Intel has introduced its powerhouse processor, the Intel Xeon CPU Max 9480, which stands as one of the company’s fastest and most expensive CPUs to date. This CPU boasts a staggering 56 cores and a unique feature – 64GB of HBM2e RAM, the same type of RAM commonly found in GPUs and AI accelerators.
What sets the Intel Xeon CPU Max 9480 apart is not just its core count but also its memory configuration. Unlike the more typical DDR4 or DDR5 RAM, it incorporates 64GB of HBM2e RAM. This HBM2e RAM is nestled alongside four 14-core CPU tiles, each equipped with a 16GB HBM2e package and two DDR5 channels. This combination provides a powerful foundation for various computing tasks.
In terms of performance, the Intel Xeon CPU Max 9480 doesn’t disappoint. It starts with a base frequency of 1.9GHz, which can turbo boost to a maximum frequency of 3.5GHz. To support its hefty processing capabilities, it boasts an impressive 112.5MB of L3 cache. This CPU’s unique design includes ‘winglets,’ which create additional space to accommodate the HBM2e memory modules, according to Serve the Home.
While the CPU boasts eight DDR5 RAM channels, it’s powerful enough to operate as a standalone unit. In fact, it rivals some of the best PCs available, thanks in large part to its 64GB of HBM2e RAM. This substantial memory capacity even makes it capable of running demanding applications like Starfield without the need for additional memory.
One YouTube user, who claims to have worked on the bridge dies between the CPU tiles, suggests that the CPU offers enough PCIe and RAM capacity to support seven players, each equipped with the processing power of a 12900K CPU and their own dedicated bandwidth.
However, it’s important to note that the Intel Xeon CPU Max 9480 is primarily designed for high-performance computing tasks, particularly in fields like data science and artificial intelligence. It offers six different configurations, categorized into three modes based on RAM usage, sources, and extent.
- ‘HBM Only’: In this mode, the system operates exclusively with HBM2e RAM, requiring no code changes or DDR5 RAM. It’s a straightforward option for those who want to harness the power of HBM2e memory.
- ‘HBM Flat Mode’: This mode combines two memory pools – HBM2e and DDR5 – offering greater flexibility for memory-intensive applications. It allows certain applications to tap into both memory sources.
- ‘HBM Caching Mode’: In this mode, hot data is stored on the processor, while DDR5 RAM serves as the primary memory store. This configuration optimizes memory usage for specific workloads.
Intel claims that these configurations can result in performance gains of up to 3.7 times compared to fourth-generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors, making the Intel Xeon CPU Max 9480 a formidable choice for various industrial workloads.
As impressive as it is, the Intel Xeon CPU Max 9480 comes at a hefty price tag, with a recommended customer price of $12,980 each. This price reflects the CPU’s advanced capabilities and its potential to revolutionize high-performance computing tasks, setting a new standard for processing power and memory capacity in the industry.
