Intel is set to expand its workstation CPU offerings with the addition of the new Xeon W-3500 and W-2500 series, part of the Sapphire Rapids refresh. According to recent listings by Dell and other online retailers, these new CPUs will soon be available, providing a boost in performance for workstation users.
## Intel’s Xeon W-3500 & W-2500 CPUs Are Imminent
The upcoming Intel Xeon W-3500 and W-2500 workstation CPUs have been confirmed through BIOS updates for Dell’s Precision 7960 and 5860 workstation systems. These updates indicate support for the new processors, suggesting that an official launch is on the horizon.
## Upcoming Xeon W3500 Series CPUs Listed
Ahead of their release, several models from the Xeon W3500 series have been spotted, including the W9-3575X, W7-3565X, and other variants. While prices have not been disclosed, their presence in retailer listings points to an imminent launch.
## Intel Xeon W-3500 “Sapphire Rapids-112L” Refresh Detailed
The updated Xeon W-3500 family will feature seven SKUs, offering a variety of core counts ranging from 16 to 60 cores and supporting multi-threading capabilities. TDPs for these CPUs vary between 290W to 350W, with base clock speeds starting from 2.2 GHz up to 3.2 GHz. Each processor has a slight increase in core counts compared to its predecessors, with the highest model getting a bump of up to four additional cores.
## Intel Xeon W-2500 “Sapphire Rapids-64L” Refresh Insights
Similar to the W-3500 series, the W-2500 family will also receive a refresh, featuring at least seven SKUs with core counts that span from 8 to 26 cores. These CPUs will have TDPs ranging from 175W to 250W, offering base clock speeds between 2.8 GHz and 3.5 GHz. Though the core count increase is more modest than the W-3500 series, every model gets at least two additional cores.
## Enhanced Memory and PCIe Gen5 Support
The refreshed CPUs will maintain compatibility with existing W790 HEDT and workstation motherboards, supporting DDR5-4800 memory. “X” labeled SKUs will offer overclocking capabilities and higher boost clock speeds.
## Comparing AMD Threadripper and Intel Xeon Offerings
Comparatively, AMD’s Threadripper series stands out in the workstation market with up to 96 cores, faster DDR5 memory support, and a greater number of Gen5 PCIe lanes. Threadripper CPUs tend to excel in multi-threaded tasks and efficiency, setting the bar high for Intel’s updated Xeon lineup.
## Summary of the New Intel Xeon Workstation CPUs
The refreshed Intel Xeon W-3500 and W-2500 series will include multiple SKUs with different core and thread counts. These processors will feature improved clock speeds, cache sizes, and support for DDR5 memory and PCIe Gen5 lanes. While AMD’s Threadripper family currently dominates the high-end workstation market, Intel’s refreshed CPUs aim to provide competitive alternatives for workstation users.
Intel’s forthcoming CPU lineup is poised to offer a range of options for those in need of robust workstation performance. By extending the capabilities and power efficiency of their Xeon series, Intel seeks to continue meeting the demands of professional and high-performance computing environments. The official launch date and pricing remain unconfirmed, but with listings already appearing, it’s clear that these new processors will be joining the market soon.
