CPU Comparison
Intel Xeon 6520P vs Intel Xeon 6706P-B
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Xeon 6520P is a 24-core Granite Rapids-SP server processor with 48 threads, 144 MB L3 cache, eight DDR5-6400 memory channels, 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes, and a 210 W TDP. Designed for dual-socket scalability, it targets modern data center workloads including virtualization, databases, and AI inference.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Includes Intel Advanced Matrix Extensions (AMX).
- Suited for inference and lightweight training with compatible frameworks.
- Supports AMX and Intel DL Boost (AVX-512 VNNI), enabling competitive AI inference on CPU for recommendation, vision, and LLM small-batch workloads; official MLPerf results show Xeon 6 P-cores achieving notable uplift over prior generation.
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
- No integrated graphics.
- Not designed for desktop gaming workloads.
- Platform and socket differ from consumer PCs.
- Not designed for gaming; server platforms typically lack high refresh graphics support and optimizations expected in gaming PCs.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 24 P-cores and 48 threads in a 210 W envelope.
- Eight DDR5-6400 memory channels.
- 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes.
- AMX, DSA, DLB, IAA, and QAT integrated.
- Dual-socket support with four UPI links.
Cons
- No integrated graphics.
- Platform costs are higher than consumer CPUs.
- Memory requires DDR5 support.
- Locked multiplier (no overclocking).
- Primarily targeted at server/workstation ecosystems.
Pros
- 40 P-cores with 80 threads and high per-core performance for server workloads
- 160 MB of L3 cache improves throughput for memory-bound tasks
- Integrated accelerators (AMX, QAT, DSA, DLB) offload AI, crypto/compression, and networking
- PCIe 5.0 + PCIe 4.0 for modern NVMe, NICs, and accelerators
- Strong security features including TDX, SGX, and Total Memory Encryption
- Quad-channel DDR5-6400 with ECC for reliable, high-bandwidth memory
Cons
- BGA package prevents field upgrades and limits platform flexibility
- 48 PCIe lanes are fewer than high-end socketed Xeon platforms
- No integrated graphics; dedicated GPU required if display output is needed
- 235 W TDP requires robust thermal solution in dense appliance designs
- Supports only single-socket configurations
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Xeon 6520P
- AMD EPYC 7543 (32-core)Rival
Server
- AMD EPYC 7452 (32-core)Rival
Server
- AMD EPYC 7313 (16-core)Rival
Server
- AMD EPYC 8534P (32-core Genoa)Rival
Server
- AMD EPYC 9354P (32-core Bergamo)Rival
Server
- Intel Xeon 6510PAlt
Lower core count within the same platform for cost-sensitive deployments.
- Intel Xeon 6528PAlt
Higher core count and performance if budget allows.
- Intel Xeon 6700P-seriesAlt
More cores and higher memory bandwidth options.
- AMD EPYC 7003-seriesAlt
Alternative DDR4 server platforms.
- AMD EPYC 9004-seriesAlt
High-core DDR5 platforms with strong I/O.
Intel Xeon 6706P-B
- AMD EPYC 9354PRival
Server
- AMD EPYC 9454PRival
Server
- AMD EPYC 9554PRival
Server
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6563P-BRival
Server
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6553P-BRival
Server
- Intel Xeon 6706P (socketed)Alt
If a socketed LGA variant exists, it would enable field upgrades; otherwise the 6706P-B remains the BGA option.
Our Verdict on Each
The Xeon 6520P brings Granite Rapids-SP capabilities to the mainstream server segment, balancing core count, memory bandwidth, and PCIe 5.0 I/O without the extreme power envelopes of larger SKUs.
Best for: New dual-socket servers for virtualization, databases, and storage in 2025 and beyond.
Read the full reviewThe Xeon 6706P-B brings Granite Rapids P-cores to a BGA footprint, with 40 cores, 160 MB of L3 cache, and on-die accelerators (AMX, QAT, DSA, DLB) that shine in telecom, security, and edge AI. Its 235 W TDP and 4-channel DDR5-6400 deliver strong throughput, though the BGA package locks platform choice and 48 PCIe lanes are fewer than many OEM-socket SKUs.
Best for: Fixed-form-factor appliances, edge servers, and telecom infrastructure where 40 cores with built-in accelerators and BGA mounting are required by design.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Xeon 6520P or Intel Xeon 6706P-B?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Xeon 6706P-B comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Xeon 6520P has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Xeon 6520P (210 W), Intel Xeon 6706P-B (235 W).
Do Intel Xeon 6520P and Intel Xeon 6706P-B use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Xeon 6520P: FCLGA4710, Intel Xeon 6706P-B: FCBGA4368), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Xeon 6706P-B has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Xeon 6520P (24 cores), Intel Xeon 6706P-B (40 cores).