For the first time since 2017, Intel’s core counts exceed AMD’s EPYC models and match AMD’s upcoming Zen 5 Turin processors. Intel claims the 6900P series offers up to 2.1x the performance of AMD’s 96-core Genoa in OpenFOAM HPC and up to 5.5x in AI inferencing with ResNet50.

Tom’s Hardware points out that Intel’s claims are impressive against AMD’s current-gen models.  But AMD has its 3nm EPYC Turin retort with up to 128 performance cores coming next month, setting the stage for a pitched battle for data centre sockets throughout the remainder of 2024 and into 2025.

Intel’s new Xeon 6 processors, unveiled at the Enterprise Tech Tour in Portland, Oregon, feature new CPU core microarchitectures, the Intel 3 process node, and up to 504MB of L3 cache. They support 12 memory channels and MRDIMM memory tech, reaching speeds up to 8800 MT/s.

The Granite Rapids 6900P lineup, designed for latency-sensitive workloads, ranges from 72 to 128 cores with up to 500W TDP. These models also boast up to 504MB of L3 cache, surpassing AMD’s Genoa models.

Intel’s Xeon 6 ‘Sierra Forest’ 6700E series, launched earlier this year, features up to 144 efficiency cores for density-optimised environments. The 6900E models with up to 288 efficiency cores will arrive in Q1 2025.

Both Granite Rapids processors fit into the Birch Stream platform, with the 6700 E/P series supporting up to 86 P-cores or 144 E-cores and the 6900 E/P series supporting up to 128 P-cores or 288 E-cores.

Intel’s 6700P series consists of designs with three compute dies, fabbed on the Intel 3 process node, housing CPU cores, caches, interconnect mesh, and memory controllers. Two I/O dies, fabbed on the Intel 7 process node, house PCIe, UPI, and CXL controllers.

Intel will launch the more general-purpose P-core Xeon 6 models with 86 or fewer cores in the first quarter of 2025. Of course, the list of 6900P SKUs only includes ‘on-roadmap’ models, but Intel also works with partners to deliver custom chip designs based on their needs (AWS is a recent example).

Intel has said that custom models comprise up to half of its Xeon sales, but the current distribution is unclear.

Intel’s Granite Rapids processors fit into the Birch Stream platform and are divided into two branches.

The Xeon 6700 E/P series supports up to 86 P-cores or 144 E-cores, with up to 350W per CPU, eight memory channels, and eight sockets per server.

The 6900 E/P series requires AP server platforms, supporting up to 128 P-cores or 288 E-cores, with up to 500W per CPU, 12 memory channels, and two sockets per server. Demand for AP systems is strong, with more OEMs bringing these platforms to market.

Future Clearwater Forest chips with the 18A process will also be supported on the Birch Stream platform, ensuring forward compatibility for customers and OEMs.