Intel Xeon 6960P
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Intel Xeon 6960P Specifications
Xeon 6960P Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Xeon 6960P features 72 physical cores and 144 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
6960P Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Xeon 6960P benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Xeon 6960P by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Xeon 6960P Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the 6960P processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Xeon 6960P's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Granite Rapids Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Xeon 6960P is built on Intel's 5 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in 6960P incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Granite Rapids Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Xeon 6960P by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
6960P Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Xeon 6960P has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 500W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel Socket 7529 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Xeon 6960P uses the Intel Socket 7529 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel Socket 7529 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the 6960P define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Xeon 6960P determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Xeon 6960P Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Xeon 6960P is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Xeon 6960P by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Xeon 6960P Benchmark Scores
No benchmark data available for this CPU.
About Intel Xeon 6960P
The Intel Xeon 6960P, code-named Granite Rapids-AP, is a powerhouse designed for extreme multi-threaded workloads, boasting an unprecedented 72 cores and 144 threads. This architecture positions it as a leader in compute-heavy environments, where parallel processing demands are insatiable think complex simulations, large-scale rendering, or AI training pipelines. Its base clock of 2.70 GHz ensures a stable foundation for sustained workloads, while the 3.90 GHz turbo boost dynamically allocates more power to individual cores when single-threaded performance is critical. Despite its monstrous core count, the 6960P maintains coherence and efficiency through Intel’s advanced cache hierarchy, though the lack of benchmark data leaves real-world scaling mysteries for enthusiasts to uncover.
With a staggering 500W TDP, the Intel 6960P isn’t for the faint of heart or budget-constrained setups. The Xeon 6960P’s power envelope reflects its 5nm manufacturing process and the thermals required to sustain 72 cores at peak performance, making it a beast that demands liquid cooling and a robust power supply. Intel’s Socket 7529 platform is engineered to handle this, offering expanded I/O and memory bandwidth to feed the CPU’s appetite. However, this level of power consumption raises questions about its viability for energy-conscious data centers, even as its 432 MB of shared L3 cache promises to minimize latency in memory-bound tasks, potentially offsetting some inefficiencies through smarter data access.
The 6960P’s memory subsystem is a key differentiator, with its massive 432 MB L3 cache acting as a bridge between CPU and main memory for latency-sensitive applications. This makes it a prime candidate for high-performance computing (HPC) clusters, financial modeling, and scientific research where data throughput and consistency are paramount. While its $9,625 launch price tags it as an enterprise-grade beast, the Xeon 6960P’s raw thread count and cache size could redefine workloads that scale linearly with cores, such as cryptocurrency mining or genome sequencing. As the first Granite Rapids-AP processor to launch in late 2024, it sets a new bar for Intel’s server and workstation lineups though only time and benchmarks will reveal if its power translates to practical dominance over AMD’s competing EPYC stack.
The AMD Equivalent of Xeon 6960P
Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
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