UltraSPARC T2 Processor

Unprecedented Throughput

Ahead of all the rest

By far, the UltraSPARC T2 processor has the most cores and threads of any processor in its class. It delivers eight cores, while the competition is struggling to get to four. And, it gives you 64 threads today, while the competition struggles to deliver eight.

T2 = Double the Throughput of the UltraSPARC T1 processor

The UltraSPARC T2 doubles the throughput of the UltraSPARC T1 processor, by doubling the threading from 32 to 64. The UltraSPARC T2 is the only processor to scale its performance through threading, rather than by increasing the clock frequency or quadrupling the caches.

Massive Floating Point improvement

By dedicating one Floating Point Unit (FPU) to each core, we were able to improve floating point throughput performance by 10x over the first-generation UltraSPARC T1 processor.

More memory

The UltraSPARC T2 processor offers 33 percent more L2 cache than its predecessor. Four integrated memory controllers are integrated on the processor.

Better performance across your network

Now, more applications than ever can take advantage of Chip Multithreading Technology (CMT) throughput, from huge databases in the heart of the data center to bandwidth-hungry web services at the edge of your network.

Revolutionary Multithreaded Networking

Multithreaded 10 GbE performance

Dual, multithreaded 10 Gb Ethernet, integrated on the UltraSPARC T2 processor, delivers up to 4x the performance of current network interface cards, without the cost of the cards. Multithreaded 10 GbE relieves network overhead, helps eliminate network I/O bottlenecks, enables faster network access, and improves rackmount server performance. Sun is the only company to offer multithreaded 10 GbE.

Faster I/O Expansion

An essential throughput component

Eight lanes of PCI Express I/O expansion is integrated on chip, accelerating I/O-intensive applications, such as OLTP databases, back-up server operations, and streaming media.

The Consolidation Processor

More virtualization flexibility than any processor in its class

The superior compute power and multithreaded 10 GbE networking of the UltraSPARC T2 processor make it especially valuable for consolidation and virtualization projects. For example, by leveraging the unique, no-cost advantages of Solaris Containers, and Logical Domains (LDoms) the UltraSPARC T2 processor lets you run up to 64 domains on one processor. That can help help you completely refactor your network infrastructure while saving thousands of dollars.

"Zero Cost" Security

Integrated crypto onboard

The UltraSPARC T2 processor was designed with one integrated cryptographic unit for each of its eight cores. Integrated cryptographic acceleration means applications can run securely without the extra cost of a separate cryptographic processor, and without the high performance penalty previously associated with secure operation. Sun's integrated cryptographic units support the ten most common ciphers and secure hashing functions, including NSA approved algorithms. And, they outperform competing accelerators by more than 10x, with minimal performance impact.

Advantages for OEMs and Developers

Unique system designs for OEMs

The UltraSPARC T2 processor's massively threaded, multi-core capabilities are an easy choice over the traditional power-hungry, minimally threaded processors from others. It consumes less power per core and thread than any processor in its class–without compromising performance. Its nominal sub-95 watt power draw lets you deliver high-performance solutions even in power-budgeted designs, for example, ATCA blade systems.

Resources for developers

Get a head start on application development by accessing our free technical documentation, including the UltraSPARC T2 Processor Programmer's Reference Manual, Microarchitecture Specification, and learn more about the UltraSPARC T2 Processor NDA Developer Beta Program.