Intel’s 6th Gen Xeon Granite Rapids-SP are on track for a late 2024 launch. Following a consistent 2023, where the chipmaker released multiple generations of its data center processors, the coming months will be more challenging. After all, launching a refresh with slightly more cores/cache is nothing compared to a full-blown upgrade with new core architectures, cutting-edge process nodes, and advanced packaging. Intel’s next-gen Granite Rapids-SP will test everything it has learned about roadmap execution since CEO Pat Gelsinger took over.
According to the latest Intel SDE, Granite Rapids will increase its L3 cache to 480MB, 1.5 times more than the 320MB featured on its predecessor, Emerald Rapids. This is part of Intel’s strategy to make its Xeon processors more and more suitable for generative AI that requires large cache reserves as training models grow larger and larger.
Emerald Rapids-SP increased the L3 cache from 112.5MB (Sapphire) to 320MB on the flagship variant. That paired with the inclusion of various accelerators, make it a potent data center lineup. This can be seen in a continued effort to make the Xeons more appealing to FAM and the neverending queue of AI startups.
The 6th Gen Xeon Granite Rapids-SP will feature the Lion Cove P-core architecture alongside the Intel 3 process node in a complex chiplet packaging. Recent leaks have indicated a core count of up to 56 with a stock memory speed of 6,400 MT/s. The base and boost clock for early samples are reported between 1.2 to 1.5GHz and 2.6GHz, respectively.
Granite Rapids is expected to launch in the second half of 2024, preceded by Sierra Forest. SF will feature up to 144 Crestmont “E” cores and 108MB of L3 cache. The two are supposed to leverage the LGA4710 socket with a TDP of 350W.
