Intel's 86-Core Granite Rapids-WS CPU Leaked
Benchmarking has leaked relevant information about Intel's upcoming generation Xeon-Ws platform. An engineering sample of the Granite Rapids-Ws processor with 86 cores marks Intel's imminent entrance into the HEDT market to compete against the AMD Threadripper series.
Leaked CPU Specifications and Platform Details
The CPU in question leaked to the OpenBenchmarking database as an Intel 0000 designation, which is a common name for engineering samples. From the listing, the following can be gleamed about some specifications:
- Core Counts: 86 cores and 172 threads.
- Clock Speed: Base clock of 2.1 GHz which is quite normal for an early sample.
- Test Platform: Intel 'GNR-WS' (Granite Rapids-Workstation) reference board
- Memory: The system had 512 GB DDR5 memory.
The outlined core configuration may indicate that the Granite Rapids-WS series will closely resemble Intel's Xeon 6700P server CPUs, with the latter offering the same amount of 86 cores.
The New W890 Platform and Tiers
The Granite Rapids-WS processors are expected to launch on the new W890 platform that introduces the LGA 4710 socket. The platform is expected to be divided into two tiers:
- Mainstream Tier - Supports 4-channel DDR5 memory and offers up to 80 PCIe Gen5 lanes.
- Expert Tier - Supports 8-channel DDR5 memory and offer up to 128 PCIe Gen5 lanes.
Competing Against AMD Threadripper 9000
This platform will now allow Intel to take the gloves off against AMD's upcoming Threadripper 9000 series. A brief comparison based on expected specifications will reveal a close match:
- Cores: Intel is set to offer up to 86 cores and AMD's Zen 5-based Threadripper is expected to have up to 96 cores.
- PCIe Lanes: Both platforms will have very similar ranges 80-128 PCIe Gen5 lanes.
- TDP: TDPs for both Intel and AMD's high-end workstation chips are assumed to be around 350W.
Upgrade Path Considerations
One significant distinction that consumers will grapple with is the upgrade path itself. Moving to the Granite Rapids-WS and the new LGA 4710 socket will force existing Intel Xeon Workstation users to buy a new motherboard, whereas AMD users enjoying Threadripper 7000 series systems may upgrade to the Threadripper 9000 series on existing motherboards, which may be pushing an edge on upgrade costs.
