Quick Verdict
A paradigm-shifting Xeon processor that trades single-thread speed for unparalleled core density and efficiency, perfectly tailored for the modern cloud data center.
Overview
Launch
2024
Status
LaunchedGeneration
6th Gen (Sierra Forest)
Market
Cloud Data Center, High-Density Server
The Intel Xeon 6746E is a 112-core server processor built on the Sierra Forest architecture, designed exclusively with efficiency cores (E-cores) to deliver exceptional core density and throughput for cloud-native, containerized, and heavily multi-threaded workloads.
The Intel Xeon 6746E, part of the Sierra Forest generation, is built for cloud providers needing maximum cores per socket. It features 112 Crestmont E-cores without Hyper-Threading, 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes, and integrated accelerators like QAT and DLB, all within a 250W TDP, offering significant consolidation opportunities over older P-core Xeons.
Specifications
Performance
Excels in highly parallel productivity workloads like batch rendering, compiling, and scientific simulations that scale to many cores.
Superior for consolidating many lightweight VMs or containers due to high core count and efficiency.
Not designed for gaming. E-core architecture lacks high single-thread boost clocks required for smooth gameplay.
Outstanding performance per watt for cloud workloads, offering significant power savings over older P-core Xeons at similar performance levels.
- •Lacks high single-core turbo frequencies.
- •E-cores not optimized for low-latency gaming workloads.
- •No integrated graphics.
- •No dedicated AI acceleration matrix like in P-core Xeons.
- •CPU-based inference can leverage many cores for batch processing.
- •On-die QAT accelerator can assist with AI-related compression/encryption.
Architecture
Intel 3
Process Node
Sierra Forest
Codename
112C / 112T
Core Config
96 MB
L3 Cache
250 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Sierra Forest is the first Xeon generation to use only efficiency-optimized Crestmont cores, forgoing the traditional performance (P) cores. This design targets cloud providers who prioritize core count, throughput, and energy efficiency over peak single-thread speed.
CPU Design
112 Crestmont E-cores arranged in clusters. Each core is designed for high throughput and power efficiency. Crucially, Hyper-Threading (SMT) is not implemented, as modern cloud workloads often run better without SMT's complexities and security considerations.
Memory Subsystem
8-channel DDR5 memory controller supporting up to DDR5-6400, providing high bandwidth for feeding many cores. Maximum capacity is 4TB, essential for memory-hungry cloud instances.
PCIe & I/O
88 PCIe 5.0 lanes directly from the CPU, enabling massive connectivity for NVMe storage, SmartNICs, and GPUs/accelerators in a scale-out architecture.
- First E-core only Xeon, dramatically increasing core density (112 vs 60 cores max in 4th Gen).
- Significantly better performance per watt for cloud workloads.
- Integrated accelerators as a standard feature.
- PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support from the ground up.
Key Highlights
- Unmatched core density (112 cores) in a single socket.
- Excellent energy efficiency for cloud throughput workloads.
- Integrated accelerators reduce need for discrete solutions.
- Massive I/O with 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes.
- Enables high consolidation ratios, saving rack space and power.
- Low base and turbo clock speeds limit single-thread performance.
- No Hyper-Threading, which may affect performance in some legacy applications.
- High cost per core compared to consumer or older Xeon platforms.
- Requires software optimized for many-core architectures.
- Limited to 2S scalability; not for extreme scale-up systems.
History
The Intel Xeon 6746E's story begins with Intel's February 2022 announcement to split future Xeon generations into two tracks: one with Performance cores (P-cores) for high-performance computing, and one with Efficiency cores (E-cores) for cloud density. Codenamed Sierra Forest, the E-core track was developed in response to the growing demand from cloud service providers for maximum core count and power efficiency over single-thread speed. Launched in June 2024, it represented a major architectural shift, being the first Xeon to use only Crestmont E-cores and the first to drop Hyper-Threading.
This processor aimed to reclaim ground lost to AMD's EPYC in cloud instances and to provide a compelling x86 alternative to Arm-based solutions. Its introduction was met with significant industry interest as a sign of Intel's new, more focused strategy for the data center.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- First E-core only Xeon, dramatically increasing core density (112 vs 60 cores max in 4th Gen).
- Significantly better performance per watt for cloud workloads.
- Integrated accelerators as a standard feature.
- PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support from the ground up.
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Building new cloud data center racks for containerized, microservices, or VDI workloads where core density and power efficiency are paramount.
Avoid if…
- Your workloads rely heavily on single-thread performance (e.g., gaming, legacy applications).
- You need maximum memory capacity per core (older P-core platforms may offer more balanced memory/core ratios).
- Your software stack is not optimized for many-core, SMT-less architectures.
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It is the first Xeon processor to completely abandon Performance cores (P-cores) in favor of Efficiency cores (E-cores).
Despite having 112 cores, it does not support Hyper-Threading, a first for a high-core-count Xeon.
The on-die accelerators (QAT, DLB, DSA, IAA) are present in pairs, with the potential for up to four of each in other SKUs.
It is designed to consolidate workloads from older 16-core Xeon servers at ratios up to 9:1, dramatically improving data center efficiency.
The processor's launch marked a major strategic shift for Intel, splitting the Xeon lineup into distinct P-core and E-core tracks for different markets.
People Also Ask
What is the Intel Xeon 6746E used for?
It is designed for cloud data centers, particularly for running many containers, microservices, and virtual machines where high core density and energy efficiency are more important than peak single-thread speed.
Does the Xeon 6746E have Hyper-Threading?
No. It is an E-core only design (Crestmont) that does not implement Hyper-Threading (Intel's SMT), as it targets cloud workloads that often run better without SMT.
How much memory does the Xeon 6746E support?
It supports up to 4TB of DDR5 memory across 8 channels, with official speeds up to DDR5-5600 and capability for DDR5-6400.
Is the Xeon 6746E good for gaming?
No. Its E-core architecture prioritizes many-core throughput over high single-core clock speeds, making it unsuitable for gaming which relies on fast single-thread performance.
What socket does the Xeon 6746E use?
It uses the FCLGA4710 socket, also referred to as Socket 4710, part of the new LGA4710 platform for Sierra Forest processors.
What is the TDP of the Xeon 6746E?
The Thermal Design Power (TDP) is 250W. This is relatively low for a 112-core server CPU, reflecting its efficiency-optimized design.
Does the Xeon 6746E have integrated graphics?
No. Like most server processors, it does not include integrated graphics, relying on discrete GPUs or headless operation.
What accelerators are included in the Xeon 6746E?
It includes Intel QuickAssist Technology (QAT), Dynamic Load Balancer (DLB), Data Streaming Accelerator (DSA), and In-memory Analytics Accelerator (IAA), with two instances of each by default.
When was the Intel Xeon 6746E launched?
It was launched on June 4, 2024, as part of the Sierra Forest (6th Gen Xeon) announcement.
How does the Xeon 6746E compare to AMD EPYC?
Compared to high-core-count EPYC processors, the Xeon 6746E offers similar core density but with x86 E-cores instead of SMT-enabled Zen 4 cores. The choice depends on specific workload, software ecosystem, and required accelerators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Xeon 6746E be overclocked?
No. It is a server processor with a locked multiplier. Overclocking is not supported or recommended for this segment.
What chipsets are compatible with the Xeon 6746E?
It is compatible with the Intel C740 series chipsets designed for the LGA4710 socket (e.g., C740Z), which support PCIe 5.0 and other platform features.
Is the Xeon 6746E suitable for virtualization?
Yes, it is excellent for virtualization, particularly for hosting many lightweight VMs or containers, thanks to its high core count and memory capacity.
What is the max turbo frequency of the Xeon 6746E?
The max turbo frequency is 2.7 GHz. This relatively low boost reflects the E-core's focus on efficiency over peak clock speed.
Does the Xeon 6746E support CXL?
The platform (Sierra Forest) supports CXL 2.0, but specific CXL support for this SKU should be verified with the system vendor, as it can depend on the motherboard implementation.
What is the difference between Xeon 6746E and 6780E?
The Xeon 6780E has 144 cores (vs 112), 108MB L3 cache (vs 96MB), and a slightly higher base frequency (2.2 GHz vs 2.0 GHz), but also a higher TDP (330W vs 250W). It is designed for even greater core density.
Is the Xeon 6746E compatible with older Xeon platforms?
No. It requires a new motherboard with the LGA4710 socket and compatible chipset (C740 series). It is not backward compatible with older LGA4189 or LGA3647 platforms.
What cooling is required for the Xeon 6746E?
A robust cooling solution is required due to the 250W TDP. High-end air coolers or 280mm/360mm AIO liquid coolers are recommended for sustained workloads.
Does the Xeon 6746E support Intel Optane persistent memory?
The platform supports DDR5 only. Intel Optane persistent memory (DDR4-based) is not supported with this generation.
What is the recommended customer price (RCP) for the Xeon 6746E?
Intel's RCP is $4981.00, but actual pricing varies significantly by distributor and volume (e.g., $2322 - $5929 in various listings).