New benchmark data has surfaced for Intel's upcoming entry-level workstation CPU, the Xeon 654, part of the unreleased Granite Rapids-WS family. The leaks provide an early, if incomplete, look at how Intel's next-generation high-end desktop and workstation platform might stack up against its own previous generation and the formidable competition from AMD's latest Zen 5-based Threadripper processors. While showing clear generational gains within Intel's own lineup, the data underscores the significant architectural advantage currently held by AMD in this segment.
Early Benchmarks Reveal Generational Gains for Intel
The Intel Xeon 654, an 18-core, 36-thread processor, has appeared in the PassMark benchmark database. According to the leaked scores, this engineering sample demonstrates a notable performance uplift compared to its predecessor from the Sapphire Rapids-WS generation. Specifically, the Xeon 654 shows an approximate 18% improvement in single-threaded performance and a 17% boost in multi-threaded performance over the Xeon W5-2565X, which also features 18 cores. Perhaps more impressively, the 18-core Xeon 654 managed to match the multi-threaded performance of the 28-core Xeon W7-3465X, indicating substantial per-core efficiency improvements. It is crucial to note that these results are from early samples, which typically run at lower clock speeds, suggesting final retail silicon could perform even better.
PassMark Benchmark Comparison (Leaked Data)
| Processor | Cores | Single-Thread Score | Multi-Thread Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Threadripper PRO 9955WX | 16 | 4510 | 67444 |
| Intel Xeon 654 | 18 | 3766 | 61351 |
| Intel Xeon W7-3465X | 28 | 3204 | 61600 |
| Intel Xeon W5-2565X | 18 | 3548 | 52378 |
| Note: Xeon 654 scores are from an early engineering sample. |
The Zen 5 Hurdle Remains High for Granite Rapids
When the comparison shifts to AMD's current offerings, the competitive landscape becomes much more challenging for Intel. The leaked benchmarks show the 18-core Xeon 654 falling behind AMD's 16-core Threadripper 9955WX in both single-threaded and multi-threaded tests. This result highlights the raw performance power of AMD's Zen 5 core architecture, which allows a chip with fewer cores to outperform Intel's newer design. The deficit extends to comparisons with mainstream desktop parts; the Xeon 654's scores also trail those of AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X and 9950X3D. This performance gap is largely attributed to the architectural foundation of Granite Rapids, which is based on the older Redwood Cove P-Cores, while AMD's Threadripper 7000 series benefits from the newer Zen 5 design.
Specifications and Market Context of the Upcoming Platform
The Xeon 654 is positioned as the entry-level model within the Granite Rapids-WS stack. Its confirmed specifications include 18 cores, 36 threads, 72 MB of L3 cache, and 36 MB of L2 cache. Based on previous leaks, the chip is expected to have a base clock of 3.10 GHz and a boost clock up to 4.8 GHz. The Granite Rapids-WS family is divided into two segments: a Mainstream series supporting 4-channel DDR5 memory and 80 PCIe Gen5 lanes, and an Expert series with 8-channel memory support and 128 PCIe Gen5 lanes. This platform is Intel's direct response to AMD's Threadripper Pro lineup, aiming to recapture mindshare in the high-end workstation and content creation markets.
Reported Specifications: Intel Xeon 654
- Cores/Threads: 18 / 36
- L3 Cache: 72 MB
- L2 Cache: 36 MB
- Base Clock: 3.10 GHz (estimated)
- Boost Clock: 4.80 GHz (estimated)
- Platform: Granite Rapids-WS (Mainstream)
- Memory Support: 4-channel DDR5
- PCIe Lanes: 80 PCIe Gen5
Anticipated Launch and the Road Ahead
Industry observers expect Intel to formally announce the Granite Rapids-WS family, possibly as the "Xeon 600" series, at CES 2026 in early January. A retail launch would likely follow a few months later. The leaked performance, while showing internal progress, suggests that the real battle for workstation supremacy will intensify with Intel's subsequent architectural updates. Plans for future cores like Cougar Cove and Coyote Cove, slated for 2026, indicate that Intel is working to close the architectural gap. For now, the data reveals a CPU that solidly improves upon its direct predecessors but still faces a steep climb to match the peak performance of its chief rival's current-generation technology.