CPU Comparison
Intel Xeon 6731E vs Intel Xeon 6740P
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Xeon 6731E is a 96‑core, 96‑thread server processor based on the Sierra Forest E‑core architecture, targeting high‑density, throughput‑oriented workloads such as cloud‑native microservices, networking, and edge infrastructure. It integrates 96 MB of L3 cache, an 8‑channel DDR5‑6400 memory interface, and 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes in a 250 W LGA4710 package, and is restricted to single‑socket designs.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Gaming
Virtualization
Efficiency
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Supports VNNI and AVX2 for AI inference workloads
- No dedicated matrix or AMX acceleration
- Suitable for scale‑out inference where throughput matters more than per‑core performance
- Strong CPU-based inference for models that fit in cache and memory.
- No dedicated AI matrix units beyond AVX-512/AMX in this generation.
- Best suited as a host CPU for GPU-accelerated AI training or inference.
Content Creation
Gaming
- No integrated graphics and low base/boost clocks
- Not targeted at client or gaming workloads
- Server‑focused I/O and memory subsystem
- Not designed or marketed for gaming.
- Lack of integrated graphics and optimized latency for client workloads.
- Better suited for server and enterprise use cases.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 96 high‑density E‑cores for excellent throughput
- Intel 3 process and Crestmont cores improve performance per watt
- 8‑channel DDR5 with large memory capacity (up to 4 TB)
- 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes for I/O‑heavy accelerators and storage
- Integrated accelerators (QAT, DLB, DSA, IAA) for networking and analytics
- Strong security features (TDX, SGX, MK‑TME, CET, crypto acceleration)
Cons
- No AVX‑512 or AMX support
- Limited to single‑socket LGA4710 platforms
- 250 W TDP requires robust cooling and power delivery
- Lower per‑core performance versus P‑core Xeons or EPYC Genoa
- No integrated graphics
- Premium server pricing; not cost‑effective for general desktop use
Pros
- 48 cores and 96 threads for high parallel throughput
- 288 MB shared L3 cache reduces latency for large datasets
- 8-channel DDR5-6400 memory subsystem
- Up to 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes in 2P configs for GPU and NVMe expansion
- Strong platform features (CXL 2.0, Intel AMX, QAT, DSA) for server workloads
- Good performance-per-watt within its core-count and frequency band
Cons
- High 270 W TDP requires robust cooling and power delivery
- Locked multiplier with no overclocking headroom
- No integrated graphics; must be paired with a discreet GPU or BMC
- Platform and memory costs are significant compared to client CPUs
- Single-thread performance is lower than lower-core-count, higher-clocked SKUs
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Xeon 6731E
- AMD EPYC 9654Rival
High‑Performance Server / General‑Purpose
- AMD EPYC 97X4 BergamoRival
Cloud‑Native / Dense Scale‑Out
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6780ERival
High‑Core‑Count E‑core Server
- Ampere Altra / AmpereOneRival
ARM Cloud‑Native Server
- Intel Xeon 6710ERival
Lower‑Core‑Count E‑core Server
- Intel Xeon 6 P‑core (6700P/6500P)Alt
If your workloads benefit more from higher per‑core performance and AVX‑512 than from raw core density.
Intel Xeon 6740P
- AMD EPYC 9474FRival
Server
- AMD EPYC 9654Rival
Server
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6760PRival
Server
- Intel Xeon 6730PRival
Server
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6781PRival
Server
- Intel Xeon 6500P SeriesAlt
Lower-core-count P-core SKUs (e.g., 6530P) with similar platform features but reduced TDP and cost.
Our Verdict on Each
A very high‑core‑density, efficiency‑focused server CPU that excels at throughput‑bound, scale‑out workloads, but it is not a general‑purpose performance leader and is limited to single‑socket platforms.
Best for: New 1‑socket server builds for cloud‑native microservices, 5G core, CDN, or scale‑out web workloads where core density and performance per watt are critical.
Read the full reviewA high-core-count Granite Rapids-SP Xeon optimized for 2P servers needing strong memory bandwidth and large cache, though power and platform cost are substantial.
Best for: Building or refreshing a dual-socket server for virtualization, databases, or general enterprise workloads where core density and memory bandwidth matter more than absolute single-thread performance.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Xeon 6731E or Intel Xeon 6740P?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Xeon 6740P comes out ahead with a score of 8.7/10. 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 6731E has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Xeon 6731E (250 W), Intel Xeon 6740P (270 W).
Do Intel Xeon 6731E and Intel Xeon 6740P use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the FCLGA4710 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Xeon 6731E has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Xeon 6731E (96 cores), Intel Xeon 6740P (48 cores).