Intel Debuts Dual Generations of Xeon Processors in Unprecedented Yearly Release (2023)

Intel makes headlines with its unprecedented release of two generations of Xeon processors in a single year, showcasing their commitment to meeting market demands and solidifying their position as a leader in the chip industry.

Unprecedented release of two generations of Xeon processors in a single year
Back on track with roadmap despite previous delays
Enhancements in memory bandwidth and cache for generative AI applications

Intel, one of the leading chipmakers in the world, has made headlines with its unprecedented release of two generations of Xeon processors in a single year. This move not only silenced critics but also ensured that Intel stays on track with its roadmap. The 4th Gen Xeon Sapphire Rapids-SP was launched in January 2023, followed by the 5th Gen Xeon Emerald Rapids-SP in December of the same year.

To understand this unique release strategy, we need to look back at Intel’s roadmap from 2019. Originally, Sapphire Rapids was scheduled to launch in 2021 but faced multiple delays, finally hitting the market in Q1 2023. Similarly, the 5th Gen Xeon Emerald Rapids was initially planned for a 2022 release but ended up being launched in Q4 2023. Despite the setbacks, Intel seems to be back on track, with the 6th Gen Xeon processors set to debut this year.

Some may question the validity of Emerald Rapids as a full-fledged generational upgrade. It utilizes the Raptor Cove cores, which are essentially Golden Cove cores with additional cache. While there is only a marginal increase in core count from 60 to 64, the L3 cache sees a significant boost from 112.5MB to 320MB. This enhancement in memory bandwidth and cache will greatly benefit generative AI applications in the future.

Emerald Rapids shares many similarities with Sapphire Rapids on paper. However, there are some key differences worth noting. It leverages two compute dies instead of four, allowing for denser packing to accommodate the increased SRAM. Additionally, it incorporates accelerators that enhance performance in AI, HPC, networking, and data transfer by up to 70%.

Intel’s focus on the lucrative generative AI market is evident in their product strategy. Unlike traditional data center workloads that require high computing power, generative AI models are more bandwidth-intensive. The increase in L3 cache with Emerald Rapids directly addresses this demand. Intel is confident in the platform advantage of the 5th Gen Xeon processors, as they can be seamlessly integrated into existing Eagle Stream platforms, minimizing verification and validation delays.

Looking ahead, Intel has exciting plans for its 6th Gen Xeon family. Consisting of Sierra Forest and Granite Rapids, these chips will leverage the LGA7529 socket and a common I/O die for easy interoperability and flexibility. Sierra Forest is expected to launch in mid-2024, followed by Granite Rapids later in the year.

Intel’s commitment to platform extensibility is evident in their efforts to ensure a smooth transition for software manufacturers and All-in-One computer providers. Upgrading to the fifth generation Intel Xeon Scalable Processing is expected to be a seamless process, thanks to completed platform and software verifications.

With these releases and future plans, Intel is solidifying its position as a leader in the chip industry. The dual generations of Xeon processors demonstrate their dedication to meeting market demands and pushing the boundaries of performance and efficiency. As we eagerly await the launch of the 6th Gen Xeon processors, it’s clear that Intel is determined to maintain its innovative edge in the ever-evolving world of technology.

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Background Information

About Intel:

Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

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Technology Explained

L3 cache: L3 cache is a type of computer memory that is used to store frequently used data and instructions. It is located between the processor and main memory, and is used to reduce the amount of time it takes for the processor to access data from main memory. This helps to improve the overall performance of the computer. In the computer industry, L3 cache is used in many applications, such as gaming, video editing, and web browsing. It can also be used to improve the performance of servers and other high-performance computing tasks. By providing faster access to data, L3 cache can help to reduce the amount of time it takes for a computer to complete a task.

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Xeon: The Intel Xeon processor is a powerful and reliable processor used in many computer systems. It is a multi-core processor that is designed to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. It is used in servers, workstations, and high-end desktop computers. It is also used in many embedded systems, such as routers and switches. The Xeon processor is known for its high performance and scalability, making it a popular choice for many computer applications. It is also used in many cloud computing applications, as it is capable of handling large amounts of data and providing high levels of performance. The Xeon processor is also used in many scientific and engineering applications, as it is capable of handling complex calculations and simulations.