Launch of Intel Xeon 600 Workstation CPUs: Featuring Up to 86 Cores, 8000 MT/s Memory, 128 Gen5 Lanes, 350W TDP with Overclocking Support, & Superior Cores per Dollar Compared to Threadripper 9000

Intel has officially launched its latest generation of workstation CPUs, dubbed the Xeon 600 “Granite Rapids.”These advanced processors offer impressive performance features, including configurations of up to 86 cores, while providing a more favorable cores-to-cost ratio compared to AMD’s Threadripper series.

Intel Validates Its Position Against AMD Threadripper 9000

The newly introduced Xeon 600 series targets a range of professional markets, from content creation to data science and AI development. Built on the Intel 3 process technology and featuring Redwood Cove Performance Cores, this family aims to supersede the previous Xeon W-3500 and W-2500 series.

Noteworthy is Intel’s strategy to unify its workstation offerings under the Xeon 600 banner, integrating both mainstream and expert-class CPUs rather than segregating them as done in earlier generations.

According to Intel, the Granite Rapids CPUs are engineered to “Unleash Heavy-Duty Compute”while enhancing performance efficiency with expandable configurations designed for today’s AI developers. Let’s delve into the official specifications.

Intel Xeon 600 “Granite Rapids”Specification Overview

This new lineup comprises 11 unique WeUs, which are split between six Expert class (“X”) processors and five mainstream options. The models include the Xeon 698X, 696X, and others down to the Xeon 634. All share a unified package but have distinct die configurations tailored to their performance tiers.

For clarity, here are the die classifications:

• Granite Rapids XCC: Xeon 698X/696X
• Granite Rapids HCC: Xeon 678X/676X/674X/658X
• Granite Rapids LCC: Xeon 656/654/638/636/634

Intel clarifies that they opted not to include UCC-class chips, which offer 128 P-Cores, due to physical limitations impacting workstation form factors.

The flagship WeU, Xeon 698X, supports 86 cores with the following advancements compared to its predecessor, the Xeon 3595X:

• 43.3% increase in cores (86 vs.60)
• 2.98x greater L3 Cache (336 MB vs.112.5 MB)
• Significantly better TDP ratings with a 35W reduction (350W vs.385W) for base TDP
• Enhanced DDR5 support capabilities

The entire Xeon 600 family boasts features including AVX-512 and AMX support, CXL 2.0 capabilities, and optimized software tools through Intel’s oneAPI.

Overclocking Features for Unlocked “X”SKUs

The Xeon 600 series includes overclocking capabilities for the six “X”SKUs, which come with several enhancements aimed at optimizing CPU performance. Notable among these improvements are telemetry and monitoring tools designed for precise voltage control and stability testing.

Intel has introduced the OCBASE partnership, offering tuning support to Xeon 600 users through the OCCT App. This collaboration enhances the existing toolset and features such as:

• Dynamic Overclocking Controls compatible with both Linux and Windows
• Configurable Benchmarking
• Advanced Platform Telemetry

Introducing the Intel W890 Platform

Central to the Xeon 600 series is the W890 platform, utilizing the LGA 4710-2 (V2) socket. This upgrade opens the door for new motherboards from manufacturers like ASUS, Gigabyte, and Supermicro, replacing the previous W790 chipset.

The W890 platform provides enhanced technology options including Wi-Fi 7, multiple LAN configurations, and improved memory support with a maximum of 4TB on 8-channel setups. This system is primed for high-performance workloads including AI computational tasks.

Performance Advancements Over Previous Generations

Intel’s strides in performance are notable. The Xeon 600 series, particularly the Xeon 698X, offers significant gains over the Sapphire Rapids line, as illustrated in the SPEC Workstation 4.0 benchmarks:

• 61% improvement in Financial Services operations
• 17% boost in AI & Machine Learning tasks
• 74% faster rendering times in content creation

Also, with support for AMX capabilities, Intel enhances its rendering toolkit, allowing for quicker processing times in various creative applications.

Superior Value Compared to AMD Threadripper

From a pricing perspective, the Xeon 600 series offers a noteworthy value proposition against AMD’s Threadripper 9000 line. The Xeon 698X, while having slightly fewer cores than AMD’s 9995WX, provides substantial savings, retailing at approximately $7699 compared to $11699 for its AMD counterpart.

Intel vs. AMD Threadripper Price/Core Comparison:

Availability and Future Prospects

Intel’s Xeon 600 CPUs and the corresponding platform are expected to be available at the end of March. A selection of five boxed CPUs will be ready for consumers, including Xeon models like the 696X and 676X.

This release not only signifies Intel’s commitment to advancing its workstation capabilities but also reinforces its competitive stance in the industry against AMD.Source & Images

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