Intel has introduced its Xeon 6 chip, designed to enhance data centers' capacity to manage increasing AI workloads as businesses adopt AI applications and models. This new processor features two microarchitectures: Efficient core (E-core) and Performance core (P-core), available on the 6700 and 6900 platforms. The 6700 E-core version launches on June 4, while the 6900 P-core version is scheduled for Q3 2024, with additional variants set for release in Q1 2025.
“Enabling our customers to achieve real business outcomes is our focus,” said Matt Langman, Intel’s vice president and general manager, during a news conference. “We envision every company transforming into an AI organization—enhancing operational efficiency, product development, and customer engagement.”
Alongside the Xeon 6, Intel also announced pricing for its Gaudi 2 and Gaudi 3 AI accelerator chips. The AI kit containing the Gaudi 2, released in 2022, will retail for $65,000, while the newly unveiled Gaudi 3 will be priced at $125,000.
Xeon 6: Key Features and Specifications
Intel promotes the Xeon 6 as a “robust computing platform” that excels in both performance and efficiency—essential elements for meeting the escalating demands of modern data centers. This processor supports a diverse range of applications, from compute-intensive AI and high-performance computing to traditional enterprise solutions with power efficiency and high density.
The Xeon 6 chips aim to modernize aging data center systems, promising significant cost savings, enhanced sustainability, optimized physical space, and innovative digital capabilities.
Equipped with high core counts, expanded memory bandwidth via DDR5, and advanced interconnect technologies like UPI 2.0 and Compute Express Link 2.0, Xeon 6 processors are built to support varied workloads. The P-core is ideal for high-performance computing and demanding AI tasks, while the E-core is tailored for cloud-native applications, providing higher density and enhanced performance per watt.
Differences Between Xeon 6 6700 and 6900 Series
Xeon 6 (6700 Series)
- Cores: Up to 144 E-cores / 86 P-cores
- Socket Support: 1S/2S and 4S/8S (P-core only)
- Max TDP: Up to 350W per CPU
- Memory Channels: 8 channels, up to 6400 MT/s DDR5, 8000 MT/s MCR DIMM (P-core)
- PCIe/CXL: Up to 88 lanes PCIe 5.0/CXL 2.0
- UPI Links: 4 UPI 2.0 links, up to 24 GT/s
Xeon 6 (6900 Series)
- Cores: Up to 288 E-cores / 128 P-cores
- Socket Support: 1S/2S
- Max TDP: Up to 500W per CPU
- Memory Channels: 12 channels, up to 6400 MT/s DDR5, 8800 MT/s MCR DIMM (P-core)
- PCIe/CXL: Up to 96 lanes PCIe 5.0/CXL 2.0
- UPI Links: 6 UPI 2.0 links, up to 24 GT/s
Staggered Release Strategy
Intel is intentionally staggering the release of the Xeon 6 processors to align with customer demand. "This phased approach is designed to cater to our diverse customer base," stated Ryan Tabrah, Intel’s vice president for its E-core product line.
E-core Advantages
The Xeon 6 E-core marks its debut as Intel's first Xeon variant utilizing E-core architecture. According to Intel metrics, it enables rack-level consolidation of 3-to-1, enhances rack performance by up to 4.2 times, and boosts performance per watt by up to 2.6 compared to second-generation Xeon processors in media transcode workloads.
This translates to substantial energy savings, equivalent to reducing energy consumption by approximately 84,000 megawatt-hours over four years and cutting carbon emissions by 34,000 metric tons.
Gaudi 3: Pricing and Partnerships
In addition to the Xeon 6 launch, Intel has released pricing for its Gaudi products. A standard AI kit featuring eight Gaudi 2 accelerators will cost $65,000—about one-third the price of similar competitors—and the Gaudi 3 kit will retail for $125,000, aligning with Intel’s competitive pricing strategy.
Intel is collaborating with ten system providers, including Dell, HP Enterprise, and Lenovo, to enhance its Go-To-Market strategy for these products.
Synergy of Xeon and Gaudi for AI Applications
Tabrah describes the relationship between Xeon processors and Gaudi accelerators as complementary, focusing on addressing power bottlenecks in data centers, allowing enterprises to innovate without significant infrastructure overhauls.
Anil Nanduri emphasizes the importance of unlocking enterprise data, particularly with generative AI's rise, as organizations strategize on effectively utilizing large language models. “We anticipate strong compatibility and performance between Xeon and Gaudi to optimize enterprise solutions,” he notes.
Intel's announcements regarding Xeon, Gaudi, and Lunar Lake respond to competitive pressures in the market, particularly from Nvidia. Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger remarked, "Intel is uniquely positioned to innovate across the entire spectrum of the AI market—from semiconductor manufacturing to data center systems."
"With our latest platforms, we deliver flexible, secure, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for our customers,” Gelsinger concluded.
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