Socket Geek

Intel Xeon 6979P socket: LGA 7529

The Intel Xeon 6979P uses LGA 7529, the LGA server socket for Granite Rapids Xeon 6 with DDR5 and MRDIMM memory and 96 PCIe Gen5 lanes. The 120-core chip at 500 W suits dual-socket cloud boards.

Socket
LGA 7529
Launched
September 24, 2024
Cores and threads
120 and 240
Base power
500 W
Segment
Server
Clocks
2.1 / 3.9 GHz

Intel Xeon 6979P specifications

Cores120
Threads240
Core architectureRedwood Cove (P-cores only)
Clocks2.1 GHz base, up to 3.9 GHz boost
Cache504 MB Intel Smart Cache
Processor base power (TDP)500 W
Manufacturing processIntel 3
Memory supportDDR5-6400 or MRDIMM-8800, 12 channels, up to 3 TB
PCI ExpressPCIe 5.0 x96
Integrated graphicsNone
MultiplierLocked
ECC memoryYes
PackageFCLGA7529 (104.5 by 70.5 mm)

Motherboard compatibility

Intel Xeon 6979P 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

TypeLGA, 7,529 contacts
Package sizen/a
IntroducedSeptember 2024
MemoryDDR5, 12 channels
Cooler mounting holesBoard specific (server heatsink)

Read the full LGA 7529 socket guide

What the Xeon 6979P is

The Xeon 6979P is a 120-core and 240-thread server processor that launched on September 24, 2024 for Xeon 6 clouds near the top of thread count. One hundred twenty Redwood Cove Performance-cores with Hyper-Threading give 240 threads at 2.1 GHz base and up to 3.9 GHz boost. Cache is 504 MB of Smart Cache. Processor base power is 500 W, which needs server liquid cooling.

Twelve-channel DDR5 or MRDIMM up to 3 TB with ECC feeds 120 cores plus accelerators. Up to 96 Gen5 lanes per CPU with UPI links connect sockets, GPUs and NVMe. The 504 MB cache matches the 128-core flagship for large working sets.

Dense clouds that need near-maximum threads without flagship price fit here. One hundred twenty cores keep parallel jobs together. Buyers who need the full 128 cores should take the Intel Xeon 6980P with the same cache instead, since this 6979P trails by 8 cores.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The 6979P fits LGA 7529 on Birch Stream boards with 500 W delivery and 2S support. 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 is 1 DIMM per channel at top speed.

AP shoppers compare 120-core and 128-core flagships on threads and cache. The 6979P matches on cache for slightly 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. Huge parallel jobs should be sized with memory bandwidth in mind. Matched sets are preferred.

PCIe gives 96 Gen5 lanes per CPU plus UPI for GPUs, NVMe and networking. Fixed splits mean plans must match the manual.

Cooling is server 500 W with liquid. No retail cooler applies.

Upgrade paths

LGA allows moves within the vendor list, such as to the 128-core flagship with similar cooling. Memory and NVMe can also grow.

A working 6979P serves dense clouds for years.

Frequently asked questions

What socket does the Xeon 6979P use?

It uses LGA 7529 on Birch Stream server boards. A BIOS that lists the part is required.

How many cores does the Xeon 6979P have?

One hundred twenty cores and 240 threads at 2.1 GHz base and up to 3.9 GHz boost, with 504 MB of cache at 500 W.

What memory does the 6979P support?

DDR5-6400 or MRDIMM-8800 in 12 channels up to 3 TB with ECC.

Can the 6979P be upgraded?

Yes, to the 128-core flagship where power, cooling and BIOS allow.

Sources and verification

  1. Intel Xeon 6980P Granite Rapids 128 cores 500W Socket 7529 pattern 6979P 120 cores (TechPowerUp)
  2. Intel Granite Rapids-AP LGA7529 CPU specs leak 6979P 120 cores 500W (Wccftech)

Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .