Intel Xeon Granite Rapids-W CPUs: W890 Platform Support, 128 PCIe Gen5 Lanes, and 8-Channel Memory

Intel is set to unveil its next-generation Xeon W platform, featuring the Granite Rapids-W lineup and the new W890 motherboards, which promise enhanced I/O capabilities.

Key Specifications for Granite Rapids-W Xeon and W890 Platforms

Recent revelations from Jaykihn detail both the “Mainstream”and “Expert”configurations of the Granite Rapids-W platform. This information indicates that Intel is maintaining its established strategy similar to previous Xeon W offerings. Following in the footsteps of AMD, it appears Intel will introduce both a premium and an entry-level option tailored to workstation users.

GNR-W

Mainstream4ch80L G5 cpu

Expert8ch128L G5 cpu

W89024L G4 PCIe8L G4 DMI

— Jaykihn (@jaykihn0) February 12, 2025

The Granite Rapids-W Xeon W family is expected to provide 4-channel memory support and 80 PCIe Gen5 lanes in the Mainstream configuration. In contrast, the Expert platform will feature an impressive 8-channel memory support alongside 128 PCIe Gen5 lanes, enhancing performance for demanding applications.

Moreover, the upcoming W890 chipset will debut alongside this CPU series, designed for integration into next-gen motherboards. This chipset is anticipated to include 24 PCIe Gen4 lanes complemented by 8 lanes dedicated to DMI (Direct Media Interface).However, it remains unclear whether Intel will release two distinct socket variants for the W890 chipset, especially since the Xeon 6900P and Xeon 6700P will utilize differing socket configurations.

Specifically, the Xeon 6900P lineup will operate on the LGA 7529 socket, while the Xeon 6700P will be compatible with the LGA 4710 socket. Notably, the prior-generation W790 chipset motherboards were built on the LGA 4677 socket, a standard that spanned two generations: the Sapphire Rapids Xeon W-2400/3400 series and its successor, the W-2500/3500 series.

Intel Granite Rapids-W Data Center Processor

Looking ahead, the Granite Rapids-SP CPUs from Intel are expected to impress with up to 86 cores, representing a 43% boost in core and thread count compared to their Sapphire Rapids-SP predecessors. While Intel’s new offerings may still fall short of AMD’s Threadripper 7000 CPUs, which feature up to 96 cores, the latest Xeon HEDT (High-End Desktop) family will incorporate upgraded Redwood Cove cores, significantly powered to meet increased demands.

Though a concrete launch date has yet to be confirmed, industry insiders anticipate that these cutting-edge processors will become available for purchase later this year.

Overview of Intel’s HEDT and Workstation Processor Families

Intel HEDT Family	Granite Rapids	Sapphire Rapids Refresh	Sapphire Rapids	Cascade Lake	Skylake	Broadwell	Haswell	Ivy Bridge	Sandy Bridge	Gulftown
Process Node	Intel 3	10nm ESF	10nm ESF	14nm++	14nm+	14nm+	14nm	22nm	22nm	32nm
Flagship WeU	TBD	Xeon W9-3595X, Xeon W7-2595X	Xeon W9-3495X, Xeon W7-2495X	Core i9-10980XE	Xeon W-3175X	Core i9-9980XE	Core i9-7980XE	Core i7-6950X	Core i7-5960X	Core i7-4960X	Core i7-3960X	Core i7-980X
Max Cores/Threads	86/172?	60/120, 26/52	56/112, 24/48	18/36	28/56	18/36	18/36	10/20	8/16	6/12	6/12	6/12
Clock Speeds	TBD	4.8 GHz	4.8 GHz	3.00 / 4.80 GHz	3.10/4.30 GHz	3.00/4.50 GHz	2.60/4.20 GHz	3.00/3.50 GHz	3.00/3.50 GHz	3.60/4.00 GHz	3.30/3.90 GHz	3.33/3.60 GHz
Max Cache	TBD	105 MB L3	105 MB L3	24.75 MB L3	38.5 MB L3	24.75 MB L3	24.75 MB L3	25 MB L3	20 MB L3	15 MB L3	15 MB L3	12 MB L3
Max PCIe Lanes (CPU)	128 Gen 5	112 Gen 5	112 Gen 5	44 Gen 3	44 Gen 3	44 Gen 3	44 Gen 3	40 Gen 3	40 Gen 3	40 Gen 3	40 Gen 2	32 Gen 2
Chipset Compatibility	W890	W790	W790	X299	C612E	X299	X299	X99 Chipset	X99 Chipset	X79 Chipset	X79 Chipset	X58 Chipset
Socket Compatibility	LGA 4710?	LGA 4677	LGA 4677	LGA 2066	LGA 3647	LGA 2066	LGA 2066	LGA 2011-3	LGA 2011-3	LGA 2011	LGA 2011	LGA 1366
Memory Compatibility	DDR5-6000?	DDR5-4800	DDR5-4800	DDR4-2933	DDR4-2666	DDR4-2800	DDR4-2666	DDR4-2400	DDR4-2133	DDR3-1866	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1066
Max TDP	350W?	350W	350W	165W	255W	165W	165W	140W	140W	130W	130W	130W
Launch	2025?	2024	2023	Q4 2019	Q4 2018	Q4 2018	Q3 2017	Q2 2016	Q3 2014	Q3 2013	Q4 2011	Q1 2010
Launch Price (Top WeU)	TBD	TBD	$5889	$979 US	~$4000 US	$1979 US	$1999 US	$1700 US	$1059 US	$999 US	$999 US	$999 US