CPU Comparison
Intel Xeon 6740P vs Intel Xeon 6746E
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Xeon 6740P is a 48-core, 96-thread server processor based on the Granite Rapids-SP architecture, designed for dual-socket enterprise and cloud workloads requiring high core counts, large cache, and strong memory bandwidth.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Gaming
Virtualization
Efficiency
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 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.
- No dedicated AI acceleration matrix like in P-core Xeons.
- CPU-based inference can leverage many cores for batch processing.
- On-die QAT accelerator can assist with AI-related compression/encryption.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Not designed or marketed for gaming.
- Lack of integrated graphics and optimized latency for client workloads.
- Better suited for server and enterprise use cases.
- Lacks high single-core turbo frequencies.
- E-cores not optimized for low-latency gaming workloads.
- No integrated graphics.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Unmatched core density (112 cores) in a single socket.
- Excellent energy efficiency for cloud throughput workloads.
- Integrated accelerators reduce need for discrete solutions.
- Massive I/O with 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes.
- Enables high consolidation ratios, saving rack space and power.
Cons
- Low base and turbo clock speeds limit single-thread performance.
- No Hyper-Threading, which may affect performance in some legacy applications.
- High cost per core compared to consumer or older Xeon platforms.
- Requires software optimized for many-core architectures.
- Limited to 2S scalability; not for extreme scale-up systems.
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Xeon 6746E
- AMD EPYC 9004 Series (e.g., EPYC 9654)Rival
Cloud/High-Density Server
- Intel Xeon 6700E Series (Other SKUs)Rival
Cloud/High-Density Server
- Ampere Altra MaxRival
Cloud/Arm-based Server
- Intel Xeon Scalable 5th Gen (Emerald Rapids)Rival
General Purpose Server
- AMD EPYC 8004 Series (Siena)Rival
Single-Socket Cloud Server
Higher core count (144 cores) for even greater density, if budget allows.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Xeon Platinum 8592+Alt
For workloads requiring strong single-thread performance and P-core features like AMX.
- AMD EPYC 9654Alt
Offers 96 cores with SMT (192 threads) and competitive performance per watt in cloud scenarios.
- Intel Xeon Gold 6430Alt
A balanced P-core Xeon for mixed workloads needing both single-thread speed and moderate core count.
- Intel Xeon w9-3495XAlt
A workstation-focused P-core Xeon with high clocks and unlocked multiplier for specialized tasks.
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA paradigm-shifting Xeon processor that trades single-thread speed for unparalleled core density and efficiency, perfectly tailored for the modern cloud data center.
Best for: Building new cloud data center racks for containerized, microservices, or VDI workloads where core density and power efficiency are paramount.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Xeon 6740P or Intel Xeon 6746E?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Xeon 6746E comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. 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 6740P or Intel Xeon 6746E?
For gaming, the Intel Xeon 6746E leads with a gaming performance score of 30/100 among Intel Xeon 6740P and Intel Xeon 6746E.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Xeon 6746E has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Xeon 6740P (270 W), Intel Xeon 6746E (250 W).
Do Intel Xeon 6740P and Intel Xeon 6746E 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 6746E has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Xeon 6740P (48 cores), Intel Xeon 6746E (112 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.