Intel announced its upcoming Granite Rapids-D architecture in the official Instruction Set guide, alongside Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake. The Granite Rapids-D architecture is part of a new Xeon-D series that specifically targets the communications and network sector. It is expected to launch no earlier than 2024, at least two years after the Ice Lake-D series.
Granite Rapids-D is distinct from the SP (Scalable Processors) and AP (Advanced Processors) versions of Granite Rapids, which are designed for data centers.
The Xeon-D series will consist of two variants: HCC (High Core Count) and XCC (Extreme Core Count). Both variants will utilize the BGA-4368 socket but will have different configurations.
The HCC variant of Granite Rapids-D will feature one Granite Rapids LCC (Large Core Count) compute die and four memory channels. On the other hand, the XCC variant will include one Granite Rapids HCC compute die, eight memory channels, and two I/O dies. The second I/O die in the XCC variant aims to enhance connectivity and flexibility for PCIe Express 5.0 and 4.0, CXL interface, Ethernet, and Accelerations. While the first I/O die handles these functions for the CPU, the second I/O die provides additional options specifically for Ethernet and Accelerations.
The initial leaked motherboard layout for Granite Rapids-D showcases its intricate design and the abundance of networking and connectivity options available.
Intel’s continuous innovation and dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology have solidified its position as a leader in the industry. The upcoming Granite Rapids-D chip serves as a testament to Intel’s commitment to delivering groundbreaking solutions that meet the ever-evolving demands of the market.
That Granite Rapids-D is still in development, and Intel has not officially confirmed which version of the Xeon Granite Rapids will be released first. However, the inclusion of this architecture in the official guide suggests that Intel is progressing according to its roadmap.
