Intel accidentally reveals details about its upcoming high-end CPUs
Intel has inadvertently disclosed information about its forthcoming server processors, code-named Diamond Rapids. The details were briefly available on Intel's website before being swiftly removed. However, X user @harukaze5719 managed to capture a screenshot of the page. The leaked information reveals that these new Xeon CPUs will be part of Intel's Oak Stream platform, and will feature a massive socket called LGA 9324 with an impressive 9,324 pins.
A significant leap in socket size
The LGA 9324 socket represents a significant increase in size compared to previous models. It is nearly six times larger than the LGA 1700 socket used for consumer CPUs, and more than double the size of the LGA 4677 socket that powers Intel's latest fourth and fifth-generation Xeon chips. This substantial increase suggests that Diamond Rapids could potentially offer more cores and memory channels than its predecessors.
Diamond Rapids CPUs: Release and specifications
Intel has begun distributing sample test tools for Oak Stream to partners, with the first Diamond Rapids CPUs expected to be available in late 2025 or by early 2026. The screenshot also indicates that pre-orders for the socket are now open, with shipments set to start in Q4 2024. Speculations suggest that Diamond Rapids could support up to 16 DRAM channels and PCIe 6.0, although these details remain unconfirmed by Intel.
Succeeding Intel's 18A 'Clearwater Forest' Xeons
The Diamond Rapids CPUs are set to succeed Intel's 18A "Clearwater Forest" Xeons in the product roadmap. The latter is currently undergoing early testing, having been powered on alongside Panther Lake for the first time this month. When Diamond Rapids eventually launches, it will utilize Intel's 14A process node, indicating that Intel is preparing a formidable competitor against AMD's high-core-count Epyc "Venice" processors in the server CPU market.
