Nvidia Integrates Intel's Xeon 6 6776P Processor in DGX B300 AI System

Intel has introduced three new server processors within its Granite Rapids series, namely the 6962P, 6776P, and 6774P. Notably, Nvidia has chosen the mid-tier model, the Xeon 6 6776P, for its AI server, DGX B300. This system utilizes two Xeon 6 6776P processors alongside eight Blackwell Ultra GPUs, marking Nvidia's fastest AI accelerator to date.

Along with these new processors, Intel has unveiled two advanced Turbo features aimed at enhancing clock speeds: the Priority Core Turbo (PCT) and Speed Select Technology - Turbo Frequency (SST-TF). The PCT function allows for dynamic prioritization of high-priority cores, enabling them to achieve higher turbo clock frequencies. The maximum clock speed for the Xeon 6 6776P has increased from 3.9 GHz to 4.6 GHz, representing a 21% improvement, achievable by eight CPU cores. However, the remaining cores will revert to their base clock speeds, which vary between 2.3 GHz and 2.7 GHz depending on the specific model. This design ensures that the Thermal Design Power (TDP) remains constant.

Intel emphasizes that high CPU clock speeds are particularly beneficial for AI systems, as they often delegate numerous computing tasks to GPU accelerators in a sequential manner, with limited opportunities for parallel processing across multiple cores.

The Xeon 6 6776P model is designed for mid-range servers, featuring 64 performance cores, eight memory channels, and 88 PCI Express 5.0 lanes, all compatible with the compact LGA4710 socket. Within the DGX B300, the configuration includes two CPUs and eight GPU accelerators, complemented by eight ConnectX 7 network processors.

In contrast, the Xeon 6 6774P is limited to single-socket configurations, providing 136 PCIe 5.0 lanes for expansion cards due to the absence of a requirement for rapid inter-CPU communication. Meanwhile, the 72-core Xeon 6 6962P operates on the larger LGA7529 platform, which supports 12 memory channels. Intel appears to have no plans for higher-turbo versions of its top processors, which can consist of up to 128 cores.