Intel is preparing to launch its next-generation Xeon processors, known as “Diamond Rapids,” by 2026. These processors will be compatible with the Johnson City reference platform, which is making headlines for its impressive capabilities. As technology evolves, Intel continues to push the boundaries with its innovative designs and powerful performance features.
Unveiling the Johnson City Platform
The Johnson City platform is attracting attention as it is poised to support the groundbreaking Diamond Rapids “Xeon” CPUs. Reports suggest that information from NBD’s shipment database has uncovered intriguing details about these processors. The platform’s server board, known as JNC, is described as “Validation Material,” hinting at its role in assessing the Diamond Rapids CPUs’ performance, features, and capabilities.
Intriguingly, the shipment data reveals two entries that suggest a power range for the Diamond Rapids CPUs. One listing indicates a 500W TDP, while another pushes the boundary at 650W TDP. Additionally, a JNC Multi-S platform is referenced, which is labeled as 2+1+1S, likely hinting at a multi-socket or multi-chiplet arrangement with single-socket solutions.
Key Features and Expectations
The Diamond Rapids “Xeon” processors are anticipated to incorporate up to 192 cores, with some speculation pointing to a potential 256-core configuration. These chips are expected to employ the latest 18A process node and feature Panther Cove P-Cores for optimal performance. Sources have stated that Diamond Rapids “Xeon 7” CPUs will exclusively feature 16-channel configurations, signaling the discontinuation of mainstream 8-channel platforms. Looking beyond Diamond Rapids, Intel plans to introduce Coral Rapids “Xeon” CPUs, which will reintroduce SMT support.
The Diamond Rapids processors will utilize a substantial LGA 9324 socket, which is significantly larger than the LGA 1700 and even surpasses the Granite Rapids’ LGA 7529 socket. While many specifications remain under wraps, it’s projected that Diamond Rapids will launch in the latter half of 2026, going head-to-head with AMD’s EPYC Venice lineup.
Intel Xeon CPU Families Overview
| Family Branding | Diamond Rapids | Clearwater Forest | Granite Rapids | Sierra Forest | Emerald Rapids | Sapphire Rapids | Ice Lake-SP | Cooper Lake-SP | Cascade Lake-SP/AP | Skylake-SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Process Node | TBD | Intel 18A | Intel 3 | Intel 3 | Intel 7 | Intel 7 | 10nm+ | 14nm++ | 14nm++ | 14nm+ |
| Platform Name | Intel Oak Stream | Intel Birch Stream | Intel Birch Stream | Intel Mountain Stream Intel Birch Stream |
Intel Eagle Stream | Intel Eagle Stream | Intel Whitley | Intel Cedar Island | Intel Purley | Intel Purley |
| Core Architecture | Panther Cove-X | Darkmont | Redwood Cove | Sierra Glen | Raptor Cove | Golden Cove | Sunny Cove | Cascade Lake | Cascade Lake | Skylake |
| MCP (Multi-Chip Package) SKUs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Socket | LGA XXXX / 9324 | LGA 4710 / 7529 | LGA 4710 / 7529 | LGA 4710 / 7529 | LGA 4677 | LGA 4677 | LGA 4189 | LGA 4189 | LGA 3647 | LGA 3647 |
| Max Core Count | TBD | Up To 288 | Up To 128 | Up To 288 | Up To 64? | Up To 56 | Up To 40 | Up To 28 | Up To 28 | Up To 28 |
| Max Thread Count | TBD | Up To 288 | Up To 256 | Up To 288 | Up To 128 | Up To 112 | Up To 80 | Up To 56 | Up To 56 | Up To 56 |
| Max L3 Cache | TBD | TBD | 480 MB L3 | 108 MB L3 | 320 MB L3 | 105 MB L3 | 60 MB L3 | 38.5 MB L3 | 38.5 MB L3 | 38.5 MB L3 |
| Memory Support | Up To 16-Channel DDR5? | Up To 12-Channel DDR5-8000 | Up To 12-Channel DDR5-6400 MCR-8800 |
Up To 12-Channel DDR5-6400 | Up To 8-Channel DDR5-5600 | Up To 8-Channel DDR5-4800 | Up To 8-Channel DDR4-3200 | Up To 6-Channel DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2933 6-Channel | DDR4-2666 6-Channel |
| PCIe Gen Support | PCIe 6.0? | PCIe 5.0 (96 Lanes) | PCIe 5.0 (136 Lanes) | PCIe 5.0 (88Lanes) | PCIe 5.0 (80 Lanes) | PCIe 5.0 (80 lanes) | PCIe 4.0 (64 Lanes) | PCIe 3.0 (48 Lanes) | PCIe 3.0 (48 Lanes) | PCIe 3.0 (48 Lanes) |
| TDP Range (PL1) | TBD | Up To 500W | Up To 500W | Up To 350W | Up To 350W | Up To 350W | 105-270W | 150W-250W | 165W-205W | 140W-205W |
| 3D Xpoint Optane DIMM | TBD | N/A | Donahue Pass | N/A | Crow Pass | Crow Pass | Barlow Pass | Barlow Pass | Apache Pass | N/A |
| Competition | AMD EPYC Venice | AMD EPYC Turin | AMD EPYC Turin | AMD EPYC Bergamo | AMD EPYC Genoa ~5nm | AMD EPYC Genoa ~5nm | AMD EPYC Milan 7nm+ | AMD EPYC Rome 7nm | AMD EPYC Rome 7nm | AMD EPYC Naples 14nm |
| Launch | 2025-2026 | 2026 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2018 | 2017 |