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Square green ceramic server CPU with gold LGA 4926 contacts and silver heatspreader

Ampere

Ampere Altra Max M96-30 AC-209622002 server processor 96-core 3.0 GHz LGA 4926 157W

SKU CH-KCNX-VWXAR MPN AC-209622002

96-core server processor running at a consistent 3.0 GHz with 8-channel DDR4-3200 and 128 lanes of PCIe 4.0

  • Product nameAmpere Altra Max
  • CPU cores96-Core
  • CPU socketLGA 4926
  • CPU threads96
  • Working frequency3.0 GHz
  • L1 cache size64K Instruction and 64K Data per Core
  • 96 single-threaded cores deliver predictable performance at a consistent 3.0 GHz
  • TSMC 7 nm FinFET process enables 157 W average power for high-density deployments
  • 8-channel DDR4-3200 controller supports up to 4 TB ECC memory across 16 DIMMs
  • 128 lanes of PCIe 4.0 provide extensive I/O bandwidth for storage and networking
  • LGA 4926 socket with 1 MB L2 cache per core optimises cloud-native workloads

Cloud-native 96-core server processor

The Ampere Altra Max M96-30 is a 64-bit ARM server CPU built for cloud-native workloads. It delivers 96 single-threaded cores running at a consistent 3.0 GHz within a 157 W power envelope. The processor targets hyperscale and enterprise deployments that demand predictable throughput and high core density.

DDR4-3200 eight-channel memory

The integrated controller supports eight channels of 72-bit DDR4-3200 with ECC, accommodating up to 16 DIMMs and 4 TB total capacity. I/O provides 128 lanes of PCIe 4.0, with an optional 64-lane CCIX configuration for multi-socket scaling. The 16 MB system-level cache and 32 I/O controllers bifurcated to x4 represent the platform ceiling.

Upgrades from lower-core Altra models

Moving from 32, 64 or 80-core Altra parts adds cores while halving the system cache to 16 MB and reducing I/O controllers to 32. The jump suits buyers who need maximum thread count per socket for containerised or virtualised services. Buyers who want more PCIe lanes or larger shared cache per core should evaluate other configurations.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Server Processors, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $1,412.99
Typical for this category: the median of 621 items is $1,561.99.
CPU cores 96-Core
Higher than about 91% of the 386 comparable items (median 24).

New to this? Buying a processor with crypto — what to check, what it costs to pay, and what is never asked for.

Specifications

Product
Brand nameAmpere
Product lineAmpere Altra Family
Model nameM96-30
Product nameAmpere Altra Max
Performance
Working frequency3.0 GHz
Processor
CPU cores96-Core
CPU socketLGA 4926
CPU threads96
L1 cache size64K Instruction and 64K Data per Core
Level 2 cache1 MB per Core
64-bit capableYes
Process nodeTSMC 7 nm FinFET
Virtualization supportYes
Maximum PCIe lanes128 Lanes PCIe Gen4 (optional 64 lane CCIX for multi-socket support)
Average CPU power157 W
Memory
Supported memory speedDDR4 3200
Max supported memoryUp to 16 DIMMs (2DPC) and 4 TB total memory
Channel configuration8 Channel
Ports & slots
PCIe generation4.0
Size & build
Shipping weight0.91 kg
Package size203 × 178 × 127 mm

Questions about this item

Should I choose the M96-30 or the 128-core Altra Max for my workload?

The M96-30 provides 96 cores at a consistent 3.0 GHz with 157 W average power. The 128-core model increases core count but may run at a lower frequency or higher power envelope. Choose the M96-30 when per-core performance and predictable power matter more than maximum thread count.

What does the consistent 3.0 GHz frequency mean for real-world server performance?

Every core sustains 3.0 GHz without turbo boost or thermal throttling, so latency-sensitive cloud workloads and containerised services see predictable response times across all 96 threads.

How many PCIe 4.0 lanes does the processor expose and what does that limit?

The CPU provides 128 PCIe 4.0 lanes, allowing up to 128 lanes of Gen4 storage or networking devices; multi-socket configurations can optionally use 64 lanes for CCIX instead.

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