Intel has confirmed that its upcoming Xeon processors “Granite Rapids” will be compatible with the impressive DDR5-8800 memory, according to the updated JEDEC specifications. This breakthrough marks a significant milestone for the server segment, raising performance expectations for the next generation of platforms.
The Intel “Xeon 6” series, featuring up to 128 cores and 256 threads, is designed to take advantage of the enhanced memory speeds now reaching 8800 MT/s, a considerable jump from 6800 MT/s. This update promises to greatly benefit high-performance servers, especially those dedicated to intensive tasks in artificial intelligence and machine learning, where memory speed is critical.
JEDEC, the association that defines memory standards, recently published the JESD79-5C DDR5 SDRAM standard which stands out for expanding memory timing parameters and improving security features. These advancements are crucial for platforms handling sensitive data and demanding workloads.
Intel has planned to ship the “Granite Rapids” processors with DDR5-8800 memory by the end of this year 2024. These chips have been tested using the Redwood Cove core architecture and have shown impressive performance in Intel’s internal tests, known as Meta Llama 3. In these tests, a “Granite Rapids” CPU with 120 cores and 240 threads demonstrated its capacity in handling up to 1536 GB of memory in a 2S configuration.
The release of “Granite Rapids” is not only a significant technological advancement but also a strategic moment for Intel, which aims to reaffirm its dominance in the server market against competitors like AMD. With this new generation of processors, Intel not only promises exceptional performance but also improved efficiency and security, aligning with the growing demands of the modern data center market.