Intel’s Xeon 600 Series: A Game Changer in Workstation and Enthusiast Desktops
Summary:
- Intel’s upcoming Xeon 600 series, codenamed Granite Rapids-WS, is set to redefine performance in the workstation and enthusiast desktop market.
- The entry-level Xeon 654 model showcases impressive benchmark results, rivaling higher-core count competitors, thanks to its innovative Redwood Cove architecture.
- Anticipated for release at CES 2026, the Intel Xeon 600 series will offer diverse options to meet demands for both mainstream and expert configurations.
Intel is on the brink of launching its exceptional Xeon 600 series, which is poised to disrupt the workstation and enthusiast desktop market. Codenamed Granite Rapids-WS, this series is gearing up to introduce a range of models, including the 698X, 696X, 678X, 676X, and several others. Among these, the Xeon 654 model stands out as a noteworthy entry-level offering.
Benchmarking Breakthrough
The Xeon 654 has recently undergone extensive testing, with its performance metrics revealed through the PassMark benchmark. This model boasts 18 cores and 36 threads, featuring only Performance (P) cores, reflecting Intel’s commitment to maximizing processing power. Equipped with a robust 72MB L3 cache and a substantial 36MB L2 cache, the Xeon 654 is designed for demanding applications.
In terms of clock speeds, the retail version is projected to achieve a maximum boost frequency of 4.8GHz, with a base clock of 3.10GHz. However, initial sample frequencies might be lower, which could slightly affect performance during early evaluations.
Exceptional Performance Metrics
The results from the benchmark tests have been nothing short of impressive. The Xeon 654 achieved a score of 3766 points in single-core performance and an astounding 61351 points in multi-core performance. When compared to the 28-core Xeon W7-3465X, the Xeon 654 demonstrates equivalent multi-threaded performance while surpassing it by 18% in single-threaded tasks. This highlights the efficiency and effectiveness of Intel’s new Redwood Cove architecture.
Notably, when pitted against its predecessor, the Xeon W5-2565X, which shares the same core count, the Xeon 654 shows a considerable improvement in multi-threaded performance, enhancing output by 17%. These performance gains position the Xeon 654 as an attractive option for users seeking high-performance solutions in workstations.
Future Prospects: Release and Features
Looking ahead, Intel is expected to officially unveil the Granite Rapids-WS series at CES 2026. This long-awaited launch will cater to a wide spectrum of user needs, as the series will feature both mainstream models that support 4-channel memory and advanced expert models that can accommodate 8-channel memory configurations and up to 128 PCIe Gen5 lanes. This level of versatility is largely geared toward professionals and enthusiasts who demand high-performance computing power.
Conclusion
With the Xeon 600 series, Intel is setting a new benchmark for performance in the workstation and enthusiast desktop sector. The Xeon 654’s impressive benchmark scores showcase its potential to rival more expensive offerings and could mark a key moment in Intel’s ongoing quest to lead the market. As we await the official release, the excitement surrounding the Granite Rapids-WS series continues to build, promising advancements that could redefine computing capabilities for both professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Overall, the Xeon 600 series not only enhances processing power but also offers significant improvements in performance efficiency, making Intel a formidable player in the competitive landscape of high-performance computing solutions.
