The chip giant launched on January 10 its new Intel Xeon Sapphire Rapids processors, a new generation of high-performance CPUs for servers and data centers. Shortly after its launch, information began to emerge saying that those from Santa Clara were going to launch a version for workstationswhich I was able to confirm a few weeks ago, although I couldn’t share any information with you because, as you may have imagined, it was under NDA.
Today, finally, said NDA has ended, and I can now tell you all the keys to the new processors Intel Xeon W-2400 and W-3400 series for work stations. This new generation starts from the same base that we saw in Sapphire Rapids for servers and data centers, which means that they maintain the multi-chip module design with up to four interconnected blocks, which are manufactured in the Intel 7 node (10 nm SuperFin improved ) and adds a maximum of 56 cores and 112 threads.
What we just said is very important, because it means that the Intel Xeon W-2400 and W-3400 series keep the most important keys of the Xeon Sapphire Rapids for servers, including specialized workload acceleration based on artificial intelligence, inference, and deep learning, DDR5 memory support with error-correcting (ECC) technology, PCIe Gen5 interface, and vPro technology, which offers enhanced security via hardware.
The new generation of processors that Intel has presented addresses many professionalsamong which we can highlight content creators, scientists, researchers, engineers, architects, product designers and professionals from the world of inference, deep learning and artificial intelligence.
Intel Xeon W-2400 series: key specifications
They are at a cheaper and more accessible level than the Xeon W-3400 series, but maintain a high level of performance. They will be available in configurations with up to 24 cores and 48 threadsthey can be connected with up to 4 GPUs and 8 high-speed storage units thanks to its 64 PCIe Gen5 lanes and support up to 2 TB of DDR5 memory at a maximum of 4,800 MHz in quad channel.
These new processors communicate with the Intel W790 chipset through DMI 4.0×8 and integrate the most advanced technologies of the chip giant. These are the most important:
- 3rd generation Intel Deep Learning Boost Technology.
- Intel vPro for business.
- Intel Platform Trust Technology and Boot Guard.
- Intel Data Streaming Accelerator (DSA).
- Intel Advanced Matrix Extensions (AMX).
- Intel Advanced Vector Extensions 2 (AVX2).
- Intel Advanced Vector Extensions 512 (AVX-512).
- Intel Advanced Vector Extensions 512 (AVX-512) FMA drives.
- Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 (adjustable).
The Xeon W-2400 series have a maximum TDP of 225 wattsand are divided into the ranges W3, W5 and W7, the latter being the most powerful. In the attached image you can see a complete summary with all the models that Intel will launch, your specifications and the price of these. Keep in mind that the prices that the company has given correspond to the unit cost on purchases of 1,000 units. I’m sorry I can’t share with you the official individual price in Spain, since I don’t have that information.
Intel Xeon W-3400 series: key specifications
This series is at the top, that is, they constitute the most powerful and advanced offer within this new generation of professional processors from Intel. They maintain the technologies that we have mentioned when talking about the Xeon Series W-2400, but bring important improvements which we will review below.
The Xeon Series W-3400 hit the ceiling in configurations of 56 cores and 112 threadsthey can be connected with up to 7 GPUs or with up to 28 high-speed storage units thanks to their 112 PCIe Gen5 lanes, they support up to 4 TB of DDR5 memory at a maximum of 4,800 MHz in eight channels with ECC technology, and they maintain all the Keys related to the W790 chipset, including DMI 4.0 x8 link and vPro technology.
At the performance level, the leap that Intel has achieved is very importantas we can see in the attached graphs, since depending on the test used one Xeon W9-3495X can outperform two Intel Xeon Gold 5258R by up to 75%. You can enlarge the gallery that you will find just below these lines by clicking on it, and if you have any questions when interpreting it you can leave it in the comments and we will help you solve it.
In total Intel will launch seven different models within the W-3400 series. In the attached image, which you can also enlarge by clicking on it, You will be able to see all its specifications, as well as the sales prices per unit in orders of a thousand units. I do not have the individualized sales prices for Spain either, but if I receive that information I will update this article. The cheapest model starts with a configuration of 12 cores and 24 threads.
This new generation of Intel Xeon processors will be available for pre-order starting today, February 15, but will be limited to Intel industry partners. The first systems equipped with these new processors will begin to reach the market starting in March. The Intel W790 chipset will offer up to 16 PCIe Gen4 lanes, up to 8 SATA III ports (6 Gbps), up to five USB 3.2 connectors at up to 20 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps LAN connectivity, and integrated Wi-Fi 6E.
