Intel's next-generation Granite Rapids workstation platform has been disclosed ahead of schedule, unveiling that the flagship Xeon 696X processor will boast up to 64 cores, with a peak boost frequency of 4.6 GHz, showcasing significantly enhanced performance compared to the current Sapphire Rapids workstation processors in numerous benchmark tests. The 696X, one of the Granite Rapids-WS chips leaked so far, further defines Intel's upcoming high-end workstation platform.

According to the leaked data, the Xeon 696X is an unlocked SKU featuring 64 cores and 128 threads on the Redwood Cove P-Core architecture, with a base frequency of 2.20 GHz and a maximum of 4.60 GHz. Compared to the previous generation 56-core Xeon W9-3495X, the core count has increased, and the boost frequency is slightly lower than its 4.8 GHz, yet the larger cache and newer architecture allow it to achieve superior performance in various tests.

Results listed in the SiSoftware database show the Xeon 696X operating within an AdLink AXE-7400GRW chassis, a 4U server platform for Granite Rapids. In testing, the 696X achieved 12,389.50 Mpix/s in the 'Processor Multimedia' category, approximately 46% higher than the 8,463.41 Mpix/s achieved by the Xeon W9-3495X. This boost is attributed to more efficient architecture, larger caches, and increased core counts.

In the same category comparisons, AMD's Zen 4 architecture Threadripper Pro 7985WX managed 11,661 Mpix/s, slightly trailing the 696X, whereas the new generation Zen 5 Threadripper 9980X scored 18,072 Mpix/s, offering a substantial lead in this segment. This indicates how architectural differences in multimedia processing can impact test outcomes.

SiSoftware's overall CPU metrics show the Xeon 696X achieving 59.22 kPT, an improvement from the Xeon W9-3495X's 49.30 kPT, reducing the gap to around 20 percent. Meanwhile, the Threadripper Pro 7985WX scored 71.82 kPT, continuing to lead in various comprehensive tests. With AMD poised to release more Zen 5 products for the workstation segment, Intel faces ongoing competition pressures.

Though these results aren't fully conclusive yet, the overall trend for the Granite Rapids workstation platform is evident: larger caches, more cores, updated P-Core architecture, and higher coherency configurations could offer advantages in multitasking and intensive workload scenarios. Concurrently, the models' TDP remains mostly unchanged at 350W, illustrating Intel's strive to balance power consumption and core specifications.

The leaked Granite Rapids-WS lineup initially comprises the Xeon 698X and 696X models, with the 698X providing up to 86 cores and the 696X targeting the 64-core mainstream high-end segment. Other models differ in cache, frequency, and core numbers but maintain consistent overall power objectives. More test data is anticipated in the upcoming months as more engineering samples emerge, which will provide a fuller view of the platform's performance features.

In the workstation domain, Granite Rapids' ability to outperform relies not only on performance metrics but also on its pricing strategy, ecosystem support, and head-to-head rivalry with AMD's Threadripper series. While preliminary benchmarks show some improvements, more comprehensive reviews are required before drawing conclusions on final performance.