Intel Launches Intel Xeon 6 Processors Targeting the AI ​​Market

Intel has just announced the Intel Xeon 6700/6500 series processors with P-core cores, along with two new product lines of Ethernet controllers and network switches. This is considered a belated - but better than nothing - effort by Intel to gain a foothold in the data center, powering artificial intelligence (AI) tasks. One of the main highlights of the processors with P-core cores is that they bring 2x higher performance on AI tasks.

The Intel Xeon 6700/6500 series with P-cores are ideal for data centers because they balance performance and energy efficiency, according to the company. While they deliver up to 2x better performance on AI tasks, Intel says they are, on average, about 1.4x better in performance than the previous generation across a variety of tasks.

The Xeon 6 series also works well as a foundational CPU for AI systems, as it pairs “extremely well” with GPUs as a master node CPU. Compared to 5th-generation AMD EPYC processors, the Xeon 6 delivers 1.6x better AI inference performance on a chip with one-third fewer cores. Intel also says its processors unlock significant performance-per-watt efficiencies that can deliver up to a 68% total cost of ownership savings.

“ We are laser-focused on bringing to market leading, innovative products that solve our customers’ biggest challenges and help drive overall industry growth, ” said Intel CEO Michelle Johnston Holthaus. “ The Xeon 6 family delivers industry-leading CPUs for AI and breakthrough features for networking, while driving efficiency and lowering total cost of ownership .”

The two new Ethernet controller and network adapter product lines mentioned earlier include the Intel Ethernet E830 Controllers and Network Adapters and the Intel Ethernet E610 Controllers and Network Adapters. The E830 line offers up to 200GbE bandwidth, flexible port configurations, and high-precision timing capabilities, including Precision Time Measurement (PTM). It emphasizes performance and security features.

Meanwhile, the E610 series offers 10GBASET connectivity optimized for control plane operations. It boasts power efficiency, manageability, and robust security features to simplify administration and ensure maximum network integrity.

By combining the products announced today, Intel says businesses will be well-positioned to “accelerate innovation and gain competitive advantage.” Stay tuned.