AMD EPYC 9006 LP Verano Image © AMDAMD EPYC 9006 LP Verano (Image © AMD)

EPYC 9006-LP Architecture and Core Configuration

The EPYC Verano processors belong to the EPYC 9006-LP series and are based on the latest Zen 6 core architecture. While earlier expectations assumed a maximum of 72 cores for a 1P platform, updated specifications from AMD confirm that the Verano chips will feature up to 192 cores on a single processor. The chip’s physical design consists of six Zen-6C CCDs, each with 32 cores, supported by two large I/O chips. So the design looks familiar to us.

SOCAMM2 and LPDDR5X Memory

A significant change in the EPYC 9006 LP series is the introduction of support for SOCAMM2 memory. This new memory form factor utilizes the significantly faster LPDDR5X DRAM, which offers several technical advantages over conventional server memory:

  • Increased bandwidth: Higher data transfer rates to support AI processing.
  • Energy efficiency: Lower power consumption compared to standard DDR modules.
  • Memory density: A more compact form factor that enables system vendors to maximize available memory capacity within the hardware footprint.

These Verano LP CPUs are deployed on the SP8 platform to meet these memory and performance requirements.

Ecosystem and GPU Connectivity

To improve data flow between the CPU and accelerators, the EPYC Verano leverages xGMI connectivity speeds of up to 112 Gbps. This interface is designed to efficiently route data to Instinct MI500 GPUs in next-generation AI racks, ensuring that agent-based workloads aren’t slowed down by inter-chip communication.

A Memory Race?

AMD and NVIDIA are both eagerly pursuing LPDDR-based solutions for inference and agent-based AI. Similar architectural decisions can also be found in competing platforms, including NVIDIA’s “Vera Rubin” and “Vera CPX” platforms, which also implement SOCAMM2 LPDDR5X memory. This makes this RAM even more sought-after and sold at exorbitant prices to the major manufacturers who can afford it, while laptops and mini-PCs are cut off from the supply chain.

The EPYC Verano CPUs are scheduled to launch in 2027; no pricing information has been announced.