Intel Xeon 6766P-B

The Intel Xeon 6766P-B is a 64-core, 128-thread server processor built on the Granite Rapids architecture and manufactured on Intel's 5 nm process. It operates at a base clock of 2.30 GHz and a boost clock of 3.50 GHz, with a TDP of 305 W. The processor is socketed in Intel BGA 5026, supports DDR5 memory across eight channels with a bandwidth of 409.6 GB/s, and provides 32 PCIe Gen 5 lanes. In the benchmark database, it holds the 50th percentile rank among all CPUs, indicating a median performance position.

How It Compares

The FACT PACK does not list any nearest rivals for the Intel Xeon 6766P-B. Consequently, no direct performance deltas can be calculated against specific competitor models. The processor's percentile rank of 50 places it exactly at the midpoint of all CPUs in the database—meaning it outperforms 50% of tested processors and is outperformed by the remaining 50%. This neutral standing suggests that while it is not a top-tier performer in the database, it is also not a low-end part. Its specification sheet—64 cores, 128 threads, and a 256 MB shared L3 cache—indicates a design aimed at heavily parallel server workloads, which likely positions it above typical desktop processors in multi-threaded tasks, but the lack of rival data prevents a precise comparison.

Given the absence of rival names, we cannot state which specific CPUs it beats or loses to. The average benchmark score is 0, further indicating that no performance measurements are available for this unit. Therefore, any assessment must rely on architectural features rather than empirical results. The processor's architecture, Granite Rapids, is part of the Xeon 6 (Granite Rapids-D) generation, which is a server-class line. The die size is 2x 598 mm², reflecting a dual-die design that houses the 64 cores. This physical layout, combined with the 5 nm process node, suggests a high transistor density, but the exact transistor count is not provided. The 50th percentile rank is the only comparative metric available, and it positions the 6766P-B as an average performer across the entire database, which includes consumer and enterprise CPUs alike.

Power and Thermals

With a TDP of 305 W, the Intel Xeon 6766P-B falls into a power class that demands serious cooling. This is not a processor that can be managed by a stock cooler; instead, it requires a high-end air cooler or a liquid cooling solution capable of dissipating 305 W of heat. The 5 nm process node helps to reduce power density compared to older nodes, but the sheer core count (64) and high operating frequency (boost up to 3.50 GHz) still generate substantial thermal output. In a server chassis, this typically translates to redundant fan arrays and careful airflow design. The processor's production status is "Active", meaning it is currently available, so thermal solutions are readily available from third-party vendors. For a workstation build, a large tower cooler with multiple heat pipes or a large radiator (without specifying dimensions) would be appropriate. The absence of an integrated GPU means the thermal load is entirely on the CPU die, simplifying cooling design but also concentrating heat in a small area.

The base clock of 2.30 GHz is relatively low, which helps manage power under sustained all-core loads. The boost clock of 3.50 GHz is likely achievable only when a few cores are active, as the 305 W TDP envelope limits how many cores can run at maximum frequency simultaneously. In practice, a server power supply must be sized to handle the processor's peak draw, and the cooling system must be capable of maintaining safe temperatures under continuous 305 W operation. The lack of an unlocked multiplier (multiplierUnlocked: false) means there is no user-controlled overclocking, so the thermal design is fixed by the stock specifications. For a single-socket server, a high-static-pressure fan and a dense fin stack are typical requirements.

Platform and Compatibility

The Intel Xeon 6766P-B uses the Intel BGA 5026 socket, which is a ball-grid array package. This means the processor is soldered directly to the motherboard, eliminating any possibility of CPU upgrades without replacing the entire board. The platform is designed for the Xeon 6 (Granite Rapids-D) generation, indicating a server or workstation target. Memory support is DDR5, with an eight-channel memory bus that delivers a theoretical bandwidth of 409.6 GB/s. ECC memory is supported, which is essential for error-critical server workloads. The processor provides 32 PCIe Gen 5 lanes from the CPU, allowing high-speed connectivity for accelerators, NVMe storage, and network cards. The L3 cache is 256 MB shared across all cores, and each core has 112 KB of L1 and 2 MB of L2 cache. The absence of an unlocked multiplier (multiplierUnlocked: false) means overclocking is not supported; performance is fixed by the base and boost clocks.

The BGA 5026 socket is not a traditional LGA design, so motherboard compatibility is limited to boards specifically designed for this package, which are typically proprietary server boards. This restricts upgrade paths and custom builds compared to socketed processors. The market segment is explicitly "Server/Workstation", confirming that this is not a consumer desktop part. The eight-channel memory architecture requires a motherboard with eight DIMM slots (or a combination of slots that supports the channel count) to fully utilize the 409.6 GB/s bandwidth. The 32 PCIe Gen 5 lanes are CPU-only; additional lanes may be available via the chipset, but that is not specified in the data. The processor's die size of 2x 598 mm² indicates a large physical footprint, which may impose mechanical constraints on motherboard layout and heatsink mounting.

FAQ

Q: How many cores and threads does the Intel Xeon 6766P-B have?

A: It has 64 cores and 128 threads.

Q: What is the TDP of this processor?

A: The TDP is 305 W.

Q: What memory type and channels does it support?

A: It supports DDR5 memory with an eight-channel bus, providing 409.6 GB/s bandwidth. ECC is supported.

Q: Is the processor overclockable?

A: No, the multiplier is locked (multiplierUnlocked: false).

Q: What socket does it use?

A: It uses Intel BGA 5026, which is a ball-grid array, meaning it is soldered to the motherboard.

Q: What is the cache configuration?

A: Each core has 112 KB L1 and 2 MB L2, with a shared 256 MB L3 cache.

Q: How many PCIe lanes does it provide?

A: It provides 32 PCIe Gen 5 lanes (CPU only).

Benchmark Performance

The FACT PACK includes no benchmark scores for the Intel Xeon 6766P-B. The average benchmark score is 0, and the percentile rank is 50, which is the median of all CPUs in the database. Without scores, we cannot compute performance deltas against any specific rival. However, the architectural specifications allow for an inferred performance profile. The combination of 64 cores and 128 threads suggests exceptional multi-threaded throughput for workloads that scale well, such as virtualization, database processing, and scientific computing. The 3.50 GHz boost clock is modest by desktop standards, but the large L3 cache (256 MB) helps mitigate memory latency. The eight-channel DDR5 memory system with 409.6 GB/s bandwidth ensures that data can feed the many cores without starvation. In the absence of empirical data, these specifications are the only basis for performance expectations.

The 50th percentile rank implies that, among all CPUs ever tested, this processor sits exactly in the middle—neither a top performer nor a weak one. This could be due to the fact that many consumer CPUs with higher clock speeds but fewer cores might outperform it in single-threaded tests, while it would likely outpace them in multi-threaded benchmarks. The die size of 2x 598 mm² and the 5 nm process node indicate a high transistor count, but without a benchmark score, we cannot quantify its absolute performance. The L1 cache of 112 KB per core is relatively large, which can reduce memory access latency for frequently used data. The L2 cache of 2 MB per core is also generous, allowing each core to keep a substantial working set local. The shared 256 MB L3 cache is among the largest in the database, which benefits workloads with large, shared data sets.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Intel Xeon 6766P-B's clock speeds—2.30 GHz base and 3.50 GHz boost—are relatively low compared to high-end desktop processors that often exceed 5 GHz. This indicates that single-threaded performance will be limited. For tasks that rely on a single core, such as legacy applications or lightly threaded games, this processor will not excel. However, the 64-core design and 128 threads make it a powerhouse for heavily parallel workloads. The large shared L3 cache (256 MB) helps to keep frequently accessed data close to the cores, reducing the impact of memory latency. The eight-channel DDR5 memory bus with 409.6 GB/s bandwidth ensures that all cores can access memory concurrently without bottlenecks.

In practice, this split means the processor is best suited for server environments where many threads run simultaneously—web servers, database engines, and rendering farms. For single-threaded tasks, the processor's performance will be dictated by the 3.50 GHz boost, which is adequate but not exceptional. The base clock of 2.30 GHz indicates that under heavy multi-core load, the processor will likely drop to that frequency to manage power and thermals, further emphasizing its multi-threaded focus. The 305 W TDP is a clear signal that the processor is designed to sustain high all-core throughput rather than bursty single-thread performance. The lack of an integrated GPU means that any graphics output must come from a discrete card, which is typical for server platforms. The memory bandwidth of 409.6 GB/s is a key enabler for multi-threaded workloads that are memory-bound, such as in-memory databases or high-performance computing. The 32 PCIe Gen 5 lanes provide ample bandwidth for connecting multiple accelerators or high-speed storage, which can offload or complement the CPU's threading capabilities.