Intel is developing a new processor series that will directly compete with AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper series in the high-performance workstation (WS) segment, where it has struggled for a long time. Leaks indicate that this new processor, codenamed Granite Rapids-WS, is designed specifically for workstations and is positioned against AMD’s Zen 5-based Ryzen 9000WX series.
A bold move from Intel
The leaked processor has 86 cores and 172 threads. Its clock speeds can reach up to 4.8 GHz. Based on the Granite Rapids architecture, this processor is likely a higher-clocked version of the Xeon 6787P, which has 86 cores but a maximum turbo speed of 3.8 GHz. This suggests a configuration using two compute units.
While this 86-core configuration is close to AMD’s Threadripper 9995WX, the Granite Rapids-WS is likely not the flagship of the series. The Granite Rapids architecture theoretically has the potential to reach up to 128 cores. However, Intel would have to use three compute units to produce a 128-core version, while the 86-core model uses two.
Leaks suggest that workstation-specific versions of the Granite Rapids will offer 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes, 8-channel DDR5 memory support, and be compatible with Intel’s older W890 chipset.
In recent years, Intel has struggled to deliver a serious processor to compete with the Threadripper WX series. The previous W-3500 Sapphire Rapids Refresh series could only reach a maximum of 60 cores.
In contrast, AMD has released 96-core models since the 7000WX series. With Granite Rapids-WS, Intel finally has the opportunity to approach or surpass AMD in terms of core count in the workstation and high-performance desktop (HEDT) segment.
