SRPFV Intel Xeon 6740E 2.4GHz 96-Core Processor

Intel Xeon 6740E SRPFV 2.4GHz 96-Core Processor: High-Density Compute for Modern Data Centers

The Intel SRPFV Xeon 6740E 2.4GHz 96-Core Processor is a cutting-edge server-grade CPU designed for hyperscale data centers, cloud-native platforms, and high-throughput enterprise workloads. As part of Intel’s Xeon 6 Efficient-core family, this processor is built on the Sierra Forest-SP architecture and manufactured using Intel’s advanced 5nm process node. With 96 physical cores and 96 threads, the Xeon 6740E delivers unparalleled parallelism, energy efficiency, and scalability for modern computing environments.

Core Architecture and Performance Characteristics

Operating at a base frequency of 2.4GHz and capable of boosting up to 3.2GHz, the Xeon 6740E balances high core density with consistent performance. The processor includes 96MB of L3 cache, which significantly reduces latency and improves data access speeds for memory-bound applications. Its locked multiplier ensures stable operation in mission-critical deployments, making it ideal for enterprise-grade reliability.

Sierra Forest-SP Microarchitecture

The Sierra Forest-SP architecture is optimized for density and efficiency, focusing on maximizing core count while maintaining power-conscious performance. The Xeon 6740E supports AVX and AVX2 instruction sets, which accelerate vector processing and floating-point operations. While AVX-512 is not supported, the processor excels in workloads that benefit from high concurrency rather than deep vectorization, such as microservices and container orchestration.

Threading and Parallelism

With 96 threads across 96 cores, the Xeon 6740E is engineered for parallel workloads including batch processing, distributed computing, and virtualization. This threading model is ideal for cloud-native platforms like Kubernetes, where horizontal scalability and workload isolation are key performance drivers.

Memory Bandwidth and Capacity

The Xeon 6740E supports DDR5 memory with an eight-channel interface, delivering up to 6400 MT/s in memory speed. This configuration enables a theoretical memory throughput of over 400 GB/s. ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory support ensures data integrity and system reliability, which is essential for mission-critical applications such as financial modeling, scientific computing, and real-time analytics.

PCIe Gen 5 Connectivity

Equipped with PCI-Express Gen 5 support, the Xeon 6740E offers high-speed connectivity to GPUs, NVMe SSDs, and network interface cards. This enables scalable performance for AI inference, high-frequency trading platforms, and large-scale storage arrays. The processor’s I/O die is fabricated on a 10nm process, optimizing power efficiency and thermal performance.

Socket and Thermal Design

The Xeon 6740E utilizes the FCLGA4710 socket and has a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 250W. With a maximum case temperature of 84°C and a junction temperature of 106°C, it requires robust cooling solutions. Data center operators should consider advanced liquid cooling or high-efficiency air cooling systems to maintain optimal operating conditions under sustained workloads.

Power Efficiency and Management

Despite its high core count and TDP, the Xeon 6740E incorporates Intel Enhanced SpeedStep® Technology and Thermal Monitoring Technologies. These features dynamically adjust voltage and frequency based on workload intensity, reducing power consumption during idle or low-load periods. This makes the processor ideal for energy-conscious hyperscale environments.

Virtualization and Security Features

The Xeon 6740E is equipped with Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x and VT-d), enabling efficient resource allocation and isolation in virtualized environments. It also supports IOMMU virtualization (PCI passthrough), allowing guest VMs to directly access host hardware for improved performance. These features are critical for cloud service providers and enterprise IT infrastructures.

Security and Data Protection

The processor includes Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT), Secure Boot, and Intel Boot Guard, providing a secure foundation for enterprise deployments. These hardware-based security mechanisms protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Instruction Set Extensions

The Xeon 6740E supports AES-NI for accelerated encryption and SHA extensions for secure hashing. These capabilities are essential for safeguarding sensitive workloads in healthcare, finance, and government sectors. While AVX-512 is not supported, the processor’s efficiency-core design compensates with high concurrency and throughput.

Confidential Computing

Although Intel SGX is not listed among the supported features, the Xeon 6740E can be deployed in secure environments using software-based isolation and container security frameworks. Its compatibility with modern virtualization platforms ensures secure multi-tenant operations.

Industry Applications and Use Cases

The Intel Xeon 6740E is engineered for high-density computing environments, making it suitable for a wide range of industries and applications:

• Cloud Computing: Ideal for hyperscale data centers, cloud-native platforms, and container orchestration.
• Telecommunications: Supports network function virtualization (NFV) and edge computing workloads.
• Financial Services: Enables high-frequency trading, risk modeling, and fraud detection.
• Scientific Research: Powers simulations, genomics, and climate modeling with massive parallelism.
• Media and Entertainment: Accelerates video encoding, rendering, and content delivery networks (CDNs).

Cloud-Native Infrastructure

The Xeon 6740E is optimized for cloud-native environments such as OpenStack, VMware, and Kubernetes. Its high core count and efficient architecture enable dense VM and container deployments, supporting scalable and resilient cloud services.

AI and Machine Learning

While not designed for deep learning training, the Xeon 6740E excels in inference workloads and preprocessing tasks. Its PCIe Gen 5 support allows seamless integration with GPUs and accelerators, enabling hybrid AI architectures.

Big Data and Analytics

With support for massive memory configurations and fast I/O, the Xeon 6740E is ideal for big data environments. It enables real-time analytics, stream processing, and data warehousing at scale, empowering organizations to derive actionable insights from complex datasets.

Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS)

Intel’s Xeon processors are renowned for their reliability, and the 6740E is no exception. It supports advanced RAS features including Machine Check Architecture (MCA), Error Containment, and Hot-Plug support. These features ensure minimal downtime and seamless scalability for growing enterprises.

Deployment Flexibility

The SRPFV model is offered in OEM packaging, making it ideal for system builders and integrators. It can be deployed in rack-mounted servers, blade systems, and tower configurations, offering flexibility across various infrastructure designs.

Compatibility with Server Platforms

The processor is compatible with leading server platforms including Dell PowerEdge R470, R670, and R770. Its standardized socket and chipset support ensure easy integration and upgrade paths for existing systems.

Thermal and Acoustic Management

Advanced thermal sensors and dynamic fan control mechanisms help maintain optimal operating conditions. This reduces acoustic noise and enhances system longevity, especially in densely populated server rooms.