Quick Verdict
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.
Overview
Launch
2025
Status
LaunchedGeneration
Xeon 6 (Granite Rapids-SP)
Market
2P Server / Enterprise
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 Xeon 6740P packs 48 P-cores and 96 threads into a 270 W TDP envelope, with 288 MB of L3 cache, 8-channel DDR5-6400, and up to 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes in multi-socket configurations. It is designed for virtualization, databases, and general-purpose enterprise compute on the LGA4710 platform, and typically pairs with server chipsets and high-capacity RDIMM/LRDIMM memory.
Performance scales well with core count and memory bandwidth, but power and cooling requirements are significant.
Specifications
Performance
Strong multi-threaded performance for server and enterprise workloads, with good scaling in virtualization and database scenarios.
Excellent for consolidating multiple VMs thanks to high core count, large cache, and 8-channel DDR5 memory.
Not applicable; this is a server-focused processor not intended for gaming use cases.
Performance-per-watt is competitive for this core count and frequency, but absolute power consumption is high.
- •Not designed or marketed for gaming.
- •Lack of integrated graphics and optimized latency for client workloads.
- •Better suited for server and enterprise use cases.
- •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.
Architecture
Intel 3 (compute dies) + Intel 7 (I/O dies)
Process Node
Granite Rapids-SP
Codename
48C / 96T
Core Config
288 MB
L3 Cache
270 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Granite Rapids-SP is the 6th-generation Xeon Scalable platform, using a chiplet design with Intel 3 compute dies and Intel 7 I/O dies to scale core counts and I/O capabilities.
CPU Design
The Xeon 6740P uses P-cores only (Redwood Cove), with 48 physical cores and Hyper-Threading for 96 threads. Each core has private L1/L2 caches, and all cores share a large 288 MB L3 slice across the compute dies.
Memory Subsystem
An 8-channel DDR5 memory controller supports up to DDR5-6400 RDIMMs and LRDIMMs, with up to 4 TB per socket in supported configurations. Bandwidth scales well with channel count and rank interleaving.
PCIe & I/O
Up to 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes are exposed from the CPU in multi-socket configurations, with additional platform lanes from the PCH. Single-socket R1S configurations can repurpose UPI links to reach up to 136 PCIe 5.0 lanes for high-density NVMe and GPU builds.
Overclocking
The multiplier is locked; there is no traditional overclocking. Intel Speed Select Technology allows per-core frequency and power tuning within specified TDP limits.
- 50% more cores (48 vs 32) at similar frequencies
- Higher aggregate compute throughput for parallel workloads
- Same 288 MB L3 cache spread across more cores
- Higher default TDP (270 W vs 250 W) to support additional cores
Key Highlights
- 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
- 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
History
The Xeon 6740P emerged as part of Intel’s Granite Rapids-SP rollout in early 2025, representing the mainstream 2P-optimized tier of the Xeon 6 family. It followed the high-core-count Xeon 6900P series launched in late 2024 and filled the gap between the 32-core Xeon 6730P and the 64-core 6760P for customers needing more cores without jumping to the top SKU. With the 6700P series, Intel emphasized 8-channel DDR5, PCIe 5.
0, and built-in accelerators for AI, networking, and security, aiming to compete directly with AMD’s EPYC 9004 lineup in cloud and enterprise servers. Over time, the 6740P has become a popular option for virtualization and database consolidation where 48 cores per socket provide a good balance of density, performance, and power consumption.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 50% more cores (48 vs 32) at similar frequencies
- Higher aggregate compute throughput for parallel workloads
- Same 288 MB L3 cache spread across more cores
- Higher default TDP (270 W vs 250 W) to support additional cores
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
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.
Avoid if…
- You need a single-socket workstation with client OS focus
- Power efficiency and low heat are primary constraints
- Workloads are lightly threaded and benefit more from higher per-core frequency
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
Granite Rapids-SP uses a chiplet strategy with Intel 3 compute dies and Intel 7 I/O dies, improving scalability and yield.
The Xeon 6700P series can expose up to 136 PCIe 5.0 lanes in single-socket R1S mode by repurposing UPI links.
Intel’s Xeon 6700P product brief highlights STAC-M3 world records for financial workloads on this platform.
Even with 48 cores, the 6740P shares the same 288 MB L3 cache size as the 32-core 6730P, resulting in less cache per core.
Support for MRDIMM/MCRDIMM memory modules on some 6700P SKUs further increases memory bandwidth for bandwidth-hungry workloads.
The 6740P is one of the highest-core-count LGA4710 processors before stepping up to the 64-core 6760P.
Intel positions the 6700P series as a mainstream enterprise alternative to AMD EPYC 9004 in 2P cloud and enterprise servers.
All Xeon 6 P-core SKUs, including the 6740P, support AVX-512 and Intel AMX for AI and media acceleration.
The 6740P’s 270 W TDP is at the high end for the LGA4710 platform, but still below the 350 W ceiling supported by Granite Rapids-SP.
Early benchmarks show significant generational gains vs 4th/5th-gen Xeon in virtualization, databases, and AI inference.
People Also Ask
Is Intel Xeon 6740P good for virtualization?
Yes. Its 48 cores and 96 threads, large 288 MB L3 cache, and 8-channel DDR5 memory make it well-suited for hosting many VMs in a 2P server.
How much memory does the Xeon 6740P support?
Up to 4 TB of DDR5 memory per socket, depending on DIMM type and population rules, across 8 channels at up to 6400 MT/s.
Does the Xeon 6740P have integrated graphics?
No. Like other Xeon 6700P processors, it relies on an external GPU or BMC graphics for display output.
What socket does the Intel Xeon 6740P use?
It uses the FCLGA4710 socket on the Granite Rapids-SP (Beechnut City) platform.
How many PCIe lanes does the Xeon 6740P have?
Up to 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes from the CPU in multi-socket configurations; single-socket R1S designs can reach up to 136 PCIe 5.0 lanes by repurposing UPI links.
Is the Xeon 6740P unlocked for overclocking?
No. The multiplier is locked; performance tuning is done via Intel Speed Select Technology within TDP limits.
What process node is the Xeon 6740P built on?
Granite Rapids-SP uses Intel 3 for compute dies and Intel 7 for I/O dies in a chiplet design.
Is the Xeon 6740P suitable for gaming?
Not really. It is a server processor with no integrated graphics and is optimized for throughput and reliability, not gaming latency or driver support.
What is the difference between Xeon 6740P and 6730P?
The 6740P has 48 cores and 270 W TDP, while the 6730P has 32 cores and 250 W TDP; both share 288 MB L3 cache and 8-channel DDR5-6400 support.
Can the Xeon 6740P be used in a workstation?
Yes, but it is primarily a server part. For workstations, Granite Rapids-WS SKUs are specifically optimized and validated for that use case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Intel Xeon 6740P?
A 48-core, 96-thread Granite Rapids-SP server processor in the Xeon 6700P series, built on the LGA4710 platform for dual-socket enterprise servers.
How many cores and threads does the Xeon 6740P have?
48 cores and 96 threads via Intel Hyper-Threading.
What is the base and turbo frequency of the Xeon 6740P?
Base frequency is 2.1 GHz with a max turbo of up to 3.8 GHz and an all-core turbo of 3.3 GHz.
How much cache does the Xeon 6740P have?
288 MB of Intel Smart Cache (L3), shared across all cores.
What memory types and speeds does the Xeon 6740P support?
DDR5 RDIMMs and LRDIMMs at up to 6400 MT/s across 8 channels, with ECC support.
What is the TDP of the Xeon 6740P?
270 W thermal design power.
Can the Xeon 6740P be overclocked?
No. It has a locked multiplier and is not designed for overclocking.
Does the Xeon 6740P support CXL?
The Granite Rapids-SP platform supports CXL 2.0, but CXL feature enablement depends on the specific SKU and server firmware.
What socket and chipset does the Xeon 6740P use?
FCLGA4710 socket with compatible server chipsets from major vendors; exact chipset features vary by platform.
Is the Xeon 6740P good for AI workloads?
It is good for CPU-based AI inference and as a host CPU for GPU accelerators, with AVX-512 and AMX support, but it is not a dedicated AI accelerator.