CPU Comparison
Intel Xeon 6740P vs Intel Xeon 6944P
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 and AVX-512 with FP16/BF16 acceleration boost AI inference
- High core count and memory bandwidth benefit large-batch inference
- For large-scale training, systems with dedicated accelerators (e.g., Intel Gaudi) often outperform CPU-only designs
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.
- Designed for server and HPC workloads, not gaming
- Lacks integrated graphics and gaming-optimized power states
- Modern desktop CPUs offer better gaming performance at far lower cost
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
- 72 P-cores / 144 threads for highly parallel workloads
- 12-channel DDR5-6400 with ECC for exceptional memory bandwidth
- Up to 96 PCIe 5.0 lanes per CPU (192 in 2P) for GPUs and NVMe
- Redwood Cove P-cores with AMX and AVX-512 for AI and HPC
- Dual-socket scalability with six UPI 2.0 24 GT/s links
Cons
- High 350 W TDP and demanding platform power requirements
- Very high CPU and platform cost compared to desktop alternatives
- No integrated graphics; not suitable for display-heavy workloads without a discrete GPU
- Locked multiplier with no overclocking support
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 6944P
- AMD EPYC 9565Rival
Server / HPC
- AMD EPYC 9654Rival
Server / HPC
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6960PRival
Server / HPC
- Intel Xeon Platinum 8490HRival
Server / HPC
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6980PRival
Server / HPC
- Intel Xeon 6700E/6500E (E-core)Alt
E-core Xeon 6 variants offering higher density and better performance-per-watt for scale-out workloads where P-core features are unnecessary.
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 highly capable 72-core Granite Rapids-AP CPU that excels in memory-bandwidth-sensitive and heavily parallel workloads, though its high platform cost and 350 W TDP make sense only in professional or datacenter environments.
Best for: Building or upgrading a dual-socket server or high-end workstation for HPC, AI, or large-scale virtualization where you can leverage 72 cores and 12 memory channels.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Xeon 6740P or Intel Xeon 6944P?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Xeon 6944P comes out ahead with a score of 8.8/10. 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 6944P?
For gaming, the Intel Xeon 6944P leads with a gaming performance score of 50/100 among Intel Xeon 6740P and Intel Xeon 6944P.
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 6944P (350 W).
Do Intel Xeon 6740P and Intel Xeon 6944P use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Xeon 6740P: FCLGA4710, Intel Xeon 6944P: FCLGA7529), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Xeon 6944P has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Xeon 6740P (48 cores), Intel Xeon 6944P (72 cores).