Quick Verdict
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.
Overview
Launch
2025
Status
LaunchedGeneration
6th Gen Xeon Scalable (Xeon 6)
Market
Server / Enterprise
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.
Intel’s Xeon 6748P packs 48 P-cores and 96 threads into an LGA4710 package, with a 2.5 GHz base and up to 4.1 GHz turbo, 192 MB of L3 cache, and 8-channel DDR5-6400 support.
It targets 2–8 socket servers running virtualization, databases, and HPC workloads, offering up to 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes and CXL 2.0.
The 300 W TDP and high platform cost mean it is best suited for organizations that can fully utilize its core count and I/O, rather than as a general-purpose upgrade.
Specifications
Performance
Strong multi‑threaded throughput for server‑side Java, databases, and analytics workloads, especially in multi‑socket configurations.
Excellent for large VM farms thanks to 48 cores, 8 memory channels, and extensive RAS features.
Not targeted at gaming; high core counts and server‑optimized microarchitecture do not translate into better game performance than mainstream desktop CPUs.
300 W TDP and typical server power envelope are high; efficiency is acceptable only if the cores and I/O are fully utilized.
- •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
- •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
Architecture
Intel 3 (compute dies) + Intel 7 (I/O dies)
Process Node
Granite Rapids-SP
Codename
48C / 96T
Core Config
192 MB
L3 Cache
300 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Granite Rapids‑SP is Intel’s 6th‑generation Xeon Scalable server architecture, using a chiplet design with Intel 3 compute dies and Intel 7 I/O dies to scale P‑core counts and PCIe/CXL connectivity.
CPU Design
The Xeon 6748P uses an HCC (High Core Count) compute tile with 48 P‑cores, each with Hyper‑Threading, private L2 caches, and a shared 192 MB L3 cache. This is the single‑die HCC configuration rather than the multi‑XCC 86‑core parts.
Memory Subsystem
An 8‑channel DDR5 memory controller integrated into the compute die supports DDR5‑6400 and MRDIMMs for higher bandwidth, with up to 4 TB per socket and strong bandwidth for memory‑bound workloads.
PCIe & I/O
Two Intel 7 I/O tiles provide up to 136 PCIe 5.0 lanes across the Granite Rapids family; the Xeon 6700P/6500P platform exposes up to 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes and CXL 2.0 for accelerators and storage.
Overclocking
The 6748P is a locked server CPU with no unlocked multiplier; frequency is managed by Intel Turbo Boost and firmware profiles rather than manual overclocking.
- Move from Intel 7 to Intel 3 compute dies
- Higher maximum core counts and per‑socket performance
- 8‑channel DDR5 and CXL 2.0 instead of 8‑channel DDR4/CXL 1.1
- AMX instruction set for AI acceleration
Key Highlights
- 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
- 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
History
The Xeon 6748P emerged as part of Intel’s Granite Rapids‑SP rollout in 2025, a generation after Sapphire Rapids and Emerald Rapids. Intel shifted to a chiplet design with Intel 3 compute dies and Intel 7 I/O dies to push core counts higher while retaining a familiar LGA‑style socket for server platforms. The Xeon 6700P/6500P series, including the 6748P, targeted customers who did not need the maximum 86‑core XCC parts but still wanted high memory bandwidth, PCIe 5.
0, and CXL 2.0 in a more cost‑effective envelope. Launching into a competitive landscape against AMD’s EPYC 9004 series, Granite Rapids‑SP emphasized AI acceleration via AMX and higher per‑socket performance, with the 6748P offering a 48‑core, 300 W option for 2–8 socket servers.
Over time, it has become a common choice for enterprises consolidating workloads onto fewer high‑core‑count nodes while keeping DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 infrastructure.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Move from Intel 7 to Intel 3 compute dies
- Higher maximum core counts and per‑socket performance
- 8‑channel DDR5 and CXL 2.0 instead of 8‑channel DDR4/CXL 1.1
- AMX instruction set for AI acceleration
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
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.
Avoid if…
- Building a single‑socket workstation for light workloads
- Gaming or light desktop usage
- Projects sensitive to power or cooling where a lower‑core‑count CPU would suffice
- Environments that cannot leverage multi‑socket scalability
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
Granite Rapids is Intel’s first Xeon Scalable family to use Intel 3 compute dies, while keeping I/O on Intel 7.
The Xeon 6700P/6500P series shares the LGA4710 socket with Xeon 6700E Sierra Forest parts, mixing P‑cores and E‑cores on the same platform.
In SPEC CPU2017 results, the Xeon 6748P has been tested in 4‑socket configurations with 192 total cores (48 per socket), demonstrating its multi‑socket scaling.
Intel positions the Xeon 6700P series as a more cost‑effective alternative to the higher‑core 6900P line for customers who do not need the maximum core count.
The 6748P’s 8‑channel DDR5‑6400 memory subsystem can deliver significantly more bandwidth than previous‑generation Xeon Scalable platforms with DDR4.
CXL 2.0 support on Granite Rapids‑SP enables coherent attachment of accelerators and persistent memory, a key feature for AI and HPC servers.
The 6748P is one of the higher‑TDP 48‑core server CPUs on the market, reflecting Intel’s focus on maximum per‑socket performance rather than power efficiency.
Despite the 3 nm/5 nm claims on some third‑party sites, Intel’s official documentation and technical analyses confirm Intel 3 compute dies and Intel 7 I/O dies for Granite Rapids.
The Xeon 6748P is commonly listed with a recommended customer price around $12,700 USD, placing it firmly in the enterprise segment.
Granite Rapids‑SP introduces advanced RAS and security features like Intel TDX for confidential computing and enhanced error containment.
People Also Ask
What is the Intel Xeon 6748P?
It is a 48‑core, 96‑thread server processor from Intel’s Xeon 6 Granite Rapids‑SP family, designed for multi‑socket servers running virtualization, databases, and HPC workloads.
How many PCIe lanes does the Xeon 6748P have?
The Xeon 6700P/6500P platform provides up to 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes in multi‑socket configurations; the 6748P can use these lanes for GPUs, NVMe, and CXL devices.
Is the Xeon 6748P good for gaming?
It is not designed or optimized for gaming; mainstream desktop CPUs offer better gaming performance and value.
What memory does the Xeon 6748P support?
It supports 8‑channel DDR5 memory with official speeds up to DDR5‑6400, and MRDIMMs for higher bandwidth, with up to 4 TB per socket.
What socket does the Xeon 6748P use?
It uses the FCLGA4710 socket, also shared with other Xeon 6700P/6500P/6700E Granite Rapids and Sierra Forest processors.
How much L3 cache does the Xeon 6748P have?
It has 192 MB of Intel Smart Cache (L3), shared across its 48 cores.
Is the Xeon 6748P unlocked for overclocking?
No, it is a locked server CPU; frequency is controlled by Intel Turbo Boost and BIOS settings, not an unlocked multiplier.
What process node is the Xeon 6748P built on?
Its compute dies use Intel’s Intel 3 process, while the I/O dies use Intel 7, according to Intel documentation and technical analyses.
How many sockets can the Xeon 6748P be used in?
It supports 2‑socket to 8‑socket configurations, depending on the platform and SKU, enabling large SMP systems.
What is the TDP of the Xeon 6748P?
Intel specifies a TDP of 300 W for the Xeon 6748P.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Xeon 6748P have integrated graphics?
No, it does not include integrated graphics; a dedicated GPU or BMC with VGA is required for display output.
Can the Xeon 6748P be overclocked?
No, it is a locked processor; overclocking is not supported, though Turbo Boost frequencies up to 4.1 GHz are available.
What operating systems does the Xeon 6748P support?
It supports standard x86‑64 server operating systems, including Windows Server and major Linux distributions, with platform support depending on the server vendor.
Is the Xeon 6748P suitable for a home lab?
Only if you need its core count and I/O for serious virtualization or HPC; its high power, cost, and noise make it impractical for light home use.
What chipsets work with the Xeon 6748P?
It uses Intel’s Beechnut City platform with the LGA4710 socket; specific chipsets are integrated into the server platform rather than desktop‑style chipsets.
How does the Xeon 6748P compare to EPYC 9454?
The 6748P offers 48 cores with 8‑channel DDR5 and 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes, while the EPYC 9454 also provides 48 cores but with 12‑channel DDR5 and different power and platform characteristics.
What cooling does the Xeon 6748P need?
A high‑end server cooler or robust liquid solution is required; 300 W TDP demands careful thermal design and adequate airflow in the chassis.
Does the Xeon 6748P support ECC memory?
Yes, it supports ECC DDR5, which is standard for Xeon Scalable processors and critical for data integrity in servers.
Can I use the Xeon 6748P in a single‑socket workstation?
Yes, but it is expensive and overkill unless you need its full core count and I/O for compute‑intensive workstation workloads.
What is the max turbo frequency of the Xeon 6748P?
The maximum single‑core turbo frequency is 4.1 GHz, with an all‑core turbo of 3.8 GHz according to Intel’s specifications.