Intel Prepares Xeon 6980P Processor with Up to 128 P-Cores and 3.2 GHz Speeds
Intel is reportedly advancing its processor technology with the forthcoming launch of the Granite Rapids-AP “Xeon 6” CPU series, which is expected to feature a model with up to 128 P-Cores. The development marks a significant leap forward in computing power, particularly for high-performance computing (HPC) workloads.
Leaked Specifications Offer a Glimpse into the Future of Intel Xeon Processors
An insider with access to confidential documents has provided details about the specifications of four new Intel Xeon SKU lineup. These processors bear the model numbers Xeon 6980P, 6979P, 6972P, and 6960P, each with a distinct core configuration spanning from 72 to 128 cores.
The highlight of the leak is the flagship Xeon 6980P, an impressive powerhouse that boasts 128 cores based on the Redwood Cove P-Core architecture, the same architecture utilized in Meteor Lake CPUs. This processor, alongside others in the series, is expected to have a thermal design power (TDP) of 500 watts with base clock speeds starting at 2.7 GHz and a potential boost up to 3.8 GHz.
The New Intel Xeon Family: Specifications and Performance Expectations
The new range of Xeon processors is set to revolutionize the market, offering remarkable performance benchmarks:
– Xeon 6980P: 128 Cores at 2.0-3.2 GHz
– Xeon 6979P: 120 Cores at 2.1-3.2 GHz
– Xeon 6972P: 96 Cores at 2.4-3.5 GHz
– Xeon 6960P: 72 Cores at 2.7-3.8 GHz
All these CPUs will each have a 500W TDP, indicating Intel’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of processing power to support complex and demanding tasks.
Increased Core Counts to Match Competitors
With Intel’s previous generation, the Emerald Rapids family, topping out at 64 cores, the upcoming Granite Rapids doubles this with a maximum of 128 cores. This positions Intel to rival the core counts anticipated for future EPYC Turin chips based on the Zen 5 architecture.
Intel’s Birch Stream Platform: A Forward-Thinking Foundation
The Birch Stream platform will be segmented into two distinct socket types to accommodate varying needs. For standard SP chips, there will be the LGA 4710, while the more powerful AP chips will utilize the larger LGA 7529 socket. Interestingly, Intel plans to push core counts even higher, with the Sierra Forest E-Core family set to offer up to 288 cores.
Architectural Innovations in Future Xeon Models
Although the upcoming ‘Xeon 6’ family is making clear distinctions between P-Core and E-Core CPUs, we can anticipate the eventual convergence of these architectures with the successor ‘Xeon 7’ family. The future landscape might still hold specific P-Core and E-Core models for selected customers.
Platform Capabilities That Leverage the Power of Xeon P-Cores
Granite Rapids ‘Xeon 6’ P-Core CPUs are gearing up to support configurations that range from single-socket (1S) to octa-socket (8S) setups. The platform is designed with up to 12 memory channels compatible with both DDR and MCR, extending up to 136 PCIe Gen5 lanes, and integrating CXL 2.0 support. Furthermore, the actual chip design is structured around single, dual, or even triple compute chiplets, signifying a variety of SKUs within the P-Core family.
Release Timeline and Consumer Expectations
The tech community is eagerly awaiting Intel’s official launch of the Xeon 6 lineup, projected to occur following Sierra Forest’s debut, which is scheduled for this quarter. With such detailed anticipated specifications, there is substantial excitement about how these processors will reshape the world of HPC and beyond.
