Intel's next-generation Xeon 6 processors, codenamed Granite Rapids and Sierra Forest, are poised to shake up the CPU market with its cutting-edge architecture and features. Hardware leaker YuuKi_AnS has provided the first glimpse of Intel's upcoming platform, revealing images of the vibrant red-colored validation platform dubbed Beechnut City. Beechnut City serves as a crucial testing ground for the forthcoming Xeon 6 series, which will comprise both the Granite Rapids (P-Core architecture) and Sierra Forest (E-Core architecture) processors. Although not intended for commercial release, this validation platform is designed to rigorously test and validate the new CPUs. The dual-socket LGA-4710 platform boasts the capability to support up to two Sierra Forest or Granite Rapids CPUs simultaneously, promising a significant performance boost for data centers and other high-performance computing applications.

According to YuuKi_AnS's leaks, the Xeon 6 series may feature SKU names such as Xeon 6 6900E/P (Platinum), Xeon 6 6700E/P (Gold), Xeon 6 6500P (Silver), and Xeon 6 6300P (Bronze). One of the platform's standout features is its support for 32 DIMMs in 16-channel memory system, similar to the previously discussed Avenue City platform, which can accommodate up to 24 DDR5-6400 DIMMs in 12-channel memory. The Sierra Forest variant with 144 cores is expected to launch in the first half of this year, while the 288-core variant is slated for release in the second half. Notably, the Xeon 6 series will mark a significant shift in Intel's CPU lineup, as it will be the first CPU series to feature only Efficient cores, akin to AMD's Zen Dense cores (such as Bergamo). This move aligns with Intel's strategy to cater to the growing demand for high-performance computing and data center applications, where energy efficiency and performance are essential.There is also a picture of server configuration of Avenue City was pictured a while ago, thanks to the previous leak of Yuuki_Ans, which can be seen below in addition to Beechnut City platform.

A set of detailed photos has been uploaded to a blog on the Chinese Bilibili site, and the subject matter is an engineering sample of a motherboard that features Intel's next generation LGA 7529 socket. Specifications and photos relating to this platform have cropped up in the past, but the latest leak offers many new tidbits of information. The Bilibili blogger placed a Sapphire Rapids Xeon Processor on top of the the new socket, and this provides an interesting point of reference - it demonstrates the expansive physical footprint that the fifth-generation platform occupies on the board.

This year's Sapphire Rapids LGA 4677 (Socket E) is already considered to be a sizeable prospect - measuring at 61 × 82 mm. The upcoming Mountain Stream platform (LGA 7529) is absolutely huge in comparison, with eyeball estimates placing it possessing rough dimensions (including the retention arm) of 66 × 92.5 mm. The fifth generation platform is designed to run Intel's Granite Rapids and Sierra Forest CPUs - this family of Xeons featuring scalable microarchitecture is expected to launch in 2024. The code name "Avenue City" has been given to a reference platform that features a dual socket configuration.

Today, thanks to Yuuki_Ans on the Chinese Bilibili forum, we have more information about the upcoming "Avenue City" platform that powers Granite Rapids and Sierra Forest. Intel's forthcoming Granite Rapids and Sierra Forest Xeon processors will diverge the Xeon family into two offerings: one optimized for performance/core equipped with P-cores and the other for power/core equipped with E-cores. The reference platform Intel designs and shares with OEMs internally is a 16.7" x 20" board with 20 PCB layers, made as a dual-socket solution. Featuring two massive LGA-7529 sockets, the reference design shows the basic layout for a server powered by these new Xeons.

Capable of powering Granite Rapids / Sierra Forest-AP processors of up to 500 Watts, the platform also accommodates next-generation I/O. Featuring 24 DDR5 DIMMs with support for 12-channel memory, with memory speeds of up to 6400 MT/s. The PCIe selection includes six PCIe Gen 5 x16 links supporting CXL cache coherent protocol and 6x24 UPI links. Additionally, we have another piece of information that Granite Rapids will come with up to 128 cores and 256 threads in both regular and HBM-powered Xeon Max flavoring. You can see storage and reference platform configuration details on the slides below.