Introduction
Intel introduced the Sapphire Rapids architecture and the Xeon Platinum 8480+. This generation prioritizes computing density, memory bandwidth, I/O expansion, and AI acceleration. It was designed utilizing the Intel 7 manufacturing node (10nm Enhanced SuperFin).
One of the flagship models in this family, the 8480+, offers a substantial improvement over previous Xeon versions with 56 cores and 112 threads.
Architectural Innovation
Multi-Chip Module (MCM)
Using an MCM architecture, the Xeon Platinum 8480+ consists of four computation tiles connected by an Intel EMIB (Embedded Multi-die Interconnect Bridge). Higher yields and improved thermal properties are provided by this architecture, which strikes a compromise between performance and manufacturing efficiency.
DDR5 and Memory Bandwidth
The Xeon Platinum 8480+ supports DDR5-4800 memory, increasing bandwidth over DDR4. With up to 8 memory channels, it can handle large-scale simulations, AI inference, and in-memory databases.
PCIe 5.0 Support
Networking devices, GPUs, FPGAs, and SSDs may connect quickly to this processor’s 80 PCIe Gen 5.0 lanes. This is particularly advantageous for accelerator card-based AI systems and hybrid cloud infrastructure.
Built-In Accelerators
In addition to being a high-core CPU, Intel’s Xeon Platinum 8480+ has specialized hardware accelerators that relieve the CPU cores of certain duties.
Intel Advanced Matrix Extensions (AMX)
AMX facilitates effective matrix multiplication, which improves performance for AI and deep learning processes. Workloads involving inference, including image recognition and natural language processing, benefit greatly from it.
Intel AVX-512
Large-scale simulations, cryptography, and scientific computing all depend on the AVX-512. Vector operations, which are essential to many high-performance computing (HPC) workloads, are accelerated by it.
Intel QuickAssist Technology (QAT)
By decreasing CPU burden and offloading cryptography and compression tasks, QAT improves security. For data centers that manage large-scale compression workloads or encrypted communications, it is essential.
Intel In-Memory Analytics Accelerator (IAA)
By facilitating high-throughput data scanning, filtering, and transformation in memory, IAA speeds up database workloads and data analytics.
Xeon Platinum 8480+ Benchmarks
| Benchmark/Test | Score/Result | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 56 / 112 | High core count ideal for parallel workloads |
| Base / Max Turbo Frequency | 2.0 GHz / 3.0 GHz | Balanced frequency for sustained loads |
| L3 Cache | 105 MB | Massive cache helps in latency-sensitive tasks |
| TDP | 350W | Requires robust cooling and power setup |
| SPECint_rate2017 | ~500 | Excellent integer performance for general compute |
| SPECfp_rate2017 | ~480 | High floating-point performance for scientific/HPC tasks |
| STREAM Triad (Memory Bandwidth) | ~350 GB/s | Outstanding memory throughput for memory-bound applications |
| VMmark (Virtualization) | 9.8 @ 10 tiles | High virtualization density with strong VM performance |
| LINPACK (HPC performance) | ~3.0 TFLOPS | Very strong performance in floating point-intensive computations |
| Geekbench 5 Multi-Core | ~45,000 | High general-purpose multi-threaded compute performance |
| AI Inference (INT8) | ~1,100 inferences/sec | Good performance for CPU-based AI inference workloads |
| SAP SD 2-Tier | 210,000 SAPS | Strong enterprise software throughput |
Real-World Applications
The Xeon Platinum 8480+ is made for industry-specific deployments in addition to raw computation.
Cloud and Virtualization
Hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) and multi-tenant cloud systems benefit greatly from the 8480+’s 56 cores and support for cutting-edge virtualization extensions including Intel VT-x, VT-d, and EPT. Workloads can be consolidated, and overhead can be decreased.
High-Performance Computing (HPC)
The processor’s AVX-512 and AMX make it ideal for vector-heavy calculations, such as those in genomics, seismic research, and aeronautical simulations.
AI and Machine Learning
This CPU can effectively handle deep learning inference workloads without the need for additional GPUs with built-in AI accelerators, which lowers expenses and energy consumption.
Data Analytics
It is perfect for processing huge datasets directly in memory, enhancing ETL and OLAP speed, with its enormous L3 cache and IAA.
Network and Edge Computing
With features like DLB and Intel QAT, the Xeon Platinum 8480+ provides low-latency processing for 5G and telecom operators, making it perfect for processing high-throughput packets.
Security Enhancements
Modern infrastructure places a high premium on security, and Intel incorporates several levels of defense:
- Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX) for safe havens
- To encrypt all memory material, use Intel TME (Total Memory Encryption).
- Intel PFR (Platform Firmware Resilience) and Intel Boot Guard
- Crypto Acceleration & Key Locker for quick, safe cryptographic procedures
Pricing and Availability
Although the MSRP of the Xeon Platinum 8480+ is around $10,710 USD, actual pricing varies depending on the vendor and volume buy agreements. Major OEMs including Dell, HPE, Lenovo, and Supermicro offer it in pre-configured and customized server platforms.
In conclusion
A powerful server CPU designed for the upcoming generation of data-driven tasks is the Intel Xeon Platinum 8480+. It offers not only sheer power but also intelligent computing for AI, data analytics, and cloud infrastructure with to its 56 cores, DDR5 support, PCIe 5.0, and integrated accelerators. Despite the intense competition from AMD EPYC series, many businesses find the 8480+ to be an attractive choice due to Intel’s established ecosystem and customized accelerators.
