CPU Comparison
Intel Xeon 6740P vs Intel Xeon 6788P
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.
- AMX accelerates INT8 and BF16 matrix operations
- Suitable for small to medium AI inference models
- Large training workloads typically still use GPUs
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.
- Not designed for gaming use cases
- Single-threaded performance is modest compared to gaming CPUs
- Platform optimized for server I/O and RAS, not latency-sensitive gaming
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
- 86 cores and 172 threads for massive parallelism
- 336 MB L3 cache and 8-channel DDR5-6400 (MRDIMM up to 8000 MT/s)
- 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes with CXL 2.0 support
- AMX, QAT, DSA, DLB, IAA accelerators for AI, compression, and analytics
- Strong RAS and security features (TDX, SGX, MK-TME, etc.)
Cons
- High 350 W TDP and cooling requirements
- Very high platform and processor cost
- Limited single-threaded gains over prior-gen Xeons
- Software licensing costs can scale with core count
- Overkill for small business or branch-office servers
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 6788P
- AMD EPYC 9965Rival
High-Core-Count Server
- AMD EPYC 9755Rival
High-Core-Count Server
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6980PRival
High-End 2P Server
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6960PRival
High-End 2P Server
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6768PRival
Mainstream 2P/4P Server
48-core SKU with lower TDP and cost for balanced workloads.
Compare head-to-head32-core, higher-clock variant for less heavily threaded applications.
Compare head-to-head
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 no-compromise, high-core-count Xeon for enterprises that need maximum per-socket density and strong AI acceleration, but its 350 W TDP and premium pricing demand a careful TCO analysis.
Best for: 2S/4S/8S servers or high-end workstations running large in-memory databases, dense virtualization, or CPU-based AI inference where per-socket core count and memory bandwidth are critical.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Xeon 6740P or Intel Xeon 6788P?
For gaming, the Intel Xeon 6788P leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Xeon 6740P and Intel Xeon 6788P.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Xeon 6740P has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Xeon 6740P (270 W), Intel Xeon 6788P (350 W).
Do Intel Xeon 6740P and Intel Xeon 6788P 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 6788P has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Xeon 6740P (48 cores), Intel Xeon 6788P (86 cores).