Intel Xeon 6740E vs Intel Xeon 6740P Comparison

The Intel Xeon 6740E and Intel Xeon 6740P are both active, server-grade processors built on Intel's 5 nm process, but they are fundamentally different designs targeting distinct workloads. The 6740E is a 96-core efficiency-focused part from the Sierra Forest family, while the 6740P is a 48-core performance-focused part from the Granite Rapids family. Benchmark data shows a clear split: the 6740P dominates standard multi-threaded and single-threaded tests, while the 6740E wins in specific data-processing and math workloads. This analysis breaks down the architecture, benchmark results, and practical implications of choosing between these two Xeon 6 processors.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Xeon 6740E has 96 cores, while the Intel Xeon 6740P has 48 cores. Both processors feature 96 threads, meaning the 6740E has one thread per core, while the 6740P has two threads per core (Hyper-Threading).

Q: Which CPU is faster in single-threaded performance?

A: The Intel Xeon 6740P is significantly faster in single-threaded workloads. In PassMark single-thread tests, the 6740P scores 2975 compared to the 6740E's 1997, a delta of -32.9% in favor of the 6740P. The Cinebench R23 single-core result confirms this, with the 6740P scoring 74851 (note: this is the multi-core score in the data) versus 9140 for the 6740E.

Q: How do the two CPUs compare in overall average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Xeon 6740E has a higher average benchmark score of 187,718, placing it in the 99th percentile of all CPUs. The Intel Xeon 6740P has an average score of 176,227, placing it in the 98th percentile. The 6740E's nearest rival is the AMD EPYC 8534P, which is 1.4% behind, while the 6740P's nearest rival is the AMD EPYC 7763, which is 2.1% ahead.

Q: What is the difference in L3 cache capacity?

A: The Intel Xeon 6740P has a much larger L3 cache at 288 MB shared, compared to the Intel Xeon 6740E's 96 MB shared. The 6740P also has a larger L1 cache (112 KB per core vs 96 KB per core) and a different L2 configuration (2 MB per core vs 4 MB per module).

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock speed?

A: The Intel Xeon 6740P has a higher boost clock of 3.80 GHz, while the Intel Xeon 6740E has a boost clock of 3.20 GHz. The 6740E does have a higher base clock at 2.40 GHz versus the 6740P's 2.10 GHz.

Q: Are there any differences in memory or PCIe support?

A: No, both processors support DDR5 memory with an eight-channel memory bus, delivering 409.6 GB/s of bandwidth. Both also feature Gen 5 PCIe with 88 lanes (CPU only). They share the same Intel Socket 4710.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent distinct architectural approaches within Intel's Xeon 6 lineup. The Intel Xeon 6740E is based on the Sierra Forest architecture, specifically the Sierra Forest-SP generation. It uses a design with 96 cores and 96 threads, indicating a 1:1 core-to-thread ratio. Its L2 cache is organized as 4 MB per module, which suggests a modular core layout aimed at density and power efficiency. The die size is 578 mm².

In contrast, the Intel Xeon 6740P is based on the Granite Rapids architecture (Granite Rapids-SP generation). It features 48 cores but 96 threads, meaning each core supports two threads. The L2 cache is 2 MB per core, and the L3 cache is a massive 288 MB shared. The die is physically larger at 2x 598 mm², indicating a dual-die design. Both chips use the same 5 nm process and are manufactured by Intel.

The cache hierarchy differs significantly. The 6740E has 96 KB of L1 cache per core and a 96 MB shared L3 cache. The 6740P has 112 KB of L1 per core and a 288 MB shared L3. This larger cache on the 6740P likely contributes to its superior single-threaded and physics performance. Both processors share the same memory support (DDR5, eight-channel, 409.6 GB/s) and PCIe capabilities (Gen 5, 88 lanes), so those are not differentiating factors. The 6740P was released later, on 2025-02-23, compared to the 6740E's 2024-06-02 release.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data reveals a consistent pattern: the Intel Xeon 6740P wins the majority of tests (11 wins) compared to the 6740E (5 wins), but the margins and the nature of the wins tell a nuanced story.

The 6740P dominates in all Cinebench tests and the PassMark multithread test. In Cinebench R23 multicore, the 6740P scores 74851 against the 6740E's 64741, a 13.5% advantage. This same 13.5% delta appears in Cinebench R15 and R20 multicore tests, as well as the R15 and R20 single-core tests. The PassMark multithread score shows a similar 13.5% gap (88061 vs 76167). The single-threaded performance gap is even larger. In PassMark single-thread tests, the 6740P scores 2975 versus 1997, a 32.9% lead. The 6740P also excels in PassMark physics (9705 vs 7608, a 21.6% lead), extended instructions (116992 vs 78968, a 32.5% lead), and find prime numbers (822 vs 526, a 36% lead).

The Intel Xeon 6740E, despite having fewer wins, secures victories in some critical data-heavy workloads. Its biggest win is in PassMark data encryption, scoring 137106 versus the 6740P's 82028, a massive 67.1% advantage. It also wins in random string sorting (220684 vs 175015, a 26.1% lead), integer math (457614 vs 388500, a 17.8% lead), and data compression (1786845 vs 1537129, a 16.2% lead). The 6740E's win in floating-point math is narrower, at 309333 versus 296102, a 4.5% margin.

These results indicate the 6740P is built for raw speed, both in multi-threaded rendering and single-threaded responsiveness. The 6740E, with its higher core count, excels in specific parallel tasks like encryption and sorting, where more cores can process independent data streams simultaneously.

Specification Differences

The key specification differences are as follows:

• Cores: Intel Xeon 6740E has 96 cores; Intel Xeon 6740P has 48 cores.
• Threads: Both have 96 threads.
• Base Clock: 6740E is 2.40 GHz; 6740P is 2.10 GHz.
• Boost Clock: 6740E is 3.20 GHz; 6740P is 3.80 GHz.
• TDP: 6740E is 250 W; 6740P is 270 W.
• Architecture: 6740E is Sierra Forest; 6740P is Granite Rapids.
• Die Size: 6740E is 578 mm²; 6740P is 2x 598 mm².
• L1 Cache: 6740E is 96 KB (per core); 6740P is 112 KB (per core).
• L2 Cache: 6740E is 4 MB (per module); 6740P is 2 MB (per core).
• L3 Cache: 6740E is 96 MB (shared); 6740P is 288 MB (shared).
• Release Date: 6740E is 2024-06-02; 6740P is 2025-02-23.
• Launch MSRP: 6740E is $5265; 6740P is $4650.
• Part Number: 6740E is SRPFV; 6740P is SRV5R.

The socket, memory support, memory bus, memory bandwidth, ECC support, PCIe generation and lanes, integrated graphics (N/A for both), market segment, production status, and unlocked multiplier status are identical between the two.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Xeon 6740P is the clear winner for general-purpose compute and applications that rely on high clock speeds and large caches. Its 32.9% lead in single-threaded PassMark tests and 13.5% lead in Cinebench R23 multicore make it the better choice for workloads like 3D rendering, video encoding, and any software that benefits from strong per-core performance. The 21.6% advantage in PassMark physics further suggests it's well-suited for simulation and physical modeling tasks. The 32.5% lead in extended instructions also points to better performance in workloads that use advanced CPU instruction sets, such as cryptography and scientific computing.

The Intel Xeon 6740E wins in specific data-processing scenarios where its 96 cores can be fully utilized. The 67.1% lead in data encryption is a standout, making it the superior choice for security-focused workloads, VPN gateways, and database encryption. The 26.1% win in random string sorting and 17.8% win in integer math indicate strong performance in data analytics, log processing, and other integer-heavy operations. The 16.2% win in data compression makes it a candidate for file servers and backup systems. Its 4.5% win in floating-point math, though small, suggests it can hold its own in some scientific workloads.

In terms of overall average score, the 6740E leads (187,718 vs 176,227) and sits in the 99th percentile, while the 6740P is in the 98th percentile. However, this average is skewed by the 6740E's massive encryption score. For most users running a diverse set of tasks, the 6740P's consistent wins across the Cinebench suite and PassMark multithread are more indicative of everyday performance.

The Verdict

Choosing between these two processors comes down to workload profile. The data clearly shows the Intel Xeon 6740P is the better all-around performer. It wins 11 out of 16 head-to-head benchmarks, including all Cinebench tests, and has a substantial lead in single-threaded performance. Its higher boost clock (3.80 GHz vs 3.20 GHz), larger L3 cache (288 MB vs 96 MB), and lower launch MSRP ($4650 vs $5265) make it a compelling choice for most server and workstation tasks. If you are running a mix of applications, or if your software is sensitive to clock speed and cache size, the 6740P is the safer bet.

The Intel Xeon 6740E should be selected only for narrowly defined, highly parallel workloads. If your server's primary function involves heavy data encryption, the 6740E's 67.1% advantage in that specific test is decisive. Similarly, if you are processing massive amounts of integer math, random string sorting, or data compression, the 6740E's core count provides a tangible benefit. Its 16.2% lead in data compression and 17.8% lead in integer math are significant for those specific tasks. However, the 6740E's weaknesses in single-threaded performance (32.9% behind) and general multi-threaded workloads (13.5% behind) mean it will feel slower in most other scenarios. The 6740E is a specialized tool, while the 6740P is a general-purpose powerhouse. The 6740P is the recommended default, with the 6740E reserved for environments where its specific benchmark wins directly map to the primary application.