First unlocked Intel Xeon processor set to take on 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen Threadripper
Intel has launched the Intel Xeon W-3175X, a new workstation-class processor with 28 cores that can Turbo up to 4.3GHz out of the box, with a base clock speed of 3.1GHz. It is designed to offer balanced single threaded and multi-threaded performance, so can be used for CAD and ray trace rendering, and is also the first Xeon processor that is unlocked so it can be overclocked. Traditionally, only Intel Core series processors can be easily pushed beyond their core clock speeds.
The Xeon W-3175X is likely to be Intel’s response to AMD’s 32-core Second Generation Ryzen Threadripper processor which launched in August and is reviewed in full here.
The new 28-core processor has a massive TDP of 255W. This is similar to the 250W 32-core AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX and significantly more than most desktop Xeon processors. Power draw will likely get even higher if the chip is overclocked. The platform supports 6-channel DDR4 memory with up to 512 GB at 2666 MHz, and ECC.
The Intel Xeon W-3175X will ship in December and will likely appeal to users of 3D applications like CAD but also rely heavily on multi-threaded applications like ray trace renderers.
Intel has also announced seven (i7-9800X, i9-9820X, i9-9900X, i9-9920X, i9-9940X, i9-9960X and i9-9980XE) new Intel Core X-series processors. The flagship Core i9-9980XE features 18 cores, 36 threads, with a base clock of 3.0GHz and max Turbo of 4.5GHz. It costs $1,979.
Intel also announced three 9th Generation Core desktop processors, including the Intel Core i9-9900K which boasts 8 cores, 16 threads, a base clock speed of 3.6GHz and a Turbo of 5.0GHz. It will cost $488.
We expect all of these processors to find their way into workstations over the coming months.
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