer.

In addition, Power11 systems will be based on the recently released DDR5 Dual in-Line Memory Modules and enhanced Open Memory Interface (OMI) interfaces, which enable improved memory reliability, capacity, and bandwidth. Given that OMI is technology agnostic, the Power11 portfolio built on the Power11 processor will also support OMI DDR4 memory migrated from Power10 high-end systems, enabling clients to protect their investments in memory technology, Starke stated.