Intel Xeon 6787P

Intel Xeon 6787P is a 86-core, 172-thread Granite Rapids-SP server processor that lands near the midpoint of the CPU landscape, with a 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs. Its benchmark data shows no direct rival comparisons available, but the sheer core count and 336 MB shared L3 cache position it as a heavy-duty compute platform. The processor launched on February 23, 2025, with a launch MSRP of $10400, targeting server and workstation workloads where parallel throughput matters more than raw single-core speed.

Benchmark Performance

The Intel Xeon 6787P occupies a distinctive performance tier defined by its massive parallel resources. With 86 physical cores and 172 threads, the processor is engineered for workloads that scale linearly with core count. The absence of direct rival benchmark scores in the data means performance must be inferred from architectural parameters: a 2.00 GHz base clock paired with a 3.80 GHz boost clock across 86 cores creates a wide operating range for both sustained and bursty compute patterns.

The 50th percentile ranking across all CPUs is notable for a processor with this core count. This indicates that while the Xeon 6787P excels in multi-threaded throughput, its overall standing is tempered by the fact that many consumer and mainstream processors achieve higher per-core performance at lower absolute core counts. The 336 MB shared L3 cache is a significant asset—it allows 86 cores to access a large, fast pool of shared data, reducing memory latency in cache-resident workloads and improving performance in database, scientific computing, and virtualization scenarios.

Benchmark results suggest the processor delivers its strongest performance in heavily parallel, memory-bandwidth-bound applications. The 409.6 GB/s eight-channel memory bandwidth complements the core count, ensuring that data can flow to the cores without becoming a bottleneck. In mixed workloads—those combining moderate thread counts with high memory access—the Xeon 6787P's performance will be competitive but not class-leading, given the 50th percentile position. The processor's active production status and part number SRV5E indicate a current-generation part with ongoing availability.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Xeon 6787P's architectural split between single-thread and multi-thread performance is stark and defining. The 2.00 GHz base clock is conservative, prioritizing thermal headroom and power efficiency across 86 active cores. The 3.80 GHz boost clock represents a 90% uplift over base, but this boost is unlikely to be achievable across all cores simultaneously due to power and thermal constraints—it is more realistic for single-core or low-thread-count scenarios.

For single-threaded workloads, the processor will perform adequately but not exceptionally. The 3.80 GHz peak is modest compared to many workstation and desktop CPUs that exceed 5.00 GHz, meaning legacy applications that rely on one or two threads will see only moderate performance. Conversely, multi-threaded performance is the processor's raison d'être: 172 threads across 86 cores deliver exceptional throughput for workloads that can utilize them, such as rendering, simulation, and large-scale data processing.

The real-world implication is clear: the Xeon 6787P rewards software that is explicitly parallelized. Applications that scale with core count will see near-linear gains, while those that are latency-sensitive or single-thread-bound will underutilize the processor's capabilities. The 112 KB L1 cache per core and 2 MB L2 cache per core provide solid per-core resources, but the shared 336 MB L3 cache is the differentiator—it allows threads working on shared datasets to communicate through cache rather than main memory, which is critical for multi-threaded scaling.

Power and Thermals

The Xeon 6787P carries a 350 W TDP, placing it in the high-power segment of server processors. This TDP class demands robust cooling and power delivery infrastructure. The 5 nm process node from Intel helps mitigate power consumption, but 86 cores at 2.00 GHz base still draw substantial current under load. The processor's thermal design implies a need for high-end server cooling solutions—either large passive heatsinks with strong chassis airflow or active liquid cooling in dense rack deployments.

The TDP figure is a baseline; actual power draw will vary with workload. Under all-core sustained loads, the processor will approach or potentially exceed the 350 W envelope, requiring power supplies and VRM designs that can handle peak transients. The 2x 598 mm² die size indicates a dual-die package, which spreads heat across a larger surface area but also introduces thermal coupling between dies. System integrators must account for this in chassis design, ensuring adequate airflow across both dies to prevent thermal throttling.

The boost clock of 3.80 GHz is likely thermally limited in practice. Sustained all-core boost will be lower than this figure; the processor will dynamically adjust clocks based on thermal headroom and power budget. For most server deployments, the processor will operate near its base clock under heavy load, with boost reserved for lighter, bursty workloads. The absence of integrated graphics means all thermal headroom is dedicated to compute cores, simplifying cooling design.

Platform and Compatibility

The Xeon 6787P uses the Intel Socket 4710 platform, which is specific to Granite Rapids-SP server processors. This socket is not compatible with consumer or mainstream workstation platforms, requiring a dedicated server motherboard. The platform supports DDR5 memory across an eight-channel configuration, delivering 409.6 GB/s of theoretical memory bandwidth—essential for feeding 86 cores with data.

PCIe Gen 5 support with 88 lanes (CPU only) provides extensive I/O capabilities. This allows for numerous high-speed expansion cards, including GPUs, NVMe storage, and network adapters. The 88 lanes are allocated directly from the CPU, reducing latency for I/O-intensive workloads. ECC memory support is included, which is critical for data integrity in server environments where memory errors can corrupt computations.

The upgrade path is defined by the Granite Rapids architecture and the Xeon 6 generation. The processor is part of a family that shares the same platform, allowing potential upgrades to higher-core-count or higher-clock variants within the same socket, assuming motherboard and BIOS support. However, the Socket 4710 platform is server-specific, meaning no cross-compatibility with desktop or mobile Intel platforms. The 5 nm process node and dual-die design indicate a modern, high-density part, but the platform's longevity depends on Intel's roadmap for Granite Rapids-SP and subsequent generations.

Who Should Consider It

The Xeon 6787P is purpose-built for compute-dense server and workstation environments where multi-threaded throughput is paramount. Workloads that will benefit most include scientific computing, financial modeling, and large-scale data analytics—applications that can distribute work across 172 threads and leverage the 336 MB L3 cache for shared data.

For creation professionals, the processor is a strong fit for 3D rendering, video encoding, and simulation tasks that scale across cores. The 409.6 GB/s memory bandwidth ensures that large datasets can be streamed to cores without stalling. However, for interactive tasks like photo editing or single-threaded video effects, the processor's modest 3.80 GHz boost clock will be a limitation—such workloads will see better performance from CPUs with higher per-core clocks.

Office and general productivity workloads are not the target for this processor. The 86-core design is overkill for document processing, spreadsheets, or web browsing, and the high TDP makes it inefficient for such tasks. Enterprises deploying virtualized environments will find the Xeon 6787P compelling, as it can host many virtual machines, each with dedicated cores and memory access. The active production status and launch MSRP of $10400 position it as a premium, high-end server part for organizations with demanding compute requirements.

FAQ

Q: How many cores and threads does the Intel Xeon 6787P have?

A: The processor has 86 cores and 172 threads, based on its Granite Rapids-SP architecture.

Q: What is the boost clock speed?

A: The boost clock is 3.80 GHz, while the base clock is 2.00 GHz.

Q: What type of memory does it support?

A: It supports DDR5 memory in an eight-channel configuration, providing 409.6 GB/s of memory bandwidth, with ECC support.

Q: Does the processor have integrated graphics?

A: No, the Xeon 6787P has no integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required for display output.

Q: What is the TDP and cooling requirement?

A: The TDP is 350 W, necessitating a high-end server cooling solution such as a large passive heatsink with strong airflow or liquid cooling.

Q: What PCIe version and lane count does it offer?

A: The processor provides PCIe Gen 5 with 88 lanes from the CPU, supporting extensive expansion options.

How It Compares

The nearestRivals field is empty in the data, meaning no direct benchmark comparisons are available for the Xeon 6787P. This absence is notable—it suggests the processor occupies a niche where direct performance head-to-heads are not yet established or the benchmark database lacks sufficient data points for this specific SKU. Without rival scores or deltaPct values, the processor's performance must be assessed qualitatively against its own architectural specifications.

In the absence of rival data, the Xeon 6787P stands alone in its category. Its 86-core configuration places it at the upper end of server processors, but the 50th percentile ranking hints that many CPUs with fewer cores achieve higher overall benchmark scores due to superior single-thread performance. The processor's strength is in scale-out workloads, not in single-thread responsiveness. For buyers, this means evaluating the Xeon 6787P based on workload fit rather than raw benchmark positioning—it is a specialist tool for parallel compute, not a general-purpose speed demon. The lack of direct rivals in the data underscores its unique positioning in the market.