In 2022, Intel recorded a 70% share of the data center CPU market, keeping them at the top of processors and semiconductor production. Since 1968, it has manufactured a list of Intel Xeon processors. These processors excel based on their features, which include in-house fabrication. Unlike other companies that depend on labor in China, Intel prioritizes homemade manufacturing. Over the years, Intel has faced criticism and competition from other companies, including Taiwan Semiconductor Company and Samsung Electronics. However, it remains the world’s largest semiconductor and CPU producer.
Intel offers different models, starting with the desktop processor called the x86 series, also known as Pentium. Then, it introduced the Xeon line of server processors in 1998. Core processors came along in 2006, replacing the Pentium line. Out of all of Intel’s products, this article will focus on a single aspect, the Xeon processor list.
Xeon processor adds extra technology that separates it from other processors, which enables its use in high-end workstations. These features are in-built to work in server-class motherboards, mainly server processors. This guide brings you the best Xeon processors of 2024.
Table of Content
- Understanding-Xeon-Processors-A-Primer
- Comprehensive List of Intel Xeon Processors
- Notable Xeon Processors Over the Years
- Influence and Impact of Xeon Processors in Various Industries
- Looking Ahead: Future of Intel Xeon Processors
- Conclusion
- Intel Xeon Processors and RedSwitches
- FAQs
Understanding Xeon Processors: A Primer
In computing, the CPU has a significant effect on the overall performance. Your work speed will be slow if you have a poor working CPU. A processor in the list of Intel Xeon processors can be the best fit for an average user, i.e., a gamer, and be unsuitable for a heavy data workload. For this reason, Intel produces processors specific to different needs. Xeon is one of Intel’s flagships focusing on workstation and server chips. It makes a processor suitable for heavy computing work.
Intel Xeon processor has similar features to the other processors, mainly the Core processor. It pushes a little further by advancing high performance for several workstations. Core processors, on the other hand, have a higher clock speed with adequate cooling solutions. Also, while Core processors integrate graphics, Xeon needs a discrete video card for display. Xeon chips have more cores, more conservative clock speeds, and usually at much less power.
In simpler terms, Xeon processors strengthen industrial-grade workstations and servers to handle multi-threaded workloads for a prolonged time. Workstation buyers value reliability, scalability, and compatibility, which Xeon offers. The Xeon brand is available in four-processor families; Xeon D, Xeon E, Xeon W, and Xeon Scalable.
Why Choose Xeon? Key Features and Benefits
We have a list of Intel Xeon processors, but what makes them suitable for servers and workstations? Let’s look at some of the key features and benefits of the Intel Xeon Processor.
Higher core counts per processor and Hyperthreading Support
Every processor type has the core as the most crucial part. The core receives instruction from and writes instructions for other computer components. Generally, a processor with more cores can read and write more instructions and run programs. Xeon processors have more cores. The latest Intel Xeon Scalable Processor has up to 40 cores. In contrast, a core processor may have just 8 cores, with the Intel 10th Generation Comet Lake CPUs having a maximum of 10 cores. These numerous cores result in increased processing power and multitasking.
With the cores, Xeon processors can support heavily threaded applications in a term called hyperthreading. Hyperthreading is sharing a processor’s workload by creating virtual cores. While Core processors do not support hyperthreading, Xeon processors support it. Xeon can double its cores, such that a processor with 40 cores can run up to 80 threads.
More memory cache (L3 Cache Memory)
Cache memory is memory in batches necessary for a processor to retrieve frequently used information without accessing the main memory. It helps the processor fetch data faster.
Cache memories for processors are divided into three grades; level 1 (L1), level 2 (L2), and level 3 (L3). The L3 memory is also called the external cache. It is two times faster than RAM (random access memory). Many members in the list of Intel Xeon processors have up to 50MB of L3 cache, depending on the model, which is double that of core processors. All processors on the Xeon list operate faster due to the extra cache memory.
ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory support
Xeon is the only processor that supports ECC RAM. ECC memory support helps to check, identify and rectify corrupt data instantly. It corrects the errors before they occur, improving reliability and uptime. Corrupt memory data is a common cause of software crashes. In an industrial-grade workstation, a software crash could be fatal. Hence, ECC reduces the risk of corrupt memory.
Multiple CPU Benefit
Xeon processors are your go-to if you run applications requiring multiple processor cores or a high memory bandwidth. These requirements require a system that incorporates numerous processing units on a server. Xeon allows such multiple processing units. It has an on-chip logic that promotes communication between the CPUs for workload coordination and shared memory access.
Efficiency And Longevity
Efficiency and longevity are built into Xeon processors. They can take on heavy and intensive loads continuously without crashing. All CPUs in the list of Intel Xeon processors are stable, efficient, and crucial for mission-critical servers and workstations.
Most customers will choose Xeon over other processors because of the features above. These features lead to data protection, speedy computation, high-speed expansion capabilities, and reliable performance. It also protects against data loss and decline in performance, which are not desirable for systems supporting mission-critical applications.
Comprehensive List of Intel Xeon Processors
Matching Pair Intel Xeon X5670 Six-Core Processor (H3)
Features
- Cores:6
- Threads:12
- L3 cache:12MB
- Bus Speed: 6.2 GT/s
- SMP # CPUs:2
- Frequency:2.93 GHz
- Turbo Clock: up to 3.33 GHz
- TDP:95 W
- Hardware Virtualization: yes
Matching Pair Intel Xeon X5670 Six-Core, launched in 2010, also features in our Xeon list. This is the earliest in our list of Intel Xeon processors. It is a Westmere-EP architecture desktop processor with a 32 nm manufacturing technology, a maximum frequency of 3330 MHz, and a locked multiplier. The processor is aimed at office systems starting at $67. Generally, it has a poor benchmark performance.
Intel Xeon E5-2697
Features
- Cores:12
- Threads:24
- L3 cache:30MB
- SMP # CPUs:2
- Frequency:2.7 GHz
- Turbo Clock: up to 3.5 GHz
- TDP:130 W
- Hardware Virtualization: yes
The Intel Xeon E5-2697 was released in September 2013. It uses the Ivy Bridge-EP architecture with Socket 2011. The multiplier is locked, limiting the overclocking abilities of Xeon E5-2697. Xeon E5-2697 uses a PCI-Express Gen 3 connection to communicate with other computer components. It lacks integrated graphics so you may need a graphics card.
Intel Xeon X5690 Six-Core Processor
Features
- Cores:6
- Threads:12
- L3 cache:12MB
- Bus Speed: 6.4 GT/s
- SMP # CPUs:2
- Frequency:3.46 GHz
- Turbo Clock: up to 3.73 GHz
- TDP:130 W
- Hardware Virtualization: yes
Intel’s Xeon X5690 Six-Core was built on the Westmere EP architecture and sold at $200. It was launched in 2011. The multiplier is locked, limiting its overclocking capabilities. The Xeon X5690 has high thermal power, which consumes a lot of power, requiring external cooling.
Intel Xeon E5-2690
Features
- Cores:8
- Threads:16
- L3 cache:20MB
- Bus Speed: 8 GT/s
- SMP # CPUs:2
- Frequency:2.9 GHz
- Turbo Clock: up to 3.8 GHz
- TDP:135 W
- Hardware Virtualization: yes
The Xeon 2690 was released in 2012 and built on a Sandy Bridge-EP architecture. The multiplier is locked on Xeon E5-2690, which limits its overclocking potential. It is one of the processors in the list of Intel Xeon processors which supports DDR4 2400 RAM. It has a maximum RAM capacity of 1.5 TB, with a maximum RAM speed of 2333 MHz. It runs on a maximum operating temperature of 89 °C. The pricing starts at about $200.
Renewed Intel Xeon i7-4790 Processor
Features
- Cores:4
- Threads:8
- L3 cache:8MB
- Bus Speed: 2 GT/s
- SMP # CPUs:1
- Frequency:3.6 GHz
- Turbo Clock: up to 4 GHz
- TDP:84 W
- Hardware Virtualization: yes
The Intel Xeon i7-4790 is a high-end processor using the Haswell architecture with 22nm technology. It was released in 2014, starting at $70. The multiplier is lower but locked to prevent overclocking, with a maximum core temperature of 73⁰C.
Intel Xeon E-2136 Processor
Features
- Cores:6
- Threads:12
- L3 cache:12MB
- Bus Speed: 8 GT/s
- SMP # CPUs:2
- Frequency:3.3 GHz
- Turbo Clock: up to 4.5 GHz
- TDP:80 W
- Hardware Virtualization: yes
This Quad-Core Xeon processor was released in 2018, having a Coffee Lake architecture. The manufacture is based on 14 nm technology, a locked multiplier, and a maximum frequency of 4500 MHz. It supports a memory of up to 128GB and the DDR4-2666 memory types.
Renewed PC Server Processor – Intel Xeon E5-2697
Features
- Cores:18
- Threads:36
- L3 cache:45MB
- Bus Speed: 9.6GT/s
- SMP # CPUs:2
- Frequency:2.3 GHz
- Turbo Clock: up to 3.6 GHz
- TDP:145 W
- Hardware Virtualization: yes
The Renewed Xeon E5-2697 v4 is a member of our Intel Xeon processor list built using an Ivy Bridge chip. It was launched in 2016. This chip performs well for gaming at 4K, making it suitable for creators. Prices range between $100 and $200.
Intel Xeon E5-2683v4 CPU Processor
Features
- Cores:16
- Threads:32
- L3 cache:40MB
- Bus Speed: 9.6GT/s
- SMP # CPUs:2
- Frequency:2.1 GHz
- Turbo Clock: up to 3.0 GHz
- TDP:120 W
- Hardware Virtualization: yes
The Xeon E5-2683v4 was built using the Broadwell architecture. It was released in 2016 and supports up to 1TB of RAM and PCIe 3.0 for smooth multitasking. The Xeon E5-2683 v4 processor does not have an integrated graphics controller. It is affordable, with prices starting from $100.
Intel Xeon E-2236 Hexa-core (6 Core)
Features
- Cores:6
- Threads:12
- L3 cache:12MB
- Bus Speed: 4.8 GT/s
- SMP # CPUs:2
- Frequency:3.4 GHz
- Turbo Clock: up to 4.8 GHz
- TDP:150 W
- Hardware Virtualization: yes
Our list of Intel Xeon processors will only be complete with the Xeon E-2236. The Xeon E-2236 is a Coffee Lake architecture system launched in 2019. It was built using a 14 nm manufacturing technology, with a max frequency of 4800 MHz and a locked multiplier. Pricing starts at $280.
Intel Xeon Gold 6226R
Features
- Cores:16
- Threads:32
- L3 cache:22MB
- Bus Speed: 4.8 GT/s
- SMP # CPUs:2
- Frequency:2.9 GHz
- Turbo Clock: up to 3.9 GHz
- TDP:150 W
- Hardware Virtualization: yes
Xeon Gold 6226R was launched in 2020 at a starting price of $1,300. It uses a Cascade Lake architecture with 14 nm manufacturing technology, a maximum frequency of 3900 MHz, and a locked multiplier.
Notable Xeon Processors Over the Years
Intel launched the Xeon processor in 1998 as a variant of its Pentium II processor architecture. Since then, Xeon has become its line of processors, having more developments than the mainstream Pentium line of processors. Of the several Xeons that have been released or discontinued, here are a few notable ones.
Intel Xeon Scalable Processor Family
Intel Xeon Scalable Processor is a branch of Xeon processors. Currently, Intel has produced four generations of this family. The first generation was launched between 2017 and Q2 2018, powered by the Skylake microarchitecture.
Intel launched the 4th generation of scalable processors in January 2023 under the codename Sapphire Rapids. The new 4th generation includes more CPUs per socket, up to 60 cores and 120 threads, debut DDR5 memory, 80 lanes of PCIe 5.0, and increased input-output (I/O) support.
These new processors target edge applications that require durability and higher industrial-grade performance. With the 4th generation processors, communications service providers (CSPs) can handle 5G traffic expansion, including the increasing XR/VR applications.
Intel Xeon 5500 Series
Intel Xeon 5500 Series features in our list of Intel Xeon processors. It was released in 2009 under the codename Nehalem. It was significant in the server processor market at the time of release. It featured a 45nm manufacturing process, introduced a new microarchitecture, and supported up to 2 processor sockets. It had 4 cores per processor, enabling 8 threads per CPU via hyperthreading. The Xeon 5500 series also included Intel’s Turbo Boost technology for dynamic core frequency scaling.
With the Xeon 5500 series came significant performance improvements to the previous Xeon series. The Nehalem microarchitecture, hyperthreading, and turbo boost and enhance multi-threaded performance. This made it possible for use in servers and data centers. Also, the Xeon 5500 series was the beginning of Intel’s QuickPath Interconnect (QPI), which improved memory and I/O communication, reducing latency and increasing bandwidth.
Intel Xeon Phi 7210
Intel Xeon Phi 7210 is one of the Xeon Phi series that started in 2010. The phi series was manufactured using Intel’s 14 nm process technology. Xeon Phi 7210 was created under the codename Knights Landing; Intel Xeon Phi 7210 was a unique processor for high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence workloads. It featured the Many Integrated Core (MIC) architecture, containing up to 72 to 86 cores, 4 threads per core, and 16GB of high-bandwidth memory on-package.
The Xeon Phi 7210 was useful for parallel processing tasks, scientific simulations, deep learning, and data analytics. Its architecture allowed for massive parallelism, making it a suitable accelerator for HPC clusters.
Intel Xeon Platinum 8280
Intel Xeon Platinum 8280 was released in 2019 under the codename Cascade Lake architecture. It was built on Intel’s 14nm technology and features 28 cores allowing 56 threads per CPU. The processor supported DDR4 memory and introduced Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory support. The design of the Xeon Platinum 8280 accommodates high-performance servers and data centers. The additional Optane DC Persistent Memory support offers better performance for memory-intensive applications. Also, it has enhanced security features making it suitable for enterprises seeking robust data protection.
Intel Xeon E5-2690
In the list of Intel Xeon processors with notable performance, Intel Xeon E5-2690 represents the processors built using the Sandy Bridge core. The Sandy Bridge core debuted in 2011 with 256-bit wide AVX units, an L3 cache, and a system that runs at core frequency.
Intel Xeon E5-2690 has an improved 8 core, a better turbo boost, and a faster QPI, which delivers up to 8 GT/s and lower latency to PCI-e devices.
When Intel moved from Nehalem to Westmere for the standard four-core chips, customers experienced little performance boost. However, moving to a six-core Sandy Bridge in 2011 boosted performance by 65 percent, improving the value by 28 percent.
Influence and Impact of Xeon Processors in Various Industries
Financial Sector
Xeon processors have been instrumental in advancing the business world. With the extensive list of Xeon processors, many businesses adapt technology into their modus operandi. They utilize various enterprise applications, from data analytics and customer relationship management (CRM). The Intel multi-core architecture of Xeon processors allows businesses to handle complex tasks more efficiently, leading to enhanced productivity and faster data processing. Moreover, Industries like pharmaceuticals, engineering, and the military utilize Xeon processors in high-performance computing clusters for simulations, modeling, and scientific research.
Cloud Computing
Xeon processor features such as increased Memory and Cache Capacity, virtualization, and scalability contribute to an accelerated cloud computing experience. From entry-level servers to high-end enterprise systems, Xeon processors provide scalability, allowing cloud providers to choose the right dedicated server specs for optimal performance.
Cloud service providers heavily rely on Xeon-based servers to deliver high-performance cloud services to their customers. The ability of Xeon processors to handle multiple virtual machines simultaneously, along with robust memory and storage support, makes them ideal for virtualization and cloud environments.
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Gaming and Entertainment:
In the gaming industry, graphics and computational power are critical. As a result, gaming providers leverage Xeon processors in server farms to host multiplayer games, gaming platforms, and content distribution. These processors support massive numbers of simultaneous users, ensuring a seamless and immersive gaming experience. Game developers and animators also utilize a list of Intel Xeon processors for rendering complex graphics, 3D animations, and special effects. This reduces rendering times and improves overall productivity.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:
The Intel Xeon processor has accelerated the rise of the major accelerators of AI and machine learning applications. Xeon processors have been instrumental in powering AI-based solutions in various industries. Some such industries include healthcare for medical imaging analysis, finance for fraud detection, and e-commerce for personalized recommendations.
Media and Entertainment:
The media and entertainment industry heavily relies on Xeon processors for video transcoding, rendering, and editing. HD videos, animations, and special effects demand substantial computational power, and Xeon processors offer the performance needed to meet these demands efficiently. Media companies use Xeon-based servers to store, process, and stream multimedia content to global audiences through online platforms.
Improved Server Performance and Accelerated Cloud Computing
Intel Xeon processors have been at the forefront of transforming various sectors of the world using improving server performances. Datacenter consumers have made Xeon their go-to processor, from the hardware design to architecture.
Intel designs Xeon processors with multiple CPU cores on a single chip. These cores can handle various tasks simultaneously, allowing for parallel processing of workloads. With increasing cores in each generation, Xeon processors can handle two threads simultaneously. Hence, they can efficiently manage numerous virtual machines and concurrent requests in cloud environments.
Looking Ahead: Future of Intel Xeon Processors
Combination Architectures
We expect to see changes in Intel’s architecture. The list of Intel Xeon processors in the near future may combine traditional CPU cores with specialized accelerators like GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), TPUs (Tensor Processing Units), or even AI-specific chips. This approach could optimize performance for specific workloads like AI, machine learning, and high-performance computing.
Advanced Manufacturing Process:
One of the critical trends in processor development is the continued advancement of semiconductor manufacturing processes. Moore’s law states that the observation that the number of transistors on computer chips doubles approximately every two years. Currently, Moore’s Law is slowing down. As it does, Intel might invest in research and development to adopt more advanced and smaller node sizes. Some examples are 7nm, 5nm, or even below, to improve energy efficiency and performance.
AI Integration:
We also expect to see Intel incorporate AI and machine learning into its processor development. These could include dedicated AI instruction sets, improved AI acceleration, and more efficient handling of neural networks, enabling better performance for AI workloads.
Memory Advancements:
The memory capability of Xeon processors has improved over the years, and we expect to see more. Future Xeon processors might support faster and larger memory capacities. Some examples are DDR5 or HBM2/3 (High Bandwidth Memory), which provide improved data access speeds and meet the demands of emerging workloads.
Security Enhancements:
Data security is paramount, especially with the rise of cyber threats and data breaches. Intel will likely invest in hardware-level security features, such as improved encryption, memory protection mechanisms, and better mitigations against speculative execution vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
Throughout the years, Intel has consistently delivered high-end processors that have revolutionized data centers, workstations, and server environments, empowering businesses, researchers, and professionals across various industries. From the early days of the Xeon line to the advances in multi-core architecture, the Xeon processor list passes through continuous performance enhancements.
Now, we see groundbreaking advances in multi-core architecture with the latest Intel Xeon Scalable processors. The journey has been one of relentless pursuit of excellence. The Xeon list of processors has proven to be the backbone of several computing solutions, high-performance workstations, and server data centers. They have handled complex workloads and driven the growth of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other data-intensive applications. The constant innovation has helped several businesses to achieve higher productivity, reduced operational costs, and accelerated time-to-market for their products and services.
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FAQs
Q-1) How many types of Xeon processors are there?
Intel Xeon offers several types of Xeon processors targeted at different markets and applications. The number of types changes over time due to new releases, discontinuance, or product updates.
Q-2) What is the most powerful Intel Xeon?
The most powerful Intel Xeon processor amidst the list of Xeon processors
would be the Xeon W-3175X. The analyst named it the monster workstation CPU, with 28 cores and 56 threads.
Q-3) What is the current generation of Xeon processors?
The 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processor is the latest generation launched in January 2023.
Q-4) Which is faster, the i7 or Xeon?
Both processors are great in terms of speed or performance. The choice would depend on the specific use case and workload requirements. For example, the i7 might be more suitable for gamers, while Xeon processors are better suited for professional workloads.
Q-5) Is Xeon better than AMD?
Intel Xeon and AMD processors have their strengths and are suitable for various scenarios. While Intel Xeon processors have higher cache capacities than AMD CPUs, AMD’s architecture offers better multi-core performance.
Q-6) What are the maximum Xeon cores?
The new Intel Xeon 4th Gen processors offer up to 60 cores.
