Intel's upcoming Granite Rapids server processor, the Xeon 6900P, has been spotted in early benchmarks, offering a tantalizing preview of the chip giant's next-generation data center technology. With a staggering 120 performance cores and 240 threads, this processor aims to redefine high-performance computing.
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| A close-up view of an Intel semiconductor chip representing the high-performance computing technology of the Xeon 6900P processor |
Key Specifications:
- 120 P-cores / 240 threads per CPU
- 744MB total cache (240MB L2, 504MB L3)
- Dual-socket capability for up to 240 cores / 480 threads
- Support for DDR5-6400 and DDR5-8800 (MCR) memory
Benchmark Insights
The Xeon 6900P was spotted on Geekbench running in a dual-CPU configuration, achieving scores of 1,021 in single-core and 7,155 in multi-core tests. However, these results come with a significant caveat: the engineering sample was locked at a base clock of 1.8 GHz, far below its potential boost speeds.
Power and Performance
While the full performance potential remains to be seen, the Xeon 6900P's massive core count comes at a cost. Leaks suggest a TDP of up to 500 watts per chip, potentially consuming 1,000 watts in a dual-socket setup. This power draw will require advanced cooling solutions in data center environments.
Market Positioning
Intel is positioning Granite Rapids to compete directly with AMD's upcoming EPYC Turin processors based on the Zen 5 architecture. The 128-core variant of Granite Rapids will go head-to-head with AMD's 128-core offerings, while the E-core focused Sierra Forest chips (up to 288 cores) will target the high-density computing segment.
Launch Timeline and Expectations
Granite Rapids is expected to hit the market before the end of 2024. As we approach the launch, we can expect to see more concrete performance figures and a clearer picture of how Intel's next-gen server CPUs will stack up against the competition.
While these early benchmarks offer an intriguing glimpse, it's important to remember that final specifications and performance may change significantly. The tech world will be watching closely as Intel prepares to unleash its most powerful server processors yet.