NEWS  Computer  December 5, 2023  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

In a recent leak from an Intel "Data-Centric Processor Roadmap" presentation, a sneak peek into the highly anticipated 5th Gen Xeon "Emerald Rapids" CPUs has surfaced. Despite an unfinished slide deck, the revelations hint at a significant leap in performance compared to its predecessor, the 4th Gen Xeon "Sapphire Rapids".

Architecture and Design

The heart of the Emerald Rapids CPUs lies in the P-Core architecture under the Raptor Cove ISA. The flagship Xeon 8592+ boasts an impressive configuration of 64 cores, 128 threads, and a massive 480 MB L3 cache pool. Notably, Intel has transitioned from a 4-tile design in the 4th Gen to a more streamlined 2-tile design in the 5th Gen, connected through a modular die fabric.

Key Features

The Intel Emerald Rapids CPUs bring forth a plethora of improvements, promising increased performance and performance per watt, larger core counts with a shared L3 cache, support for DDR5 DIMMs at speeds up to 5600 MT/s, and a substantial 80 PCIe Gen5 lanes. The introduction of Compute Express Link (CXL) Type 1, 2, & 3, and enhanced Intel Ultra Path Interconnect Speeds (UPI) further solidify their data center prowess.

Enhancements in 5th Gen Xeon "Emerald Rapids" CPUs

• Up to 3x larger Last Level Cache (LLC)
• Higher Memory Speeds
• Expanded CPU Core Count (Up to 64 Cores)
• CXL Type 3 high bandwidth interface
• Workload optimizations with Intel Accelerator Engines
• Optimized Power Mode
• Up to 17% General Purpose Performance/Watt Increase
• Integration of Intel AMX for built-in AI Acceleration
• Out-of-the-box deployment with Optimized Software Stacks

Performance Benchmarks

Official benchmarks showcase the 5th Gen Xeon 8592+ outperforming its predecessor, the 4th Gen Xeon 8480+, across various domains:

• Web (Server-side Java Throughput): +20% Gain
• High-Performance Computing (LAMMPS-Copper): +30% Gain
• Media (Transcode FFMPEG FPS): +20% Gain
• AI Natural Language Processing: +40% Gain
• AI Recommendation Systems: +40% Gain

Challenges and Outlook

While these benchmarks are promising, caution is advised until third-party results validate the claims. As Intel gears up for the 5th Gen Xeon "Emerald Rapids" launch on December 14th, the looming question remains—can these enhancements be enough to rival AMD's EPYC 9004/8004 lineup, especially given AMD's track record of smashing records in performance and efficiency?

The emergence of Intel's 5th Gen Xeon "Emerald Rapids" CPUs marks a significant milestone in the realm of data center processors. With a host of improvements and promising benchmarks, the competition with AMD's upcoming releases adds an extra layer of anticipation. 

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