Intel Xeon 696X 64-Core CPU Benchmark Reveals 27% Slower Performance Against Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX

The latest developments in CPU technology reveal some intriguing competitive dynamics between Intel and AMD. Intel’s much-anticipated Xeon 696X CPU has surfaced in benchmarks, but there’s more to the story than just its impressive specs.

Intel Xeon 696X: Specs and Performance

The Intel Xeon 696X, a highlight of the Granite Rapids-WS (Workstation) series, features an extraordinary 64-core setup. Recent leaks have unraveled its specs and performance metrics. Despite some initial data errors showing it as a 32-core processor, the actual configuration includes 64 cores with 128 threads, based on the Redwood Cove P-Core architecture. It boasts a substantial 336 MB of L3 cache and clock speeds ranging from a 2.4 GHz base to a 4.6 GHz boost.

A comparison chart shows the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX outperforming the Intel Xeon 696X and Intel Xeon w9-3595X in 'CPU Mark'.
Image Source: PassMark

When stacked against its predecessor, the Xeon W9-3595X, which has 60 cores, the 696X presents a notable improvement. However, its real challenge comes from AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX. The Xeon 696X trails the Threadripper in benchmarks, scoring 3359 in single-core and 112,888 in multi-core tests, falling 27% short of AMD’s offering. Despite this, it still provides a 17% performance boost over the previous Xeon model.

Looking Ahead: Future Releases

Intel’s Granite Rapids-WS CPUs are expected to push the envelope further with high TDPs, potentially reaching up to 500W. Enthusiasts and professionals alike are keeping a keen eye on upcoming releases, with Intel likely to unveil more at CES 2026. This expected event could bring insights and specifications for the next generation of workstation processors, so it’s worth staying updated.

Intel Granite Rapids “Xeon Workstation” CPU Family (Preliminary):

CPU Name Cores / Threads Clock (Base / Boost) L3 Cache TDP
Xeon 698X 86 / 172 2.0 / TBD 336 MB 350W
Xeon 696X 64 / 128 2.4 / 4.6 336 MB 350W
Xeon 678X TBD 2.4 / TBD 192 MB 350W
Xeon 676X TBD 2.8 / TBD 144 MB 350W
Xeon 674X TBD 3.0 / TBD 144 MB 350W
Xeon 658X TBD 3.0 / TBD 144 MB 350W
Xeon 656 TBD 2.9 / TBD 72 MB TBD
Xeon 654 18 / 36 3.1 / 4.6 72 MB TBD
Xeon 638 TBD 3.2 / TBD 72 MB TBD
Xeon 636 TBD 3.5 / TBD 48 MB TBD
Xeon 634 TBD 2.7 / TBD 48 MB TBD