Intel introduces the Xeon 6 P-core series (Granite Rapids) following the release of the E-core series (Sierra Forest) in June. The Xeon 6 P-core series is the standard Xeon CPU for general server use, while the E-core series focuses on densely packed cores for high-density server applications. The Xeon 6 P-core series consists of 5 sub-models within the 6900 series, with the flagship Xeon 6980P boasting 128 cores and the entry-level 6960P featuring 72 cores, a significant increase from the 60 cores in the Xeon Gen 5. Almost all sub-models have a TDP of 500W, except for one at 400W.
In addition to the increased core count, the standout feature of the Xeon 6 P-core is its support for Multiplexed Rank DIMM (MRDIMM), providing a 30% increase in memory bandwidth. It also supports memory expansion through CXL bus, as well as a 20% increase in PCIe 5.0 lanes, offering up to a maximum of 192 lanes (96 lanes per CPU in a dual-socket server configuration) for enhanced I/O bandwidth.
Intel highlights the performance improvements of the Xeon 6 P-core series, stating that it delivers 2.1x better database performance, 2.5x better HPC performance, and 3x better AI inference performance compared to the Xeon Gen 5.
The Xeon P-core lineage has long been Intel’s cash cow as it commands premium prices and high profits in the server CPU market. Intel continues to lead the competition against AMD Epyc and Arm-based server CPUs, with the introduction of the Xeon 6 P-core series expected to further solidify its financial standing.
TLDR: Intel unveils the Xeon 6 P-core series, featuring increased core counts, advanced memory support, and significant performance improvements across various workloads, strengthening its position in the competitive server CPU market.
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