Intel recently shared its plans for the next two years regarding the Xeon processor line. The new Xeon CPU roadmap was presented during the Data Center and AI Investor Webinar, providing a glimpse into four upcoming architectures scheduled for release in 2025: Emerald Rapids, Sierra Forest, Granite Rapids, and Clearwater Forest.
The first product to appear will be Emerald Rapids, Intel’s next P-Core server processor. As the 5th generation of the scalable Xeon line, engineering samples of this CPU have been sent to customers, with the product launch expected in Q4 2023. Mass production testing is ongoing, and Sandra Rivera, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Data Center and AI, recently stated that the factory transistor quality is quite good.
In Q1 2024, Intel plans to launch Sierra Forest, the first E-Core server CPU. Sierra Forest will feature 144 cores per socket and will be the first architecture based on the Intel 3 process. Sierra Forest entered operation early this quarter, with the first samples reaching customers.
Granite Rapids will follow Sierra Forest in 2024, packaged exclusively with P-Cores. While there is no exact launch date, some details have been revealed. The new chips will share their platform with Sierra Forest CPUs, helping to reduce development and design time. Granite Rapids is passing all major milestones, as actual chips have already been distributed to some of Intel’s partners.
Additionally, Spelman mentioned that Intel is “building the fastest memory interface in the world for Granite Rapids.” This new memory is a new type of DIMM called Multiplexer Combined Rand (MCR). Intel claims these new modules can reach speeds of 8,800MHz, significantly faster than current high-end DDR5 memory modules.
Finally, Intel also revealed Clearwater Forest. Like Sierra Forest, these CPUs will only package E-Cores built on Intel 18A, a process that Intel expects will re-establish its leadership in packaging technology. The first chips based on this architecture will launch in 2025.
Source: KitGuru!
