Intel Diamond Rapids Xeon Delayed to 2027 Featuring 512 Cores and 16-Channel Memory, Coral Rapids Reintroduces SMT in 2028

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Intel’s upcoming Xeon “Diamond Rapids”processors are set to revolutionize the industry with support for up to 512 cores, while the Coral Rapids series promises to reintroduce simultaneous multithreading (SMT) on 8-channel configurations by 2028.

Intel Diamond Rapids: 16-Channel Setup Delayed to 2027 with Up to 512 Cores

The highly anticipated launch of Intel’s Diamond Rapids Xeon CPUs, originally scheduled for this year, has been postponed to 2027. This setback is primarily due to yield challenges and the cancellation of the originally planned 8-channel line.

According to Intel’s renovation timeline, a broad market introduction of the Diamond Rapids Xeon series is now slated for mid-2027, focusing initially on a 16-channel platform. Reports from industry insider Jaykihn suggest that the series will initially feature configurations scaling up to 256 cores, with an eventual peak at 512 cores planned shortly thereafter. Notably, this will mark the last generation of Xeon processors to be offered without SMT architecture, utilizing the Panther Cove-X design for its Performance Cores (P-Cores).

Yes, 512C, follows DMR 16CH by a quarter or two.

— Jaykihn (@jaykihn0) April 24, 2026

Importantly, the architecture for both the standard 16-channel and the more advanced 512-core configurations will share the same platform, eliminating additional socket requirements for data centers as they upgrade to higher core counts.

Intel's Next-Gen Diamond Rapids Xeon CPUs Feature Panther Cove-X P-Cores — Image Source: Wccftech (AI Generated)

The Diamond Rapids series will introduce two innovative tiles: the Compute Tile (CBB – Core Building Block), which separates the Integrated Memory Controller (IMC), unlike its predecessor, Granite Rapids. Initial platform specifications indicate potential thermal design power (TDP) of up to 650W for the LGA 9324 platform, with capabilities for multi-socket configurations.

Following the Diamond Rapids release, Intel plans to roll out the Coral Rapids processors, which will reinstate Performance Cores with SMT support. Expected in mid-2028 and targeting 8-channel platforms, the launch could be expedited in response to the rising demand from Agentic AI applications, as noted by industry expert Lip-Bu Tan.

Snapshot, subject to change. Clearwater Forest 1H 2026. Diamond Rapids mid 2027, 16CH. Coral Rapids mid 2028, starting with 8CH. As mentioned in Q1 call, may be accelerated. Crescent Island and Crescent Island Workstation late 2026, Xe3p. Jaguar Shores late 2027, Xe4.

— Jaykihn (@jaykihn0) April 24, 2026

Intel’s Xeon CPU line is set to gain traction with new custom x86 models featuring NVLINK technology, slated for collaboration with NVIDIA as the AI sector calls for diverse CPU advancements across both x86 and Arm architectures. More updates on the Xeon series are expected in the upcoming months.

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