Ampere Altra Max M96-28 socket: LGA 4926

What the Altra Max M96-28 is

The Ampere Altra Max M96-28 is a 96-core server processor with a 2.8 GHz sustained frequency. It runs 96 single-thread Arm v8.2+ cores with no turbo, so 96 cores give 96 threads. Cache is 1 MB of L2 per core plus a 16 MB shared system cache on a 7 nm process. Power is rated at 190 W max with about 128 W usage power in a 4926-pin FCLGA package with order part number AC-209619002.

Lower clocks with a 190 W envelope give the M96-28 the best efficiency in the 96-core line, which is why it suits dense racks with power caps. Ampere sold the M96-28 in the Max lineup. The chip supports enterprise RAS with coherent two-socket links.

Efficient density with a 190 W envelope suits scale-out cloud servers with DDR4 memory. That is why the M96-28 shipped in power-capped Max racks.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The M96-28 fits LGA 4926 efficient servers with Altra Max support. It needs a 4926-land board with Ampere firmware and a BIOS that lists the M96-28. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.

Efficient Max servers are the natural match. Boards listing the M96-28 accept the chip with a 190 W heatsink, including ADLINK COM-HPC modules.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory is eight channels of DDR4-3200 ECC through the on-chip controllers, up to 4 TB per socket. PCIe Gen4 with 128 lanes per socket feeds storage and networking. Cooling uses server heatsinks rated for 190 W.

Upgrade paths

On the same socket, a move to an Altra Max M96-30 such as Ampere Altra Max M96-30 adds 200 MHz at 220 W when frequency matters. An Altra Max M128-26 such as Ampere Altra Max M128-26 adds 32 cores at equal power.

Newer AmpereOne needs a new platform. The LGA 4926 page lists the full Altra Max range, now complete at six SKUs.