Intel Unveils 288-Core Xeon CPU, Next-Gen Roadmap for Data Centers

Intel has revealed its plans for the next generation of Xeon server processors, highlighting massive core counts and architectural improvements aimed at datacentre and cloud workloads.

The star of Intel's roadmap is Sierra Forest, a 144 or 288-core Xeon due in 2024. With up to 288 cores and 288 threads, Sierra Forest will pack the highest core count of any Intel chip to date. Intel says the 288-core model will deliver a 2.4x increase in performance per watt compared to current 4th Gen Xeon processors.

Sierra Forest utilizes Intel's new performance hybrid architecture, combining high-performance P-cores (based on the upcoming Granite Rapids) with high-efficiency E-cores. It allows Sierra Forest to achieve new heights of performance and efficiency vital for data centre customers.

Granite Rapids itself closely follows Sierra Forest later in 2024, offering up to 60 P-cores with improvements to AI performance. Both Sierra Forest and Granite Rapids are built on Intel 3 process technology.

In 2025, Sierra Forest's successor, Clearwater Forest, will leverage Intel 18A process technology to push E-core performance further.

The roadmap confirms Intel will deliver its 5th Gen Xeon Emerald Rapids, with modest core count increases but significant cache improvements, in December 2022.

With Sierra Forest, Granite Rapids and Clearwater Forest, Intel is betting on its performance hybrid architecture and advanced process nodes to deliver major leaps in data centre capabilities in the coming years.