AMD EPYC Verano Server Processor to Use Dedicated SB1 Socket

AMD will use a dedicated SB1 socket for its EPYC 9006 Verano processors designed for artificial intelligence servers. A listing from server cooler manufacturer Dynatron shows that a different cooling system is being developed for this platform. The new socket will be smaller than the SP7 and SP8 sockets used in other Zen 6-based EPYC models. The processor is scheduled to go on sale in the second half of 2027.

The EPYC Verano processor will have up to 72 Zen 6 cores. The cores will reach a clock speed of 5 GHz. The model will use a 24-channel LPDDR5X memory system, with the memory housed in replaceable SOCAMM2 modules. AMD is developing this processor as the main server processor for managing workloads running on artificial intelligence accelerators.

The SB1 socket will differ from SP7, which is being developed for EPYC Venice processors with up to 256 cores. The SP8 socket will support models with up to 128 cores. AMD has not yet disclosed the dimensions, capabilities or power specifications of SB1. It is believed that the dedicated socket will be used in a small number of Verano configurations, but the company has not confirmed the number of models either.

Two dimensions of Dynatron’s preliminary SB1-4U-Active cooler are 128.05 x 106.6 mm. The other dimension is 130.7 mm. The cooler has aluminum fins, a vapor chamber and heat pipes. The fan operates at 6,000 revolutions per minute and moves approximately 2.6 cubic meters of air. These specifications are very close to those of the J26 cooler designed for the larger SP7 processors.

The maximum processor power supported by the cooler has not yet been specified. Therefore, no firm conclusion can be drawn about the EPYC Verano’s TDP, meaning its power consumption and cooling requirements. Nevertheless, the large vapor chamber and powerful fan indicate that the processor could consume a significant amount of power. The cooler’s final design may change before the processor goes on sale.