Intel Rebrands to "Xeon 6" with New Sierra Forest and Granite Rapids CPUs

Intel is streamlining its processor lineup, transitioning from the Xeon Scalable series to the more straightforward "Xeon 6" moniker. This change heralds the introduction of the Sierra Forest and Granite Rapids processors, equipped with E-cores and P-cores, respectively. The inaugural Xeon 6 series is poised to deliver enhanced performance and efficiency.

The P-core Granite Rapids processors will offer advanced AI capabilities, including support for the MXFP4 data format, which notably reduces next-token latency by 6.5 times compared to prior generations, and can handle models with up to 70 billion parameters like Llama-2.

Conversely, the E-core Sierra Forest processors will provide a fourfold improvement in performance per watt and a more than double increase in rack density compared to earlier generations, aiding in reducing power consumption and advancing sustainability objectives.

Intel plans to launch the Sierra Forest processors in Q2 2024, followed by the Granite Rapids CPUs later that year.