A recent disclosure about Intel’s forthcoming Granite Rapids-WS Zeno processors suggests that the highest-end models will feature up to 86 cores and support up to 2 DDR5 DIMMs per socket on the W893 platform. These specifications enable Intel to directly rival AMD’s Threadripper series in the high-end workstation (HEDT) sector.
Intel’s most powerful CPU to date may have emerged: the 86-core Granite Rapids-WS reportedly offers a base speed of 4.8 GHz and is designed to directly challenge AMD’s ThreadRipper lineup in the high-end desktop market.
However, this leak raises more questions than answers to the product’s final details.
Key insights
Intel Granite Rapids-WS leak listing spotted online shows 86 cores with 172 threads.
Benchmark entry hints at 4.8 GHz turbo boost speeds with limited cores.
Granite Rapids-WS could be a serious challenger to AMD Thread Ripper.
Intel currently benefits from sizable investments from the US government and Nvidia, with further interest likely from other large technology companies. Now, a new benchmark listing has surfaced, potentially revealing its most ambitious workstation chip yet: the Granite Rapids-WS.
Hardware Leaker @momomo_US spotted an X entry on openbenchmarking.org listing an Intel 0000 Rapids-WS Processor with 86 cores and 172 threads.
The benchmark shows clock speeds reaching up to 4.8 GHz. This likely reflects a turbo frequency on a limited number of cores rather than the all-core base frequency.
Addressing AMD’s ThreadRipper
Crucial information, such as thermal design power and comprehensive platform specifics, has not been disclosed; therefore, this submission should be regarded as an initial leak rather than a confirmation of the final specifications.
According to Tech Powerup, Granite Rapids-WS specifications are based on Intel’s XCC server computer tiles. Two compute tiles provide the 86 cores, while two I/O tiles handle PCIe and memory connectivity.
Scaling to higher core counts would require Intel’s larger UCC to die and a more robust package.
Details regarding memory support for this workstation SKU remain unknown.
The XCC family, designed for server use, is compatible with DDR5 6400, and it can achieve even higher speeds with MR DIMMs. Additionally, a workstation variant may implement an 8-channel configuration to optimize capacity while managing board complexity.
The cooling requirements remained unclear, and no information was provided on the base clock or thermal envelope.
The testing system, as detailed in the OpenBenchmarking.org entry above, was equipped with 512 GB of memory and a 1 TB Seagate ZP1000GM-3004 SSD. An Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 GPU operating on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.6.
The Intel 86-core CPU also reported using GCC 11.5.0, GNOME Shell 40.10, and the NX Server display drive.
Intel has recently scaled back its high-end desktop focus, leaving professionals to choose between older workstation parts or AMD’s offerings.
If the details are accurate, the Granite Trap is WS2TB. RAM support would provide Intel with a fast route back into the HEDT and workstation segment, where AMD’s Thread ripper has dominated.
For OEMs and creators, real-world adaptation of the Rapids-WS will hinge on final performance, efficiency, software scalability, and how convincingly the chip challenges AMD’s Thread-Ripper dominance.
Intel has experienced a considerable decline in the workstation of CPU market. Currently, AMD’s Threadripper CPUs are favored for high-core-count workstation applications. For Intel to reclaim its market position, it must introduce a robust product. The Intel Granite Rapids-WS platform specs, which incorporate the Intel 86-core CPU, could pave the way for Intel’s recovery. Nevertheless, Intel must ensure it offers competitive performance and pricing to succeed in this endeavor.
The Granite Rapids-WS is closing the gap with AMD’s Threadripper 9000, which has up to 96 cores, but Intel still lags by about 12%. With up to 128 PCIe Gen5 lanes, 384 MB of cache, and a TDP of 350W, the competition will be intense.
Nevertheless, it is important to highlight a significant distinction that both Intel and AMD categorize their workstation product lines into different tiers. Intel’s latest W890 platform, combined with the Rapids-WS Zion CPU, delivers mainstream configurations with 4-channel DDR5 and 80 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, whereas the premium version accommodates 8-channel DDR5 and 128 PCIe Gen 5 lanes. Additionally, the W890 chipset includes 24 PCIe Gen 4 lanes, of which 8 are dedicated to GMi.
The test configuration for this processor included 512GB of DDR5 memory.
- Network capabilities that are on par with the Arrow Lake S platform
- NVIDIA RTX 3090 GPU
- 1TB of storage
The performance level positions the Granite Rapids-WS Xeon in a comparable category to Intel’s Xeon 6700P series, which similarly provides up to 86 cores. The highest SKUs in the 6700P series, including the Xeon 678P and 6788P, are equipped with:
- Base clock ranging from 2.1 to 2.1 GHz
- TDP of 350W
- As much as 336MB of cache
- Up to 88 PCIe GN5 lanes
- Support for DDR5 speeds reaching 8000 MHz
Key Specifications Leaked
Core count: The flagship Granite Rapids WS-CPU is expected to include 86P cores and 172 threads, representing a significant improvement over the prior generation. This is derived from Intel’s dual-tile XCC (extended Core Count) server.
Memory support: the Intel Workstation CPU 2025 leak indicates the expert workstation platform is set to accommodate 8-channel DDR5 memory with configurations utilizing registered DDR5 (RDIMMs) reaching up to 2TB per CPU socket. The mainstream category is expected to support 4 channels.
Platform and connectivity: the Intel W890 chipset will utilize the new LGA 4710 socket (Socket E2) and will be compatible with the W890 chipset. This platform delivers extensive I/O capabilities, including up to 112 PCIe lanes (96 PCIe 5.0 and 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes), for the expert categories. For CXL 2.0 (Computer Express Link).
Clock speeds: official engineering samples have indicated boost clock speeds for the Intel 86-core CPU leak of 4.6-4.8 GHz, although the final base and all-core frequencies remain pending an official announcement.
Target market: the workstation CPU leak indicates that its processors are designed for high-demand professional applications in high-performance computing (HPC) and AI, positioning them against AMD’s Thread ripper Pro 9000 series.
