Recently, AMD previewed its future, explaining the next-generation EPYC server processors and Instinct AI accelerators. It is on its way to making giant strides in performance and functionality in earnest toward developing the high-speed AI and data center market.
The Future of EPYC: "Venice" and "Verano"
EPYC "Venice" with Zen 6 Architecture
Scheduled for 2026, the EPYC "Venice" line will introduce AMD's new Zen 6 core architecture. The processors will be derived from TSMC's 2nm process node. The key feature is that there may be up to 256 cores in the more packed Zen 6C models, while standard Zen 6 configurations will have significant core counts such as up to 96 cores. The generation will bring significant performance gain and higher memory bandwidth.
Looking Ahead to EPYC "Verano"
Following Venice, AMD will launch its "Verano" EPYC CPUs in 2027. While architectural information is not yet completely revealed, Verano will either feature an evolution of Zen 6 architecture or potentially mark the introduction of next-generation Zen 7 cores, which signifies AMD's move toward a quicker yearly update cadence for its data center products.
Next-Generation Instinct AI Accelerators
Instinct MI400 Series: A Leap in AI Compute
The Instinct MI400 series, which is to ship in 2026, is set to bring massive improvement to AI workload performance. AMD noted that the MI400 can provide nearly two times the AI compute capability of the recently released MI350 series. It will leverage next-generation HBM4 memory, which has up to 432 GB capacity and much higher bandwidth (around 19.6 TB/s).
Instinct MI500 Series
Further down the road, in 2027, AMD will release the Instinct MI500 series. Its next generation will further extend AMD's AI accelerator technology, aiming to power future AI racks and deliver disruptive performance gains.
Software Advances with ROCm 7
AMD also introduced ROCm 7, the latest iteration of its open software stack. A focus area for ROCm 7 is improving AI inference capability. It will support new data types for AI such as FP6 and FP4, new algorithms, and increased features for scaling up AI. Performance benchmarks reveal significant improvements over ROCm 6, and AMD is also developing to bring support of ROCm to Ryzen-based laptops and workstations.
AMD Hopes for AI Market
AMD officials were boldly projecting the market for AI accelerators would continue its growth trend, estimating the potential to reach as high as $500 billion. The company is looking to capitalize on this demand by going after leadership compute engines, promoting an open ecosystem, and providing full-stack AI solutions.
