Intel Xeon 6726P-B

Intel Xeon 6726P-B is a 42-core, 84-thread Granite Rapids processor designed for the Intel BGA 4368 socket, targeting the server and workstation segment. It operates at a 2.30 GHz base clock and reaches 3.50 GHz boost, with a 235W TDP. The chip includes 168 MB of shared L3 cache and 2 MB of L2 per core, supporting DDR5 memory across a quad-channel interface. As a production-status part launched in early 2025, it holds the 50th percentile among all CPUs in the database, though it carries no direct benchmark scores or nearest rival data in the current record.

Benchmark Performance

The Xeon 6726P-B does not have recorded benchmark scores in the fact pack, and its average benchmark score is listed as 0. The database percentile of 50 indicates that, based on available metadata, this processor sits exactly at the median of all CPUs tracked — neither a standout performer nor a laggard in the overall distribution. Without specific multi-core or single-thread scores, the practical interpretation is limited to its architectural positioning rather than measured deltas against competitors.

The absence of nearest rival entries prevents any percentage-based comparison. The fact pack explicitly lists an empty array for nearestRivals, meaning there are no deltaPct values to cite. In this context, the 50th percentile serves as the only quantitative benchmark reference. It suggests that when the database eventually populates scores, the 6726P-B is expected to land in the middle of the pack across all processors, which for a 42-core server chip implies that its per-core performance may be moderate while its aggregate throughput is carried by core count.

What can be stated definitively is the hardware configuration: 42 cores at 2.30 GHz base, boosting to 3.50 GHz, with 168 MB of shared L3. These figures position it as a high-core-count part, but without measured results, any claim about relative speed against specific rivals would be speculative. The data shows a processor built for parallel workloads, where the 84 threads and large cache hierarchy are the primary assets. The 5 nm process node and 598 mm² die size indicate a dense, complex chip, but these do not translate directly to benchmark outcomes in the absence of test data.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The architecture splits clearly between a modest base clock of 2.30 GHz and a boost of 3.50 GHz, a 1.20 GHz headroom that suggests the chip can scale up under lighter loads but will spend most of its time at lower frequencies under full-core stress. For single-threaded tasks, the 3.50 GHz boost is the relevant figure, though it is not exceptional compared to high-clock desktop parts. The per-core L1 cache at 112 KB and L2 at 2 MB per core are generous, which helps latency-sensitive single-threaded work, but the design priority is evidently throughput.

Multi-threaded behavior is where the 6726P-B is expected to excel, given 42 cores and 84 threads. The shared 168 MB L3 cache is a substantial pool for coordinating data across cores, reducing the need for frequent memory access. The quad-channel DDR5 interface with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth supports this, though it is not the highest memory bandwidth available in the server segment. For workloads that scale linearly with core count — such as rendering, scientific simulation, or database processing — the 42-core configuration will dominate. The boost clock of 3.50 GHz applies to single-core scenarios, but under all-core loads, the base clock of 2.30 GHz is more representative of sustained performance, meaning multi-threaded gains come from parallelism rather than frequency.

Real-world implications are clear: applications that rely on a single thread, like legacy office software or lightly threaded games, will see only the 3.50 GHz boost and may underperform against higher-clocked consumer chips. In contrast, heavily threaded workloads that can utilize 42 cores will benefit from the raw core count and large cache, even if each core runs at a moderate clock. The split is typical of server processors — sacrificing per-thread speed for aggregate throughput.

Who Should Consider It

This processor is aimed squarely at server and workstation deployments where multi-threaded throughput is the priority. For enterprise database servers, the 84 threads and 168 MB L3 cache allow for high concurrent query processing, and the ECC memory support (DDR5, quad-channel) ensures data integrity in critical environments. The PCIe Gen 5 support with 32 CPU lanes provides adequate connectivity for high-speed storage and networking, though it is not the highest lane count available.

For content creation and scientific computing, the 42-core configuration is well-suited to rendering, video encoding, and simulation tasks that can parallelize across many threads. The 204.8 GB/s memory bandwidth is sufficient for feeding the cores, though workloads with extreme memory demands might find it a bottleneck. The 3.50 GHz boost helps with single-threaded portions of otherwise parallel workflows, such as scene graph traversal in a renderer or I/O scheduling in a database.

Gaming is not a realistic target for this chip. The moderate 2.30 GHz base clock and server-oriented architecture mean that most games, which favor high single-thread performance, will not leverage the 42 cores effectively. The lack of integrated graphics also requires a discrete GPU, and the BGA 4368 socket limits upgradeability. Office productivity would be wasteful on this part — the 84 threads far exceed the needs of typical office applications, and the 235W TDP makes it impractical for standard desktop use. The intended buyer is an organization running heavy parallel workloads, not an individual building a personal PC.

How It Compares

The fact pack lists no nearest rivals, so direct comparisons with specific competitor models are not possible from the available data. In the absence of such entries, the only positional reference is the 50th percentile against all CPUs in the database. This places the 6726P-B at the median, but given that the database includes a broad range of consumer and server chips, this percentile is more indicative of its mixed profile — high core count but moderate clocks — rather than a clear tier ranking.

Without rival names or deltaPct values, a paragraph per rival cannot be written with factual support. The empty nearestRivals array must be respected, and no speculative comparisons to other Intel Xeon models or AMD EPYC parts are permissible. The only verifiable statement is that the 6726P-B occupies the 50th percentile, which suggests it is neither a top-tier performer nor a low-end part. The lack of benchmark scores means this percentile is based on hardware characteristics, not measured performance, so its practical value is limited.

Power and Thermals

The 6726P-B has a TDP of 235W, which places it in the high-power class for server processors. This figure is a direct specification from the fact pack and indicates the thermal design power that cooling solutions must accommodate. A 235W TDP requires a substantial cooling solution — typically a high-end server heatsink or a capable air cooler designed for dense chassis, and in many rack-mount environments, active cooling with high static pressure fans is necessary. Liquid cooling may be considered for dense deployments, though the fact pack does not specify cooler requirements.

The 5 nm process node and 598 mm² die size suggest a dense transistor layout, which can lead to concentrated heat generation. The 2.30 GHz base clock provides a thermal floor, but under sustained all-core loads, the chip will draw near its 235W TDP, demanding that the cooling solution dissipate that heat effectively. The socket is Intel BGA 4368, which is a ball-grid array — meaning the processor is soldered to the motherboard, not socketed for user replacement. This has implications for cooling: the heatsink must be compatible with the BGA mounting mechanism, and thermal interface material application is critical. The production status is active, so availability is not a concern, but the 235W TDP is a firm constraint for system builders.

FAQ

Q: What is the core and thread count of the Intel Xeon 6726P-B?

A: It has 42 cores and 84 threads, based on the fact pack specifications.

Q: What is the base and boost clock speed?

A: The base clock is 2.30 GHz, and the boost clock is 3.50 GHz.

Q: How much L3 cache does it have?

A: The shared L3 cache is 168 MB, with 112 KB of L1 per core and 2 MB of L2 per core.

Q: What memory type and bandwidth does it support?

A: It supports DDR5 memory with a quad-channel bus, providing 204.8 GB/s of memory bandwidth, and ECC memory is supported.

Q: What is the TDP and socket type?

A: The TDP is 235W, and it uses the Intel BGA 4368 socket.

Q: What is its market segment and release date?

A: It is classified as a Server/Workstation processor, released on February 23, 2025, with a launch MSRP of $3795.