The new family of Intel Xeon processors goes by the name of Sapphire Rapids, which will have an interesting variant. It looks like Intel is working on Sapphire Rapids processors with HBM2E memory, thanks to the leaked SPR-HBM codename.
Intel Sapphire Rapids will have a version with HBM2E memory integrated into the same processor in 2022
As revealed by Anandtech, Intel is working to launch new Xeon Scalable processors based on the Sapphire Rapids architecture with HBM memory by the end of 2022. This confirms a leak of a processor of this architecture with four DIE, but which did not integrate HBM memory. This memory was not integrated into the development sample, although it was indicated that it would be supported by the Sapphire Rapid architecture.
During ISC 2021, Intel confirmed a variant with HBM memory for late 2022, so these processors will not be exclusive to a specific customer but will be available to all of the company’s customers.
Intel has told AnandTech that they are committed to making HBM-enabled Sapphire Rapids available to all enterprise customers and server vendors as well. These versions will be released after the main Sapphire Rapids release and will include some interesting configurations. We assume this means SPR-HBM will be available in a tethered configuration.
Intel has not revealed the possible specifications of these new Xeon processors. According to the leaks seen so far, the Sapphire Rapids processors will support up to 64GB of HMB2E. Intel has indicated that DDR5 RAM memory will be additionally supported in the Golden Cove architecture processors. HBM memories provide a large buffer for computer simulations, artificial intelligence, or deep learning, among other applications.
The next Intel processors will be based in principle on 10nm SuperFin lithography. These new processors will feature up to 56 cores and 112 processing threads. They will offer support for DDR5 RAM in an octa-channel configuration and a maximum memory speed of 4,800 MHz.
They will also be the first Intel processor to integrate support for HBM2E memory up to 64GB. They will also be the first Intel Xeon processors to support CLX 1.1 and the PCIe 5.0 interface with a maximum of 80 lanes.
These new Intel processors are said to be a great competitor for AMD’s EPYC processors. It is also said to compete with NVIDIA’s artificial intelligence and deep learning solutions. The integration of HMB2E memory and the ability to integrate DDR5 RAM memory is an interesting bet, and we’ll see if this boosts the performance of the Sapphire Rapids architecture.