Intel Xeon 6960P socket: LGA 7529
The Intel Xeon 6960P uses LGA 7529, the LGA server socket for Granite Rapids Xeon 6 with DDR5 and MRDIMM memory and 96 PCIe Gen5 lanes. The 72-core chip at 500 W suits dual-socket cloud boards with high base clocks.
- Socket
- LGA 7529
- Launched
- September 24, 2024
- Cores and threads
- 72 and 144
- Base power
- 500 W
- Codename
- Granite Rapids
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon 6900P
- Clocks
- 2.7 / 3.9 GHz
Intel Xeon 6960P specifications
| Cores | 72 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 144 |
| Core architecture | Redwood Cove (P-cores only) |
| Clocks | 2.7 GHz base, up to 3.9 GHz boost |
| Cache | 432 MB Intel Smart Cache |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 500 W |
| Manufacturing process | Intel 3 |
| Memory support | DDR5-6400 or MRDIMM-8800, 12 channels, up to 3 TB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 5.0 x96 |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| ECC memory | Yes |
| Package | FCLGA7529 (104.5 by 70.5 mm) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Xeon 6960P needs a motherboard with a LGA 7529 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the LGA 7529 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
LGA 7529 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 7,529 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | September 2024 |
| Memory | DDR5, 12 channels |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (server heatsink) |
What the Xeon 6960P is
The Xeon 6960P is a 72-core and 144-thread server processor that launched on September 24, 2024 for Xeon 6 clouds that prize base clocks. Seventy-two Redwood Cove Performance-cores with Hyper-Threading give 144 threads at 2.7 GHz base and up to 3.9 GHz boost. Cache is 432 MB of Smart Cache. Processor base power is 500 W, which needs server liquid or high-flow air cooling.
The high 2.7 GHz base sustains latency-sensitive services where larger-count siblings dip. Twelve-channel DDR5 or MRDIMM feeds 72 cores plus accelerators. Up to 96 Gen5 lanes per CPU with UPI links connect sockets, GPUs and NVMe.
Throughput clouds with licensing per core fit here. Seventy-two cores at high base balance speed with thread count. Buyers who need maximum threads should take 96-core and 128-core AP parts instead, since this 6960P prioritizes base clocks.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 6960P fits LGA 7529 on Birch Stream boards with 500 W delivery. A BIOS that lists Granite Rapids-AP is required. The FCLGA7529 package uses the BR1A carrier.
Memory is DDR5-6400 or MRDIMM-8800 in 12 channels up to 3 TB with ECC. Speed Select tuning is available where enabled. Population follows 1 DIMM per channel at top speed.
AP shoppers compare 72-core and 96-core parts on base and cache. The 6960P leads on base for fewer threads. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers server lists.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR5-6400 or MRDIMM-8800 in 12 channels up to 3 TB with ECC is the standard. Services plus VMs should be sized together. Matched sets are preferred.
PCIe gives 96 Gen5 lanes per CPU plus UPI for GPUs, NVMe and networking. Fixed splits require manual checks.
Cooling is server 500 W with liquid or high-flow air. No retail cooler applies.
Upgrade paths
LGA allows moves within the vendor list, such as to higher-count AP parts with similar cooling. Memory and NVMe can also grow.
A working 6960P serves high-base clouds for years.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Xeon 6960P use?
It uses LGA 7529 on Birch Stream server boards. A BIOS that lists the part is required.
How many cores does the Xeon 6960P have?
Seventy-two cores and 144 threads at 2.7 GHz base and up to 3.9 GHz boost, with 432 MB of cache at 500 W.
What memory does the 6960P support?
DDR5-6400 or MRDIMM-8800 in 12 channels up to 3 TB with ECC.
Can the 6960P be upgraded?
Yes, to higher-count AP parts where power, cooling and BIOS allow.
Sources and verification
- Intel Xeon 6980P Granite Rapids 128 cores 500W Socket 7529 pattern 6960P 72 cores (TechPowerUp)
- Intel Granite Rapids-AP LGA7529 CPU specs leak 6960P 72 cores 500W (Wccftech)
- Intel Xeon 6980P 504M Cache 2.00GHz Granite Rapids specs FCLGA7529 (Intel ARK)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .