Intel expands Xeon 6 Performance core line-up with 6500P and 6700P
Introduction
In 2024 we saw Intel begin the rollout for their next generation of server CPUs, with the introduction of Intel? Xeon? 6. Intel is rolling out this new generation of CPU in stages, based on the codenames Sierra Forest and Granite Rapids, with each using different architectures.
Initially we saw the launch of 6700E series which use the newer Efficient cores (Sierra Forest) and Intel then followed up with 6900P which use Performance cores (Granite Rapids) and are targeting the higher end markets such as HPC and AI.
Now, Intel have launched further SKU’s using Performance cores, the 6500P and 6700P. To understand where these fit, let’s first look at the 2 architectures.
Sierra Forest and Granite Rapids explained
With energy efficiency becoming a critical factor for modern Cloud Computing and Data Centres,? Intel aims to maximise computational performance while minimising power consumption with the Sierra Forest architecture. Efficient, or E-cores, are physically smaller and optimised for efficiency and performance-per-watt.
The Granite Rapids architecture uses Performance cores and are more in line with the previous high-end lineup, Xeon Scalable 5th generation (Emerald Rapids), with a focus on performance-per-core and most compute intensive workloads such as AI and HPC.
As seen in the image above, the product line uses different sockets. A smaller socket LGA 4710 and the larger socket LGA 7529. Intel is using a chiplet design here, and for the first time they have the compute tile dies with core and cache and separate tiles for I/O controllers, UPI etc. LGA 4710 simply has less tiles. Single or dual, vs triple compute tile in the larger LGA 7529 socket (used in 6900P).
It should be noted, this does not equate to smaller socket = Efficient cores and larger socket = Performance cores. Server platforms will be able to utilise CPU SKUs that offer both core types across both sockets. Servers which use the LGA 4710 socket and currently supporting Intel Xeon 6 6700E will also be able to support the new range of CPUs with performance cores; 6500P and 6700P (may need BIOS updates).
Xeon 6 – 6500P and 6700P arrive
Whereas the 6900P launch late in 2024 focuses on the high-end performance market, such as AI and HPC workloads. The newer 6500P and 6700P, based on the smaller LGA 4710 socket, look to target the mid-range of server boxes. Still using Performance cores, as denoted by the P suffix, February 24th sees the launch of new Xeon 6 SKU’s.
Xeon 6500P and 6700P SKUs
There are several new SKUs across this range, broadly split out into different target markets: Performance, Mainline, Single socket, and Scalable. These are all based on the LGA 4710 socket and core counts top out at 86, compared to 128 in the 6900P series. The TDP range is 150W-350W allowing these SKUs to fit into lower power budgets.
The SKUs are summarised in the tables below.
Another key thing to highlight is the multi socket options. There are 7 SKUs that support up to 8 socket scaling, offering something that Intel’s competitors do not.
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As previously stated, being on the smaller LGA 4710 socket doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of performance. These CPUs have some unique features, such as the 8-socket scaling mentioned above as well as single socket options with a lot more PCIe lanes. These CPUs are targeting different workloads compared to the 6900P (HPC and high-end AI) so whilst some of the 6900P features may not be needed, there are other interesting aspects to note.
Some key differences vs the 6900P:
-8 DDR5 memory channels vs 12.
-8000MT/s MRDIMMs support vs 8800MT/s (MRDIMMs are not supported across all SKUs)
-88 PCIe lanes vs 96. But 136 lanes in the single socket SKUs 6500P/6700P.
-4 UPI links vs 6.
Whilst two-socket platforms are still a popular solution, many businesses are shifting to single-socket platforms to lower their power and cooling costs and to reduce their total cost of ownership (TCO). The single socket SKUs offer an interesting solution, as these offer 136 PCIe lanes, around 50% more than the regular SKUs, resulting in significantly greater overall I/O performance for peripherals and storage devices. The below tables, courtesy if Intel, highlight the different sectors and advantages that the single socket 6500P/6700P can offer. Some of these SKUs are aggressively priced too, allowing for cost effective solutions.
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To summarise overall the 3 lineups of Xeon 6, we have a summary table below.
The below table summarises the target market for each category.
At Boston, we are at the forefront of server technology, ensuring we are ready to deploy the latest hardware solutions tailored to fit any requirements. For Xeon 6 with P-cores this will be no different, with a range of Supermicro server SKUs ready to go, as well as Xeon 6 CPUs available for testing in our labs, get in touch today to book your test drive.
Utilising Supermicro’s X14 range, Boston can provide server solutions for a plethora of use cases. These servers, offering the highest performance and flexibility, are based on platforms proven over several generations and deployed in some of the world’s largest data center installations. From large-scale AI Training and Generative AI to scale-out datacentres and the intelligent edge, Supermicro X14 systems are based on modular Building Block Architectures with hybrid support for the entire range of Intel Xeon 6 processors, offering complete customization and optimization for any workload. With Boston’s complete rack-scale integration services, liquid cooling solutions, paired with Supermicro X14, this serves as the foundation for total IT solutions at any scale – from a single system to a multi-rack cluster.
In terms of specific server hardware, an extensive range of options allow for a multitude of different workloads and market sectors, including but not limited to:
·?GPU servers – HPC, AI/ML, Rendering, VDI workloads, and other deployments.
·?Hyper – Flagship performance rackmount servers are built to take on the most demanding workloads along with the storage & I/O flexibility.
·?CloudDC – All-in-one platform for cloud datacentres.
·?SuperBlade – Supermicro's high-performance, density-optimized, and energy-efficient multi-node platform.
·?Multi-node – 2U 2-Node or 4-Node platform providing superior density, performance, and serviceability.
·?Enterprise Storage – Optimized for small and large-scale storage workloads.
·?Workstations – Delivering data center performance in portable, under-desk form factors, our workstations are ideal for AI, 3D design, and media & entertainment workloads in offices, research labs, and field offices.
Plus, more can be seen at the below links:
Final words
Intel Xeon 6700/6500-series processors with P-cores are ideal for handling the common workhorse applications of most organizations. With flexible high performance plus cost and power efficiency, this family of Intel Xeon processors is built to take on the widest range of workloads while bringing significant TCO gains to the data centre.
Intel now has options across the board, be it the 6700E series with up to 144 Efficient cores for cloud native workloads, and 6500/6700/6900 with P-cores offering higher performance options from 8 to 128 cores perhaps offering more practical options for traditional server workloads. Offering more options means more choices, especially important when you consider power, where 6500P/6700P could shine with lower TDP’s between 150W-350W, much lower than the 500W high end parts of 6900P. Plus the new single socket options offering a lot of I/O bandwidth will allow servers with reduced costs (single CPU) but allow many devices to be connected. We will be sure to put these CPUs to the test, look out for a benchmarking article in the future!
Boston Labs?is all about enabling our customers to make informed decisions in selecting the right hardware, software, and overall solution for specific and bespoke requirements.?If you’d like to request a test drive of Xeon 6 with P-cores, please get in touch by emailing?[email protected]?or call us on?01727 876100?and one of our experienced sales engineers will gladly guide you through building the perfect solution just for you.
Written by
Sukhdip Mander, Field Application Engineer, Boston Limited
The #IntelXeon 6 processor family is now complete. We're excited to offer maximized performance and enhanced efficiency. ??