Xeon Platinum 9480 Flagship with up to 56 cores at $12,980

A few days ago, Intel presented a file Xeon Max’ Sapphire Rapids CPU lineup Features HBM2e memory. Although Intel is giving a tech reveal that includes performance estimates and tech features for the range, we’re now getting an initial look at the CPU family’s specs and pricing.

Detailed specifications and pricing for HBM Intel Xeon M Max ‘Sapphire Rapids’ CPUs, at least five SKUs with up to 56 cores and $12,980 in the US.

The latest leak comes from YuuKi_AnS Which has a follow-up post where it lists no fewer than five Intel Xeon Max CPUs within the Sapphire Rapids HBM lineup. Processors include:

• Xeon Platinum 9480-56 Core (1.9 / 2.6 GHz) – 12,980 USD
• Xeon Platinum 9470 – 52 Core (2.0 / 2.7 GHz) – 11,590 USD
• Xeon Platinum 9468 – 48 Core (2.1 / 2.6 GHz) – 9900 USD
• Xeon Platinum 9460 – 40 Core (2.2 / 2.7 GHz) – 8750 USD
• Xeon Platinum 9462 – 32 Core (2.7 / 3.1 GHz) – 7995 USD

The leaker only listed basic specs like model names, base counts, base watches, and prices. Other details such as TDPs, Power Limits, Boost clocks and cache configurations were not disclosed. But based on the specs, Intel seems to be all betting on HBM2e memory for extra performance and not hours, similar to how AMD works with its 3D V-Cache parts. They are specifically designed for cache and bandwidth-optimized workloads, so they make sense. The core counts on these chips are similar to the non-HBM2e combination as well as the cache. As for the naming, the “Xeon Max” branding appears to be unused here but this information is likely a bit outdated as Intel only revealed the family’s latest naming just a few days ago.

Pricing-wise, Intel charges significantly more for HBM2e Sapphire Rapids Max CPUs than it does EPYC Genoa Parts from AMD. The top AMD EPYC Genoa chip has an MSRP of $11805 and that’s a 96-core part. Meanwhile, Intel with 56 cores and 64 GB of HBM2e memory is asking about $13,000 and $11.5 thousand for the 52-core variant. Those prices are pretty steep and the performance has to be really good compared to AMD’s EPYC Genoa for it to make sense.

Intel Xeon Max ‘Sapphire Rapids’ HBM CPU family

Intel also has Hinge Sapphire Rapids Xeon Max CPUs with HBM Memory. From what Intel has shown, its Xeon CPUs will feature up to four HBM packages, all offering significantly higher DRAM bandwidth versus the baseline Sapphire Rapids-SP Xeon CPU with 8-channel DDR5 memory. This will allow Intel to offer a chip with greater capacity and bandwidth to customers who demand it. HBM spools can be used in two modes, HBM flat mode and HBM spool mode.

The standard Sapphire Rapids-SP Xeon chip will have 10 EMIB connections and the entire package will be 4446 mm2. Switching to the HBM variant, we get an increased number of interconnects located at 14 that are necessary to connect the HBM2E memory to the cores.

The four HBM2E memory packages will contain 8-Hi Stacks, so Intel is running at least 16GB of HBM2E memory per package for a total of 64GB via the Sapphire Rapids-SP package. Speaking of the package, the HBM variant will measure 5700mm2 or 28% larger than the standard variant. Compared to the recently leaked EPYC Genoa numbers, Sapphire Rapids-SP’s HBM2E package will end up 5% larger while the standard package will be 22% smaller.

• Intel Sapphire Rapids-SP Xeon (Standard Package) – 4446 mm 2
• Intel Sapphire Rapids-SP Xeon (HBM2E Package) – 5700 mm 2
• AMD EPYC Genoa (12 CCD Pack) – 5428 mm 2

It also states that Intel Sapphire Rapids Xeon Max CPUs will feature up to 80 PCIe Gen 5.0/4.0 slots, support for 8-channel DDR5-4800 memory, up to 4 UPI lanes, 16 GTs and an x8 DMI PCIe 3.0 interface.