Intel is poised to enter a new era of computational power with the leaked specifications of its upcoming Xeon 698X, part of the Granite Rapids-WS family. This processor, designed for demanding workloads, boasts an impressive 86 cores and 172 threads, setting a new benchmark in core count for workstation CPUs.
The Xeon 698X is built on Intel's advanced Redwood Cove P-Core architecture, which promises significant performance gains. With a base clock of 2.0 GHz and boost clocks reaching up to 4.60 GHz, this chip is engineered to handle the most intensive tasks with ease. Its thermal design power (TDP) is rated at 350W, though it's expected to draw up to 462W under maximum load, reflecting its formidable capabilities.
When compared to Intel's current flagship Xeon W9-3595X from the Sapphire Rapids-WS lineup, the Xeon 698X shows substantial improvements. It offers 43.3% more cores and threads, nearly three times the L3 cache (336 MB), and a significant increase in total cache to 508 MB. Despite these advancements, the base TDP is reduced by 35W, demonstrating Intel's efforts to balance performance with efficiency.
The Xeon 698X was tested on a reference platform equipped with 256 GB of DDR5 memory, though its Geekbench 6 scores were lower than expected. This is attributed to the benchmark's limitations in scaling beyond a certain core threshold. The CPU scored 2532 points in single-core and 21,030 points in multi-core tests, providing a glimpse into its potential performance.
Interestingly, during testing, the chip was observed boosting close to 4.8 GHz, suggesting that the listed boost clock of 4.60 GHz might not be final. This indicates that Intel could further optimize the Xeon 698X's performance before its official launch.
The Granite Rapids-WS family is expected to introduce more processor lineups in the coming months, promising a range of options for different workloads and use cases. This flagship chip, with its unprecedented specifications, is likely to set a new standard for workstation performance, catering to professionals in fields such as rendering, simulation, and data analysis.
As Intel continues to push the boundaries of CPU technology, the Xeon 698X represents a significant leap forward. With its massive core count, substantial cache, and impressive clock speeds, it is poised to become a cornerstone for high-performance computing in the years to come.
