Intel has unveiled its Xeon 600 Series workstation processors, aimed at high-performance single-socket workstations. Codenamed Granite Rapids-WS, the lineup features 11 SKUs built exclusively with Redwood Cove P-cores. Top-tier models target demanding creative and compute tasks.

The flagship Xeon 698X boasts 86 cores and 172 threads, with boost clocks up to 4.8 GHz. Paired with the new W890 chipset, systems support up to 4 TB of DDR5-6400 memory and 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes. Enhanced cache sizes, CXL 2.0 support, and AI acceleration via Intel Deep Learning Boost mark major platform upgrades.

Intel positions these chips against AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9000 series. Enterprise features like vPro and full overclocking support aim to attract workstation users seeking cutting-edge performance. Availability is expected this quarter, with workstation OEMs preparing custom designs.

Granite Rapids-WS succeeds the aging Sapphire Rapids workstation lineup. Intel aims to reclaim share in the professional content creation and HEDT markets, where AMD has gained traction with Threadripper Pro offerings over the past two years.