CPU Comparison
Intel Xeon 6768P-B vs Intel Xeon 6978P
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Xeon 6768P-B is a 64-core, 128-thread single-socket server processor based on the Granite Rapids-SP (Redwood Cove P-core) architecture, featuring 256 MB of L3 cache, 8-channel DDR5-6400 memory, and 48 PCIe lanes (Gen4/Gen5) with integrated accelerators for AI, networking, and security workloads.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Gaming
Virtualization
Efficiency
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- AMX (Advanced Matrix Extensions) accelerate matrix operations for inference and training
- No dedicated GPU, but strong CPU AI and QAT/DLB/DSA acceleration for data movement and compression
- Supports Intel AMX, DL Boost, and AVX‑512 for CPU‑based AI inference
- No integrated AI accelerator beyond CPU instructions
- Best used as a host CPU for discrete AI accelerators
Content Creation
Gaming
- Server-focused SKU with no integrated graphics
- Gaming performance is irrelevant for this use case
- No integrated graphics
- Server platform, not validated for gaming
- Client‑side gaming not a target use case
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 64 P-cores / 128 threads for high-throughput workloads
- 1S-only design simplifies software licensing and NUMA tuning
- 8-channel DDR5-6400 with up to 2.25 TB capacity
- 48 PCIe Gen4/Gen5 lanes for GPUs, NICs, and NVMe
- Integrated QAT, DLB, DSA, AMX, and vRAN Boost accelerators
- Strong virtualization and security feature set (TDX, SGX, MK-TME, VMD)
Cons
- High 325 W TDP requires robust cooling and power delivery
- Single-socket only; no multi-socket upgrade path
- No integrated graphics; not suitable for headless client scenarios without a GPU
- Launch pricing is high relative to mainstream server CPUs
- Benchmark data for this exact SKU is still limited
Pros
- Very high core count (120 cores / 240 threads)
- 12 memory channels with DDR5 and MRDIMM support
- 96 PCIe 5.0 lanes for I/O‑heavy server designs
- Intel 3 process improves density and efficiency
- Strong platform for in‑memory databases and virtualization
Cons
- 500 W TDP requires robust cooling and power delivery
- Expensive and typically sold only through OEM channels
- Performance per core is modest compared to lower‑core Xeons
- Limited use outside large server deployments
- No integrated graphics or client‑side validation
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Xeon 6768P-B
- AMD EPYC 9554 (64-core, Genoa)Rival
Server
- AMD EPYC 9654 (96-core, Genoa)Rival
Server
- Intel Xeon w9-3495X (56-core, Sapphire Rapids-WS)Rival
Workstation
- Intel Xeon 6768P (64-core, Granite Rapids-SP, 4S/8S)Rival
Server
- Ampere Altra Max (128-core, Arm)Rival
Server / Cloud
- Intel Xeon 6766P-BAlt
Similar 1S-only Granite Rapids-SP SKU with slightly lower clocks and potentially better pricing.
- AMD EPYC 9554Alt
64 Zen 4 cores with 12-channel DDR5 and 128 PCIe 5 lanes for better memory and I/O bandwidth.
- Intel Xeon 6767P (1S, 64-core)Alt
1S Granite Rapids-SP variant with different turbo/feature balance; may offer better single-thread performance.
- Intel Xeon w9-3495XAlt
Sapphire Rapids workstation CPU with 56 cores and higher clocks, suitable if you prefer mature platform and don’t need 64 cores.
- AMD EPYC 9454 (48-core, Genoa)Alt
Lower core count but better per-core performance and efficiency for mixed workloads.
Intel Xeon 6978P
- AMD EPYC 9554Rival
Server (64‑core, SP5)
- AMD EPYC 9654Rival
Server (96‑core, SP5)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Xeon 6980PRival
Server (128‑core, Granite Rapids‑AP)
- Intel Xeon Platinum 8490HRival
Server (60‑core, Sapphire Rapids)
- AmpereOne A192‑32Rival
Cloud‑Native ARM Server (192‑core)
Lower core count (64) with higher per‑core frequency, better for workloads that don’t scale beyond ~64 threads.
Compare head-to-head- ARM‑based AmpereOne or Graviton3Alt
Cloud‑native ARM alternatives for scale‑out workloads where software is optimized for ARM and power efficiency is critical.
Our Verdict on Each
A powerful single-socket Xeon optimized for high core count and accelerator-rich workloads, best suited for users who want maximum per-socket performance without multi-socket complexity.
Best for: Single-socket servers or workstations that need high core count, strong memory bandwidth, and integrated accelerators without multi-socket licensing complexity.
Read the full reviewAn extremely capable dual‑socket server CPU with best‑in‑class core count and memory bandwidth for its generation, best suited for organizations that can utilize its 120 cores and 12 memory channels rather than treating it as a general‑purpose compute node.
Best for: Dual‑socket servers running memory‑intensive, highly parallel workloads such as large in‑memory databases, virtualization, or HPC where core count and memory bandwidth are the primary bottlenecks.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Xeon 6768P-B or Intel Xeon 6978P?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Xeon 6978P 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 uses less power?
The Intel Xeon 6768P-B has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Xeon 6768P-B (325 W), Intel Xeon 6978P (500 W).
Do Intel Xeon 6768P-B and Intel Xeon 6978P use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Xeon 6768P-B: FCBGA5026 (LGA 4710), Intel Xeon 6978P: FCLGA7529), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Xeon 6978P has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Xeon 6768P-B (64 cores), Intel Xeon 6978P (120 cores).