Intel Granite Rapids-AP Xeon 6900P CPU Lineup Leaks Out: Xeon 6980P Flagship With Up To 128 P-Cores, 504 MB Cache, 500W TDP

Intel has once again pushed the boundaries of server processor technology with its upcoming Granite Rapids-AP Xeon 6900P CPUs. These next-generation processors are designed to deliver unparalleled performance and efficiency, making them a formidable competitor in the high-stakes world of data centers and enterprise computing. The Granite Rapids-AP series, which was recently unveiled at the Computex event, promises to bring significant advancements in core count, cache size, and thermal design power (TDP), positioning Intel as a leader in the server processor market.

The new Xeon 6900P family is set to feature up to 128 p-cores and an impressive 504MB of cache, making it one of the most powerful server processors ever created. This leap in core count and cache size is expected to provide a substantial boost in performance, particularly for applications that require high levels of parallel processing and large datasets. The flagship model, the Xeon Platinum 6980P, stands out with its 128 cores, 500W TDP, and a base frequency of 2GHz, making it a powerhouse for demanding workloads.

In addition to the flagship 6980P, the Granite Rapids-AP lineup includes several other models with varying core counts and specifications. The Xeon 6979P, for example, features a slightly lower core count but maintains the same 500W TDP and cache size as the 6980P, with a base frequency of 2.1GHz. The Xeon 6972P offers 96 cores, a 500W TDP, 480MB of cache, and a base frequency of 2.4GHz. Meanwhile, the Xeon 6952P provides a more energy-efficient option with a 400W TDP, 96 cores, and a base frequency of 2.1GHz. The least powerful model in the lineup, the Xeon 6960P, features 72 cores, a 500W TDP, and a base frequency of 2.7GHz.

This latest development marks the second instance of a 128-core part being suggested for the Granite Rapids architecture. Previous leaks had also hinted at a 128-core processor with a 500W TDP, indicating that Intel is doubling the core count from its predecessor, the Emerald Rapids, which had a peak core count of 64. This substantial increase in core count is expected to deliver a significant performance boost, making the Granite Rapids-AP series a compelling choice for data-intensive applications and workloads.

The Granite Rapids architecture represents Intel’s next-generation server processor design, which will debut alongside the Sierra Forrest architecture. While both architectures are aimed at the server market, Granite Rapids is positioned as the more performance-oriented option, featuring Redwood Cove P-cores without E-cores. Intel claims that the Granite Rapids architecture will offer up to a 3x performance improvement and 2.8x memory bandwidth compared to previous generations, making it a game-changer for enterprise computing.

The Granite Rapids-AP series is expected to officially launch in Q3 of this year, with models featuring up to 86 cores. The 128-core models, including the flagship 6980P, are slated to debut in early 2025. This staggered release schedule allows Intel to compete effectively against AMD’s upcoming Turin lineup, which is also expected to feature a maximum core count of 128 cores. By launching the Xeon 6900P family first, Intel aims to establish a strong foothold in the market and showcase its technological advancements.

One of the key differentiators of the Xeon 6900P family is its use of the Redwood Cove core architecture. These p-cores are designed to deliver high performance and efficiency, directly competing against AMD’s Zen 5 core architecture on the Turin family. The Xeon 6900P CPUs will feature over 500MB of LLC cache, which is comparable to AMD’s Epyc Turin family. However, Intel’s Redwood Cove architecture offers 2MB of L2 cache per core, resulting in a total cache size of over 750MB, which is higher than the 650MB pool cache on the Turin Zen 5 family.

In addition to the impressive core and cache specifications, the Xeon 6900P family also supports advanced memory and connectivity features. These include up to 12-channel memory, DDR5-6400 and MCR-8800 MT/s speeds, up to 96 PCIe Gen 5.0/CXL 2.0 lanes, and 6 UPI 2.0 links. These features ensure that the Xeon 6900P processors can handle the most demanding workloads and provide high levels of performance and scalability for enterprise applications.

Another noteworthy aspect of the Xeon 6900P family is its competitive positioning against AMD’s Epyc Turin lineup. Both Intel and AMD are pushing the envelope in terms of core count, cache size, and overall performance, making it an exciting time for the server processor market. While AMD will have 3D V-cache boosted flavors with higher cache counts, Intel’s Granite Rapids-AP series finally achieves core count parity and takes the lead in cache count. This head-to-head competition between Intel and AMD will ultimately benefit customers, as it drives innovation and delivers better performance and value.

The launch of the Granite Rapids-AP Xeon 6900P CPUs is a significant milestone for Intel, as it demonstrates the company’s commitment to advancing server processor technology. With its impressive core count, large cache size, and advanced memory and connectivity features, the Xeon 6900P family is poised to set new standards in performance and efficiency. As data centers and enterprise applications continue to grow in complexity and demand, Intel’s Granite Rapids-AP series offers a powerful solution to meet these challenges.

Looking ahead, the server processor market is expected to see continued innovation and competition, with Intel and AMD leading the charge. The Granite Rapids-AP series is just the beginning, as both companies are likely to introduce even more advanced processors in the coming years. For now, the Xeon 6900P family represents a significant leap forward, offering unprecedented levels of performance and efficiency for data centers and enterprise computing.

In conclusion, Intel’s Granite Rapids-AP Xeon 6900P CPUs mark a new era in server processor technology. With up to 128 p-cores, 504MB of cache, and a 500W TDP, these processors are designed to deliver exceptional performance and efficiency for the most demanding workloads. The Granite Rapids-AP series, featuring the flagship Xeon Platinum 6980P, sets a new standard in core count, cache size, and overall capabilities. As the server processor market continues to evolve, Intel’s latest offering positions the company as a leader in innovation and performance, ready to meet the needs of modern data centers and enterprise applications.