Quick Verdict
A well-balanced 32-core Granite Rapids-SP CPU that shines in 1S servers and workstations needing strong per-core performance, massive I/O, and built-in acceleration, though power efficiency lags newer process nodes.
Overview
Launch
2025
Status
LaunchedGeneration
6th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable (Granite Rapids-SP)
Market
1S Server & Workstation
The Intel Xeon 6731P is a 32-core, 64-thread server and workstation processor based on the Granite Rapids-SP architecture, targeting single-socket platforms with 8-channel DDR5-6400, 136 PCIe 5.0 lanes, and built-in accelerators for AI, storage, and networking workloads.
With 32 P-cores, 64 threads, 144 MB of L3 cache, and 8-channel DDR5-6400, the Xeon 6731P targets modern data center and workstation workloads where single-socket simplicity, high I/O count, and AI acceleration matter more than raw core density. Its 136 PCIe 5.0 lanes make it particularly attractive for storage and GPU/appliance platforms, while SPEC CPU2017 shows competitive integer throughput for its core count.
Power consumption is high at 245 W TDP, and the platform is 1S only, so multi-socket scalability is off the table.
Specifications
Performance
SPEC CPU2017 Integer Rate around 37.4k base shows solid multi-threaded throughput for a 32-core server CPU, competitive with prior-gen high-core-count Xeons but with better memory and I/O.
Excellent for 1S VM hosts thanks to 32 cores, 64 threads, and 8-channel DDR5; per-core performance and I/O are well-suited to consolidation and database VMs.
Not targeted at gaming; no relevant gaming benchmarks. Single-thread performance is strong, but gaming is not the design intent.
245 W TDP for 32 cores is reasonable for the performance and I/O envelope but not class-leading versus some EPYC alternatives on denser nodes.
- •Server-focused SKU without official gaming benchmarks
- •Single-threaded performance is strong, but gaming is not a target workload
- •Use desktop or consumer HEDT CPUs for gaming-focused builds
- •AMX and AVX-512 provide strong CPU-based AI inference and small-batch training
- •Not a replacement for dedicated GPUs or accelerators for large models
- •Well-suited for edge inference, analytics, and MLPerf inference workloads
Architecture
Intel 3 (approx. 3 nm-class) compute dies with Intel 7 I/O dies
Process Node
Granite Rapids-SP
Codename
32C / 64T
Core Config
144 MB
L3 Cache
245 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Xeon 6731P uses Intel’s Granite Rapids-SP design, a chiplet-based architecture with Redwood Cove P-cores on Intel 3 compute dies and Intel 7 I/O dies, connected via EMIB and a mesh interconnect.
CPU Design
32 Redwood Cove P-cores with Hyper-Threading, each with private L1/L2 caches and a slice of shared L3, organized in a tiled mesh across compute dies.
Memory Subsystem
8-channel DDR5 memory controllers integrated into the compute dies, supporting DDR5-6400 at 1DPC and DDR5-5200 at 2DPC, with up to 4 TB capacity and ECC.
PCIe & I/O
136 PCIe 5.0 lanes sourced from the CPU, with up to 4x UPI links reconfigured as extra PCIe in 1S R1S mode, enabling high-density NVMe and GPU configurations.
Overclocking
No unlocked multiplier; frequency is managed by Intel Turbo Boost and Speed Select Technology profiles.
- Shift from 10 nm to Intel 3 process for compute dies
- DDR5-6400 vs DDR4-3200 on older generations
- PCIe 5.0 vs PCIe 4.0 and much higher lane count
- Built-in accelerators (QAT/DLB/DSA/IAA) not present on older Xeons
Key Highlights
- 32 P-cores with strong per-core performance and AVX-512/AMX
- 136 PCIe 5.0 lanes for dense NVMe/GPU configurations
- 8-channel DDR5-6400 with up to 4 TB capacity
- Integrated QAT/DLB/DSA/IAA accelerators for storage, networking, and analytics
- 1S platform reduces board and licensing complexity
- 245 W TDP requires robust cooling and power delivery
- 1S-only; no multi-socket upgrade path
- Not on the densest process node; some EPYC competitors are more power-efficient per core
- No integrated graphics (typical for server CPUs)
- Platform cost is high compared to mainstream desktop parts
History
The Intel Xeon 6731P emerged as part of the Granite Rapids-SP Xeon 6700P family, launched in February 2025 to fill the gap between the high-core Xeon 6900P and the E-core Xeon 6700E series. It targets 1S servers and workstations where per-core performance, memory bandwidth, and I/O density matter more than sheer core count. Granite Rapids-SP itself represents Intel’s shift to a chiplet-based architecture using Redwood Cove P-cores on Intel 3 compute dies and Intel 7 I/O dies, enabling higher core counts and more memory channels than prior Xeon generations.
The 6731P’s 32-core configuration and 136 PCIe 5.0 lanes make it a natural fit for storage appliances, HCI nodes, and GPU-accelerated 1S servers that previously had to rely on dual-socket designs or lower-lane-count platforms. Over time, Intel has expanded the Xeon 6 stack with 6500P and 6700P SKUs, positioning 6731P as a midrange option for customers who want Granite Rapids features without stepping up to the 350–500 W high-core parts.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Shift from 10 nm to Intel 3 process for compute dies
- DDR5-6400 vs DDR4-3200 on older generations
- PCIe 5.0 vs PCIe 4.0 and much higher lane count
- Built-in accelerators (QAT/DLB/DSA/IAA) not present on older Xeons
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Single-socket servers, storage appliances, and workstations needing high PCIe lane count and DDR5 bandwidth with moderate core count.
Avoid if…
- You need dual-socket or multi-socket scaling
- Your workloads are purely efficiency-limited and favor EPYC on newer nodes
- You want maximum core count (86+ cores) and can use Xeon 6787P/6900P or EPYC 9655/9755
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
Granite Rapids-SP uses a chiplet design with Intel 3 compute dies and Intel 7 I/O dies, a change from earlier monolithic Xeon dies.
In 1S R1S mode, some UPI links are converted into extra PCIe 5.0 lanes, giving the 6731P 136 PCIe lanes from a single CPU.
SPEC CPU2017 results for a Dell PowerEdge R470 with Xeon 6731P show SPECrate®2017_int_base around 37,400, which is competitive for a 32-core server CPU.
Intel’s Xeon 6700P series can be configured in Server Mode (2.5 GHz base) or Compute Mode (3.0 GHz base) via Speed Select Technology profiles.
The 6731P supports Speed Select Technology – Performance Profile with 12 high-priority cores at 2.6 GHz and 20 low-priority cores at 2.4 GHz for heterogeneous QoS.
Despite the 6th-gen Xeon branding, Granite Rapids-SP focuses on P-cores only; E-core variants are in the Xeon 6700E/6900E families.
Redwood Cove cores in Granite Rapids bring AVX-512 and AMX support to the server lineup, closing the gap with client CPUs in matrix and AI instructions.
The 6731P’s memory subsystem can deliver over 400 GB/s of theoretical bandwidth with DDR5-6400, similar to high-end EPYC 9355/9455 platforms.
OEMs like HPE, Dell, Cisco, and Supermicro have qualified Xeon 6700P/6500P for Gen11/Gen12 servers and workstations.
Intel positions Xeon 6700P/6500P as “Granite Rapids-SP for the masses,” emphasizing 1S and 2S cost-optimized designs over the premium 6900P line.
People Also Ask
Is Intel Xeon 6731P good for virtualization?
Yes. With 32 cores, 64 threads, 8-channel DDR5, and 136 PCIe 5.0 lanes, it is well-suited for single-socket VM hosts running database, web, and application workloads.
How much memory does the Xeon 6731P support?
Up to 4 TB of DDR5 memory across 8 channels, with speeds up to DDR5-6400 at 1DPC and DDR5-5200 at 2DPC, according to Intel’s official specifications.
What socket does the Intel Xeon 6731P use?
It uses the FCLGA4710 (LGA4710) socket in a 1S-only configuration.
How many PCIe lanes does the Xeon 6731P have?
136 PCIe 5.0 lanes directly from the CPU, making it attractive for NVMe, GPU, and SmartNIC setups.
Does the Xeon 6731P have integrated graphics?
No. Like most server Xeons, it does not include integrated graphics and requires a discrete GPU or BMC for video.
Is the Xeon 6731P unlocked for overclocking?
No. The multiplier is locked; frequency is controlled by Intel Turbo Boost and Speed Select Technology profiles.
What is the difference between Xeon 6731P and 6737P?
Both are 32-core Granite Rapids-SP parts, but 6737P typically has slightly higher all-core and max turbo clocks (around 4.0 GHz all-core, 4.0–4.1 GHz max) vs 3.9/4.1 GHz for 6731P, at a higher TDP.
Can I use two Xeon 6731P CPUs together?
No. The 6731P is a 1S-only SKU; for dual-socket systems you need 2S-capable Xeon 6700P/6900P or EPYC processors.
What process node is the Xeon 6731P built on?
Granite Rapids-SP uses Intel 3 for compute dies and Intel 7 for I/O dies; Intel does not publish a single nm-equivalent figure for this chiplet design.
Is the Xeon 6731P good for AI workloads?
It is capable for CPU-based AI inference and smaller models thanks to AMX and AVX-512, but for large-scale training you still want dedicated GPUs or accelerators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Intel Xeon 6731P?
A 32-core, 64-thread server and workstation processor in the Granite Rapids-SP family, designed for single-socket systems with 8-channel DDR5-6400 and 136 PCIe 5.0 lanes.
What is the base and boost clock of the Xeon 6731P?
Base frequency is 2.5 GHz; max single-core turbo is 4.1 GHz, with an all-core turbo of 3.9 GHz.
How much L3 cache does the Xeon 6731P have?
144 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory types and speeds does the 6731P support?
DDR5 up to 6400 MT/s at 1DPC and 5200 MT/s at 2DPC, with ECC and up to 4 TB total capacity.
Which socket is compatible with the Xeon 6731P?
FCLGA4710 (LGA4710), 1S only.
What is TDP of the Xeon 6731P?
245 W TDP for the standard configuration.
Does the 6731P support Intel QuickAssist Technology (QAT)?
Yes. It includes three default QAT devices for compression, cryptography, and related offload.
Can the Xeon 6731P be used in a workstation?
Yes. It is designed for 1S servers and workstations that need high I/O and memory bandwidth.
Is the Xeon 6731P good for database servers?
Yes. Its combination of per-core performance, 8-channel DDR5, and PCIe 5.0 I/O makes it suitable for OLTP and analytics databases.
How does the 6731P compare to EPYC 9355?
Both offer around 32 cores per socket, but EPYC 9355 uses a 2S configuration with 12 channels and higher aggregate bandwidth, while the 6731P is a 1S CPU with 8 channels and very high PCIe lane count.