Granite Rapids-D for 5G with AI: Intel Xeon 6 SoCs for Networking and Edge Devices Debut

Intel Corporation has introduced Xeon 6 SoC chips of the Granite Rapids-D family, designed for use in network equipment, as well as embedded devices with AI functions. The chips support Intel QAT (QuickAssist Technology) for accelerating cryptographic operations, compression and processing of network traffic.

To date, the Xeon 6 SoC series includes 13 models with a number of computing cores from 12 to 42. All of them have four DDR5 memory channels with a frequency of 4800, 5600 or 6400 MHz. The TDP indicator ranges from 110 to 235 W, and the turbo frequency when using all cores reaches 2.9 GHz.

Most processors have an integrated 200G or 100G Ethernet controller (except for the Xeon 6533P-B). Some modifications support vRAN Boost and include an accelerator for media transcoding. At the same time, all products support AMX (Advanced Matrix Extensions), which provide acceleration of AI and machine learning workloads.

Image source: Intel

At the top of the family is the Xeon 6726P-B chip with 42 cores, TDP 235 W, base frequency of 2.3 GHz (increases to 2.9 GHz), support for four-channel DDR5-6400 memory and a 200 GbE controller: the product costs $3795. The younger version of the Xeon 6503P-B with 12 cores, TDP of 110 W, frequency of 2.0-2.6 GHz, support for DDR5-4800 and a 100 GbE controller is priced at $934.

It is noted that in the fourth quarter of this year, the Xeon 6 SoC series will be replenished with variants with up to 72 computing cores. In addition, Intel Corporation announced that the next-generation Clearwater Forest processors based on energy-efficient E-Core cores, which will replace Sierra Forest, will be released in the first half of 2026.