The Intel Xeon Granite Rapids will be the next generation of the Processors for workstations and high-performance computers (HEDT). Intel has confirmed launch in a few months, but has not yet provided the models that will be available. Well-known hardware leaker @momomo_us has provided a list of versions, detailing their L3 cache capabilities and clock frequencies.
We know, thanks to previous information, that the line will be distributed in two different variants: the standard line, compatible with 4-channel DDR5 memory, and the Expert line, compatible with 8-channel memory. The standard line will include 80 PCIe Gen5 lanes, while the Expert line will feature 128 PCIe Gen5 lanes.
Intel Xeon Granite Rapids versions
The leaker mentions eleven different models, differentiated mainly by the amount of cache memory. Another peculiarity is that half of them will have the ‘X‘ label, which means that they will allow overclocking techniques. The SKUs listed are as follows:
- 698X: 2.00 GHz, 336 MB
- 696X: 2.40 GHz, 336 MB
- 678X: 2.40 GHz, 192 MB
- 676X: 2.80 GHz, 144 MB
- 674X: 3.00 GHz, 144 MB
- 658X: 3.00 GHz, 144 MB
- 656: 2.90 GHz, 72 MB
- 654: 3.10 GHz, 72 MB
- 638: 3.20 GHz, 72 MB
- 636: 3.50 GHz, 48 MB
- 634: 2.70 GHz, 48 MB
Topping this preliminary list is a model called 698X, with 336 MB of hidden L3 and a clock speed of 2.0 GHz on all cores. The lower working frequency compared to the following suggests that it could be a model with a greater number of cores, although this has not yet been confirmed.
The design of the Intel Xeon Granite Rapids is based on the Intel XCC server compute chipsincorporating two compute modules offering up to 86 cores and two I/O modules for connectivity, including PCIe and memory controllers. To surpass 86 cores, Intel would likely need to adopt the larger UCC chip and larger package.
Although not confirmed, memory compatibility specifications for this generation dedicated to workstations are unknown. workstation model. However, the XCC family of servers supports DDR5-6400 and can achieve higher effective speeds with MR-DIMM modules.
For workstations, Intel will likely opt for a eight channel memory configuration to balance board capacity and complexity, although a twelve-channel memory configuration is also possible. Granite Rapids-WS processors are derived from Intel’s XCC server chips, enabling a faster transition to higher core counts in workstations. These server chips will be modified with a new socket and package. Intel manufactures the I/O chip for Granite Rapids on the Intel node 7, while the compute modules are produced using the Intel node 3.
Prices are not known, but they are expected to be as competitive as possible to AMD’s Threadripper 9000 family, whose solutions are gaining ground on Intel in all market segments. The Granite Rapids family of workstation processors is expected to launch late in the fourth quarter or at CES 2026 in Las Vegas in January.
