CPU Comparison
Intel Xeon 6748P vs Intel Xeon 6781P
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Xeon 6748P is a 48-core, 96-thread server processor based on the Granite Rapids-SP architecture, designed for high-core-count, multi-socket enterprise and HPC workloads with 8-channel DDR5-6400 and up to 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Gaming
Virtualization
Efficiency
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- AMX and DL Boost accelerate CPU‑based AI inference
- Well suited as an AI host node for GPU‑accelerated servers
- Not a replacement for dedicated AI accelerators for training
- Intel AMX (Advanced Matrix Extensions) accelerates INT8 and BF16 matrix operations.
- Good for CPU-based inference and training where GPUs are not available.
- For large-scale training, GPUs or dedicated accelerators still dominate.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Designed for server and HPC workloads, not gaming
- High latency and core‑count‑optimized microarchitecture
- Modern desktop CPUs offer better gaming performance at far lower cost
- No integrated graphics; requires a discrete GPU.
- Optimized for server and AI workloads, not gaming clock rates or latency.
- Gamers should choose mainstream desktop or workstation CPUs instead.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 48 cores and 96 threads for high multi‑threaded throughput
- 8‑channel DDR5‑6400 with MRDIMM support for bandwidth‑intensive workloads
- Up to 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes and CXL 2.0 for GPUs and accelerators
- Mature RAS and enterprise features from the Xeon Scalable lineage
- Good AI inference performance with AMX and DL Boost
Cons
- 300 W TDP requires robust cooling and increases platform power
- High platform cost (CPU, DDR5, server board) compared to lower‑core‑count options
- No integrated graphics; even basic VGA requires an add‑in card or BMC
- Locked multiplier with no official overclocking support
- Overkill for workloads that cannot saturate 48 cores and 8 memory channels
Pros
- 80 cores and 160 threads for highly parallel workloads.
- 8-channel DDR5/MRDIMM with up to 4 TB memory capacity.
- 136 PCIe 5.0 lanes for GPUs, NVMe, and CXL devices.
- Intel AMX, QAT, DLB, DSA, IAA accelerators for AI and I/O.
- Strong single-socket performance for virtualization and databases.
- CXL 2.0 support on the Xeon 6 platform for memory expansion.
Cons
- High 350 W TDP and demanding power/cooling requirements.
- Premium pricing; overkill for SMB or light server workloads.
- No integrated graphics; not suitable for basic desktop use.
- Locked multiplier; no enthusiast overclocking.
- Platform is new and may have early BIOS/firmware maturity considerations.
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Xeon 6748P
- AMD EPYC 9454Rival
Server
- AMD EPYC 9554Rival
Server
- AMD EPYC 9654Rival
Server
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6781PRival
Server
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6760PRival
Server
Same core count with higher cache and slightly lower TDP if you need more L3 per core.
Compare head-to-headLower core count and TDP for less demanding server workloads with similar platform features.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Xeon 6900P seriesAlt
Higher‑core‑count Granite Rapids‑AP platform for those needing 72–128 cores per socket.
Intel Xeon 6781P
- AMD EPYC 9565Rival
High-core-count server
- AMD EPYC 9255Rival
Mid-range server / cloud
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6980PRival
High-end dual-socket Granite Rapids-SP
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6780ERival
High-density E-core (Sierra Forest)
- Intel Xeon w9-3495XRival
Previous-gen HEDT/workstation
Our Verdict on Each
A strong 48-core server CPU for multi-socket platforms that need high memory bandwidth and PCIe connectivity, but with a 300 W TDP and premium price that demand careful platform and cooling design.
Best for: Building or upgrading 2–8 socket servers for virtualization, databases, or HPC where high core count, memory bandwidth, and PCIe connectivity are critical and platform cost can be justified.
Read the full reviewA very strong single-socket server CPU with excellent core count, memory bandwidth, and integrated AI accelerators, best suited for AI, virtualization, and data-center workloads where its 350 W TDP and platform cost are justified.
Best for: Single-socket servers and workstations for AI inference, virtualization, in-memory databases, or HPC where you need many cores, high memory bandwidth, and strong AI acceleration without going dual-socket.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Xeon 6748P or Intel Xeon 6781P?
For gaming, the Intel Xeon 6748P leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Xeon 6748P and Intel Xeon 6781P.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Xeon 6748P has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Xeon 6748P (300 W), Intel Xeon 6781P (350 W).
Do Intel Xeon 6748P and Intel Xeon 6781P 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 6781P has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Xeon 6748P (48 cores), Intel Xeon 6781P (80 cores).