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Ampere announced a 256-core, 12-channel AmpereOne server CPU in May 2024, but the official product information reviewed here does not confirm that it has launched or gone on sale. Ampere’s current lineup lists AmpereOne and AmpereOne M models with up to 192 cores. The 256-core chip remains a roadmap item in the cited updates—not a documented shipping product.
What Ampere announced about the 256-core AmpereOne
On May 16, 2024, Ampere announced an upcoming AmpereOne CPU with 256 cores and 12 memory channels, identifying the process node as N3. The company said it would use the same air-cooled thermal solutions as its existing 192-core AmpereOne. The announcement did not give a shipping date or confirm retail availability. Ampere’s announcement
Ampere also claimed the new CPU would deliver more than 40% greater performance than any CPU then on the market. That is a vendor claim, not an independently verified benchmark in the cited material; the announcement does not provide independent test results to substantiate it.
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The release also described ecosystem activity: a joint Ampere and Qualcomm Technologies effort involving Qualcomm Cloud AI 100 Ultra for large-model inference; Meta’s Llama 3 running on Ampere CPUs at Oracle Cloud; and a NETINT and Ampere solution for video transcoding and real-time subtitling. These examples provide context about workloads and partnerships, but do not establish specifications or availability for the 256-core CPU.
#1 Best Overall
- Specially designed air cooler by ARCTIC for the high-performance AmperOne 64-Bit Multi-Core Processors for Socket LGA5964
- COMPACT: With 53 mm of RAM clearance, memory modules with moderate heatsinks can be used without issue. The compact design also fits seamlessly into common 4U server cases and larger
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE: Featuring two custom-designed 120 mm fans, ensuring outstanding heat dissipation. Fine-tune your performance with PWM control for optimized operation
- DURABLE: Our Freezer 4U-OneX features 120 mm fans equipped with double ball bearings, engineered for continuous operation. They're ultra-durable, making them the ideal choice for 24/7 use
- EASY INSTALLATION: The Freezer 4U-OneX comes complete with thermal paste and utilizes mounting points, making installation a breeze
What later updates say about availability
AmpereOne M was shipping in December 2024
In a December 20, 2024 update, Ampere said its 192-core, 12-channel AmpereOne M was shipping. The same post still described the 256-core AmpereOne as upcoming, with AmpereOne Aurora also planned for later. Ampere’s December 2024 update
AmpereOne M platforms were announced in May 2025
In May 2025, Ampere announced additional 12-channel AmpereOne M platforms and said a Giga Computing platform was available for purchase. The release also named Jabil, ASRock Rack, Supermicro, Broadcom, and Rebellions among its Systems Builders collaborators or ecosystem participants. This is evidence of related AmpereOne M platform activity, not evidence that a 256-core CPU was available. Ampere’s May 2025 systems and platforms announcement
Rank #2
- HPE ProLiant ML30 G10 Plus Tower Server, perfect for small businesses and remote offices
- Xeon E-2314 4-Core 2.8GHz 8MB CPU, Turbo up to 4.5GHz
- Memory: 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4 PC4-25600 3200MHz Unbuffered Memory
- Hard Drive: 4TB (4 x 1TB) SATA III 6Gb/s SSD for Ultra Fast Storage
- Hard drives installation required
The current product page lists models up to 192 cores
Ampere’s current processor page lists both AmpereOne and AmpereOne M at 96–192 cores. It does not list a 256-core model. That omission does not prove the announced chip was canceled or that no channel can supply one, but it means the reviewed official lineup does not establish it as a current listed product. Ampere processor lineup
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The current specifications distinguish standard AmpereOne from AmpereOne M. Both are listed up to 192 cores, but they differ in memory capacity, PCIe lanes, and power range.
Rank #3
- Compatible with AmpereOne, Socket LGA 5964
- Aluminum Fins with Copper Base Passive heatsink
- Recommended for 2U Servers
- Shin-Etsu X23-8079-2 Thermal Grease
| Specification | AmpereOne | AmpereOne M |
|---|---|---|
| Core range | 96–192 cores | 96–192 cores |
| Memory | 8-channel DDR5; up to 4 TB | 12-channel DDR5; up to 1.5 TB |
| PCIe | 128 PCIe Gen5 lanes | 96 PCIe Gen5 lanes |
| TDP | Not stated on the current processor page | 250–425 W |
These are Ampere’s current lineup specifications, not specifications for the announced 256-core roadmap part. For system selection, compare the needs of the workload: memory capacity, channel count, I/O lanes, and power envelope can matter as much as core count. Check the server maker’s specific configuration for supported DIMMs, power limits, cooling, and availability.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which AmpereOne details should not be attributed to the 256-core chip?
Ampere’s product brief describes the documented AmpereOne family as 96–192 single-threaded cores, a stated consistent frequency of up to 3.6 GHz, a 5 nm process, and a 5964-pin FCLGA socket. Those are documented family details; they should not be assumed to apply to the separate 256-core announcement, which identified N3 but did not establish those other specifications. AmpereOne product brief
There is also partner-reported software context: Canonical says Ubuntu SoC certification for AmpereOne was completed, validating compatibility and stability with Ubuntu. That supports the software ecosystem story for AmpereOne deployments, but does not confirm the 256-core product’s availability. Canonical’s AmpereOne certification announcement
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Quick Recap
What to check before planning around the 256-core model
- Look for a current product listing or announcement that explicitly names the 256-core CPU, rather than an AmpereOne M system or platform.
- Confirm whether a quoted core count, memory-channel count, process node, clock, socket, and power figure applies to the 256-core part or only to the existing family.
- Ask a server vendor to confirm the exact processor SKU, system configuration, delivery status, and supported memory and cooling.
- Treat Ampere’s greater-than-40% performance statement as a company claim unless independent, comparable test results are available.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
