CPU Comparison
Intel Xeon 6731P vs Intel Xeon 6740P
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Xeon 6731P is a 32-core, 64-thread server and workstation processor based on the Granite Rapids-SP architecture, targeting single-socket platforms with 8-channel DDR5-6400, 136 PCIe 5.0 lanes, and built-in accelerators for AI, storage, and networking workloads.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Gaming
Virtualization
Efficiency
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- AMX and AVX-512 provide strong CPU-based AI inference and small-batch training
- Not a replacement for dedicated GPUs or accelerators for large models
- Well-suited for edge inference, analytics, and MLPerf inference workloads
- 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
- Server-focused SKU without official gaming benchmarks
- Single-threaded performance is strong, but gaming is not a target workload
- Use desktop or consumer HEDT CPUs for gaming-focused builds
- 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
- 32 P-cores with strong per-core performance and AVX-512/AMX
- 136 PCIe 5.0 lanes for dense NVMe/GPU configurations
- 8-channel DDR5-6400 with up to 4 TB capacity
- Integrated QAT/DLB/DSA/IAA accelerators for storage, networking, and analytics
- 1S platform reduces board and licensing complexity
Cons
- 245 W TDP requires robust cooling and power delivery
- 1S-only; no multi-socket upgrade path
- Not on the densest process node; some EPYC competitors are more power-efficient per core
- No integrated graphics (typical for server CPUs)
- Platform cost is high compared to mainstream desktop parts
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 6731P
- AMD EPYC 9355 (32-core, 2S)Rival
2S Server / HPC
- AMD EPYC 9455 (48-core, 2S)Rival
2S Server / AI
- Intel Xeon 6741P (48-core, 1S)Rival
1S Server / Workstation
- Intel Xeon 6737P (32-core, higher clocks)Rival
1S Server / Workstation
- Intel Xeon 6787P (86-core, 1S/8S)Rival
High-core-count 1S/8S
48 cores and 288 MB L3 for workloads that can use more threads, same platform and feature set.
Compare head-to-head- AMD EPYC 9355Alt
32-core EPYC with strong FP performance and 12-channel DDR5; good for 2S configurations.
- AMD EPYC 9455Alt
96 cores (2S) with high SPEC CPU2017 scores; better for heavily parallel workloads.
Similar core count with slightly higher clocks for workloads sensitive to frequency.
Compare head-to-headWhen you need many more cores and can accept higher power and cost.
Compare head-to-head
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 well-balanced 32-core Granite Rapids-SP CPU that shines in 1S servers and workstations needing strong per-core performance, massive I/O, and built-in acceleration, though power efficiency lags newer process nodes.
Best for: Single-socket servers, storage appliances, and workstations needing high PCIe lane count and DDR5 bandwidth with moderate core count.
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 6731P 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 is faster for gaming, Intel Xeon 6731P or Intel Xeon 6740P?
For gaming, the Intel Xeon 6740P leads with a gaming performance score of 0/100 among Intel Xeon 6731P and Intel Xeon 6740P.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Xeon 6731P has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Xeon 6731P (245 W), Intel Xeon 6740P (270 W).
Do Intel Xeon 6731P and Intel Xeon 6740P use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Xeon 6731P: FCLGA4710 (LGA4710), Intel Xeon 6740P: FCLGA4710), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Xeon 6740P has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Xeon 6731P (32 cores), Intel Xeon 6740P (48 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Xeon 6740P posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Xeon 6740P (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.