Intel introduces the fifth generation of its Xeon scalable server processors. The new lineup is a fourth-generation evolution with slightly more power and cores, higher efficiency, and the same focus on built-in AI acceleration.

Intel introduces Emerald Rapids: the fifth generation of scalable Intel Xeon processors for servers. Emerald Rapids is the direct successor to the Sapphire Rapids (fourth generation), which the manufacturer launched last year. The processor manufacturer has some catching up to do: Compared to the Epyc chips from its competitor AMD, the previous chips were not particularly convincing. Is Intel back on track?

Faster and better equipped

It looks good on paper. Overall CPU performance would see a generational jump of 21 percent. The maximum number of cores also increases. Where the Xeon Scalable Platinum 8480+ with 56 cores previously led the line-up, we now get a Xeon Scalable Platinum 8592+ with 64 cores.

Intel remains true to its mantra of “more is better” and so we are once again getting a truckload of new Xeon processors, each with a slightly different focus. Chips have between eight and 64 computing cores with 22.5 MB to 320 MB total cache. Unit prices range from $11,600 for the most expensive component to $415 for an entry-level eight-core model. More than thirty pieces will be reviewed today.

We focus on the important differences from the previous generation. Architecturally, Intel relies on a simpler CPU composition. They no longer consist of four tiles, but of two. The chip supports CXL 1.1 with up to four channels of Tier 2 memory. The DDR5 memory has eight channels, for a total of twelve channels of DDR and CXL interleaved memory.

More efficient

Intel continues to tout the increased efficiency, especially during less intensive use. The 64-core Emerald Rapids chip has lower power consumption than the 56-core Sapphire Rapids processor at an effort of fifty percent or less. According to the manufacturer, in a two-socket configuration a server consumes around 110 watts less at a load of 30 to 40 percent.

Like their predecessors, the fifth generation Intel Xeon Scalable chips are equipped with integrated accelerators. The focus is of course on AI acceleration. Intel states that its CPUs are more interesting than those of the competition for many workloads precisely because of their integrated, efficient AI capabilities. According to the manufacturer, inference on these chips should be up to 42 percent more efficient than on their predecessors, provided the models do not have more than twenty billion parameters.

The new chips are an evolution and not a revolution. This has advantages: Emerald Rapids is socket and software compatible with Sapphire Rapids. Anyone who wants can upgrade existing systems by simply replacing the CPU.

Paywall

Like their predecessors, these server processors are equipped with Intel on demand. This is a solution that lets you pay again for a chip’s capabilities after you’ve already paid: Intel puts niche features behind a paywall after which customers can unlock them. These are features that are not useful for every user, such as: B. the Dynamic Load Balancer, the Data Streaming Accelerator and more.

With the chips, Intel is providing an upgrade for its current portfolio, but it will not immediately shake up the CPU market. AMD continues to offer interesting alternatives, although Intel manages to get more out of the Emerald Rapids architecture.