Quick Verdict
A potent workstation CPU with best-in-class I/O and memory bandwidth, ideal for users who can leverage its 28 cores and 128 PCIe lanes, though power efficiency and platform cost are high.
Overview
Launch
2026
Status
LaunchedGeneration
Xeon 600 (6th Gen Xeon Scalable, Granite Rapids-WS)
Market
Workstation / Single-socket Server
The Intel Xeon 674X is a 28-core, 56-thread workstation processor built on Intel’s Granite Rapids-WS architecture, targeting creators, engineers, and data scientists who need high core counts, eight-channel DDR5/MRDIMM memory, and massive PCIe 5.0 expansion in a single-socket platform.
With 28 P-cores, 56 threads, 144MB of L3 cache, eight-channel DDR5/MRDIMM up to 4TB, and 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes, the Xeon 674X is built for workstations that need massive memory bandwidth, lots of GPUs, and high-speed storage. It trades raw efficiency for sheer capacity and I/O, making it a strong fit for engineering, simulation, and AI workflows where core count and expansion matter more than power draw.
Specifications
Performance
Exceptional multi-threaded performance for rendering, simulation, and compilation workloads, with strong scaling across its 28 cores.
Excellent for hosting multiple VMs or containers, thanks to high core count, large memory support, and robust I/O.
Capable of high-refresh-rate gaming at 1440p/4K, but not optimized for gaming; modern high-end desktop CPUs often deliver better gaming performance for the money.
High 270W base and 324W max turbo power result in relatively high idle and load power compared to more efficient workstation or desktop alternatives.
- •High boost clocks up to 4.9 GHz help in CPU-heavy games.
- •Not designed as a gaming CPU; platform cost and power are hard to justify for pure gaming.
- •Best paired with a high-end GPU where CPU bottlenecks are minimal at high resolutions.
- •Strong CPU-based inference and data preprocessing for ML pipelines.
- •Supports Intel AMX and DL Boost for accelerated AI workloads on CPU.
- •Best used with GPU accelerators for training; excels at orchestration and preprocessing.
Architecture
Intel 3
Process Node
Granite Rapids-WS
Codename
28C / 56T
Core Config
144 MB
L3 Cache
270 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Xeon 674X uses Intel’s Granite Rapids-WS die, a variant of the 6th-generation Xeon Scalable server architecture tuned for workstations. It focuses on pure performance cores (P-cores) with no efficient cores, prioritizing consistent per-core performance and high clock speeds over mixed-core efficiency.
CPU Design
28 P-cores with Hyper-Threading yield 56 threads. Each core has private L2 cache (size not officially documented for this SKU) and shares a 144MB L3 last-level cache across the die, optimized for bandwidth-heavy server and workstation workloads.
Memory Subsystem
An integrated eight-channel memory controller supports DDR5-6400 and MRDIMM-8000, with up to 4TB per socket. This is a major step up in bandwidth and capacity compared to prior Xeon W platforms, which were limited to six channels and lower speeds.
PCIe & I/O
128 PCIe 5.0 lanes are exposed directly from the CPU, enabling full-bandwidth connections to multiple GPUs, NVMe arrays, and 100GbE or faster networking. This makes the 674X particularly attractive for workstations with several accelerators or storage devices.
Overclocking
Unlike some Xeon W predecessors, the 674X is not marketed as an unlocked part. Turbo behavior is managed by Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0 and standard Turbo Boost, with no official support for BCLK or multiplier overclocking.
- Move from 6 to 8 memory channels and from DDR4-3200 to DDR5-6400/MRDIMM-8000.
- Significant increase in maximum PCIe lanes (from ~64 to 128) and full PCIe 5.0 support.
- Higher core counts and larger shared L3 cache per socket.
- Better scalability for AI and HPC workloads with AMX and more advanced interconnects.
Key Highlights
- 28 high-performance P-cores with strong per-core throughput.
- Eight-channel DDR5/MRDIMM with up to 4TB capacity for large models and datasets.
- 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes for multi-GPU, NVMe, and high-speed networking.
- Enterprise RAS features (ECC, vPro, VROC, VMD) for stability and manageability.
- Designed for single-socket workstations with high I/O demands.
- High power consumption (270W base, up to 324W turbo) requires robust cooling.
- Expensive CPU and platform; total cost of a Xeon 600 workstation is very high.
- No integrated graphics; a discrete GPU is mandatory.
- Not unlocked for enthusiast overclocking.
- Overkill for gaming or light content creation.
History
The Xeon 674X emerged as part of Intel’s Xeon 600 Granite Rapids-WS lineup, introduced in early 2026 to replace the aging Xeon W-2500 and W-3500 families. Intel consolidated its workstation offerings under the Xeon 600 brand, leveraging the same Granite Rapids server die but configured for single-socket workstations with eight memory channels and up to 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes.
This shift addressed criticism that previous Xeon W platforms lagged behind AMD’s Threadripper PRO in memory bandwidth and expansion. Early leaks and official specifications positioned the 674X as a mid-to-high SKU in the stack, sitting below the 32-core 676X and the flagship 86-core 698X. Reviewers and system integrators quickly highlighted its strengths in I/O-heavy workloads like simulation, rendering, and AI orchestration, while also noting its high power draw and premium platform cost.
The launch marked Intel’s strong re-entry into the high-end workstation space after several years of relative stagnation, directly competing with AMD’s Threadripper PRO 7000 series.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Move from 6 to 8 memory channels and from DDR4-3200 to DDR5-6400/MRDIMM-8000.
- Significant increase in maximum PCIe lanes (from ~64 to 128) and full PCIe 5.0 support.
- Higher core counts and larger shared L3 cache per socket.
- Better scalability for AI and HPC workloads with AMX and more advanced interconnects.
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Building a single-socket workstation for 3D rendering, simulation, or AI/ML orchestration where you need many cores, lots of memory, and several GPUs or high-speed NICs.
Avoid if…
- You are primarily gaming or doing light productivity work.
- You care more about power efficiency and thermals than raw core count.
- You want a cheap upgrade path; Xeon 600 platforms are expensive and enterprise-focused.
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The Xeon 674X is part of Intel’s first Granite Rapids-WS workstation family, replacing the older Xeon W-2500/3500 lines under a unified Xeon 600 brand.
It supports both DDR5-6400 and MRDIMM-8000, with MRDIMM offering higher bandwidth for memory-bound workloads at a higher cost.
128 PCIe 5.0 lanes is unusually high for a workstation CPU, rivaling many dual-socket server platforms.
Like other Granite Rapids parts, it uses the Intel 3 process node, not the Intel 7 node of earlier Xeon Scalable generations.
PassMark lists the Xeon 674X with a CPU Mark around 40,000 and a single-thread rating near 4,000, placing it among the top workstation CPUs.
The 674X is positioned below the 32-core Xeon 676X and the flagship 86-core Xeon 698X in the same Xeon 600 workstation stack.
Intel specifies a maximum turbo power of 324W, which is significantly higher than the base 270W TDP, indicating aggressive boost behavior under multi-core loads.
Despite being a workstation CPU, it includes Intel AMX and AVX-512 with two FMA units, making it suitable for CPU-based AI and HPC kernels.
Early listings show tray pricing around $2,419, making the 674X one of the more accessible high-core-count Xeon 600 SKUs.
The platform is strictly single-socket (1S only), unlike some Granite Rapids server SKUs that support 2S or more.
People Also Ask
Is the Intel Xeon 674X good for gaming?
It can game well at high resolutions thanks to its high boost clocks, but it is not optimized for gaming. Mainstream high-end desktop CPUs usually offer better gaming performance for the price.
What socket does the Xeon 674X use?
It uses the FCLGA4710 socket, part of Intel’s Xeon 600 workstation platform.
How much memory does the Xeon 674X support?
Up to 4TB of DDR5 or MRDIMM memory across eight channels, with DDR5-6400 and MRDIMM-8000 speeds.
How many PCIe lanes does the Xeon 674X have?
128 PCIe 5.0 lanes, making it suitable for multi-GPU and high-speed storage configurations.
Does the Xeon 674X have integrated graphics?
No, it requires a discrete GPU.
Is the Xeon 674X unlocked for overclocking?
No, it is not marketed as an unlocked CPU; turbo frequencies are controlled by Intel’s boost algorithms.
What is the TDP of the Xeon 674X?
Base power is 270W, with a maximum turbo power of 324W.
What process node is the Xeon 674X built on?
Intel 3, according to Intel’s official specifications.
Can the Xeon 674X be used in dual-socket systems?
No, it is a 1S-only SKU; multi-socket configurations use different Granite Rapids server processors.
What is the difference between Xeon 674X and 676X?
The 676X has 32 cores and a slightly lower base clock (2.8GHz) but the same 144MB L3 and 270W TDP, offering more multi-threaded headroom at a higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Xeon 674X support ECC memory?
Yes, it supports ECC DDR5/MRDIMM for improved data integrity in professional environments.
Can I use DDR4 memory with the Xeon 674X?
No, it supports only DDR5 and MRDIMM; DDR4 is not electrically compatible with the integrated memory controller.
Is the Xeon 674X suitable for a home server?
It can work as a high-end home server, but its power consumption and cost are hard to justify unless you need its core count and I/O for virtualization or media workloads.
What chipsets work with the Xeon 674X?
It is designed for Intel Xeon 600 workstation chipsets (e.g., W890E-class), using the FCLGA4710 socket.
Does the Xeon 674X support Intel AMX?
Yes, it supports Intel Advanced Matrix Extensions (AMX) for accelerating AI and matrix workloads on the CPU.
How does the Xeon 674X compare to the Xeon w9-3495X?
The 674X offers more cores (28 vs 24), eight-channel memory vs six-channel, and PCIe 5.0 vs PCIe 4.0, giving it higher bandwidth and expansion, but at higher power and platform cost.
Is the Xeon 674X good for video editing?
Yes, especially for 4K/6K+ timelines and heavy effects, where many cores, memory bandwidth, and GPU PCIe lanes are beneficial.
What cooling is recommended for the Xeon 674X?
A high-end 360mm AIO or robust air cooler designed for 270W+ TDP CPUs is recommended, given its 270W base power and 324W turbo.
Does the Xeon 674X support Intel vPro?
Yes, it is vPro Enterprise eligible, providing remote management and security features for business workstations.
Can I upgrade from an older Xeon W platform to the 674X?
Not directly; you need a new Xeon 600 motherboard (FCLGA4710) and DDR5/MRDIMM memory, as the socket and memory standard are different.