AMD's EPYC 9006 Series Offers Up to 256 Cores for AI Servers

AMD's sixth-generation EPYC 9006 Series, code-named Venice, pairs server features for AI-agent workloads with configurations of up to 256 cores. Original equipment manufacturer availability is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026.

AMD unveiled the series at its Advancing AI conference in San Francisco on July 22-23, 2026. The processors combine Zen 6 and Zen 6c cores across four platform designs for different workloads.

The top model, EPYC 9996, offers up to 256 Zen 6c cores and has an enterprise starting price of $14,904. The series supports 16-channel DDR5 memory with bandwidth of up to 1.6 terabytes per second, along with PCIe Gen 6 connectivity. Its use of TSMC's 2-nanometer process was also covered in an earlier report on Venice's production ramp.

AMD says partners have committed to more than 240 server designs using the series. That figure counts platform designs, not processor shipments. EPYC shipments are forecast to reach about 1.25 million units in 2026 and 6.75 million in 2027.

Early production of SP7 models began in July 2026. OEM availability is scheduled for the fourth quarter, with the broader rollout expected to continue through 2027. AMD's Helion rack design for agentic AI workloads also includes a CPU-only configuration built around sixth-generation EPYC processors.