Intel is set to make an important disclosure on its client PC platform roadmap next week, but parts of the presentation have already been leaked by HXL (@9550 Pro (opens in new tab)). In fact, for high-performance PC enthusiasts, the Raptor Lake-S Refresh processors for desktops in 2023 and the Sapphire Rapids-64L/112L CPUs set to serve high-end desktops and workstations next quarter. More on Intel’s desktop and workstation platform roadmaps covered.
Raptor Lake-S Refresh: Coming in 2023
One of the biggest surprises revealed by the leaked documents is that Intel plans to keep Raptor Lake processors for desktops for another year. Expected in Q3 2023, the Raptor Lake-S Refresh CPUs will continue to serve entry-level workstations and desktops for enthusiasts, mainstream users, and commercial desktop PCs.
The leaked roadmap doesn’t reveal any specs or improvements for the Raptor Lake Refresh processors over existing offerings, but they will typically feature updated clocks with increased clocks and possibly enhanced power delivery or a different turbo boost algorithm. The excerpt from the documentation also doesn’t reveal if Intel’s 34-core Raptor Lake-S (RPLS-34C) will be part of the RPL Refresh family. Well, it turns out that some of this silicon is reserved for workstations.
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What’s eye-catching for Intel’s desktop plans for the second half of 2023 is the absence of codenamed Meteor Lake processors that rely on multi-tile (multi-chiplet) designs. Perhaps this part will be exclusive to mobile platforms or come to desktop in 2024.
Intel’s Raptor Lake-S Refresh will continue to rely on Z790, W680, Q670 and various 700-series chipsets. However, there is no information on whether these new parts will be drop-in compatible with existing motherboards (including those with 600-series chipsets).
Sapphire Rapids-64L and Sapphire Rapids-112L: Xeon W-2400 and Xeon W-3400
Intel hasn’t refreshed its workstation and high-end desktop platforms in about three years, and currently the CPUs released between Q4 2019 and Q1 2020 (and based on the 2015 Skylake microarchitecture) are , it looks pale to say the least. For those looking for high-end CPUs from Intel, the new desktop platform roadmap brings good news and bad news.
The good news is that the company plans to introduce the Xeon W-2400 (Sapphire Rapids-64L) and Xeon W-3400 (Sapphire Rapids-112L) for desktop workstations in Q1 2023. The bad news is that Intel has basically abandoned his HEDT. We address this market with Xeon branded products and platforms.
As announced a week ago, both the Xeon W-2400 and Xeon W-3400 series processors come in LGA4677 packages and use motherboards based on the Intel W790 chipset.
As far as CPU features go, Intel’s Xeon W-2400 boasts up to 24 high-performance cores, 64 PCIe 5.0 lanes, a quad-channel DDR5 memory subsystem supporting up to 2TB of DDR5 memory with ECC, and processor-based Offers. Power up to 225W (PBP). In contrast, Intel’s Xeon W-3400 processor has up to 56 high-performance cores, 112 PCIe 5.0 lanes, an octa-channel DDR5 memory subsystem supporting up to 4TB of ECC memory, and a PBP of up to 350W. will be installed.
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In terms of frequencies, all Sapphire Rapids-WS CPUs have fairly low base clocks (ranging from 1.90 GHz to 3.20 GHz depending on SKU), but Turbo frequencies are mostly above 4 GHz. We’ll see how fast these CPUs really are, as the actual clocks will depend on your cooling system and power limits. Many of the Xeon W-2400/W-3400 models come with unlocked multipliers and overclocks, so there is such an opportunity for those looking to push these processors to their limits. Doesn’t appear to be overclockable (not necessary for quad or 8-channel DDR5 memory subsystems).
Since we’re talking about Xeon, these W-2400/W-3400 processors not only support all workstation-grade Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS) features, but also Virtual RAID on CPU (VROC) It also supports features such as 8.0 and Intel volume management. Device (VMD) 3.04.
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In addition to increased core counts, an all-new CPU microarchitecture, PCIe Gen5, and support for DDR5, Intel’s new workstation platform features relatively comprehensive and modern I/O capabilities thanks to the W790 chipset. I’m here. The new W790 core logic offers up to 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes, up to 12 PCIe 3.0 lanes, up to 8 SATA ports, up to 5 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 connections, and up to 10 USB 3.2 Gen2 ports. increase. The chip also integrates Wi-Fi 6E functionality and supports two 2.5GbE PHY controllers. Additionally, since the W790 is designed for desktop PCs, it comes with HD audio, MIPI soundware, and other features for client PCs.
Unfortunately the W790 chipset does not support PCIe 5.0, Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB 4/4.1. However, bearing in mind that 8 DMI Gen4 lanes are used to connect to the host CPU, this is the maximum I/ O could be a logical move to ensure performance.
Sapphire Rapids-SP: Xeon Scalable with C741
If you want unbeatable performance, Intel suggests using the Eagle Stream platform, which supports up to two server-grade 4th Gen Xeon Scalable Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze (Sapphire Rapids-SP) processors. With two CPUs, the platform offers up to 112 high-performance cores with hyper-threading, 160 PCIe Gen5 lanes, and up to 8TB of 16-channel DDR5 memory per box. Plus, of course, this platform offers all the RAS and remote management features of his Sapphire Rapids-WS, but naturally not the overclocking capabilities.
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The Eagle Stream Workstation offers unbeatable number processing capabilities, but relies on server-grade features. C741 Chipset (opens in new tab) Does not support the latest I/O features. Of course, workstation makers like Dell and Lenovo will equip their Sapphire Rapids-SP-based machines with a host of additional controllers to compensate for their modest chipsets.
Future client PC platform details
While the desktop portion of Intel’s 2023 plans is more or less clear, there are a few things the company will address in upcoming events for investors. Along with Meteor Lake, Arrow Lake and Lunar Lake CPUs coming in the next few years, Intel could talk about plans for discrete graphics, his next-gen Thunderbolt based on USB 4.1, Wi-Fi 7 and more. I have. Something set out to make the platform more attractive than its rivals.
