Intel: Sapphire Rapids Xeon processors with HBM memory will be launched in 2022
At the recently held ISC 2021, Intel introduced a series of technologies, all aimed at AI and HPC solutions. Intel has confirmed that Sapphire Rapids Xeon processors can be configured with high-bandwidth memory (HBM). This Intel fourth-generation Xeon Scalable processor manufactured using the 10nm Enhanced SuperFin process belongs to the Eagle Stream platform. The core uses the Golden Cove architecture, and also supports PCIe Gen5, CXL 1.1 (Compute Express Link), and eight-channel DDR5 memory. At the same time, it will continue Intel’s built-in AI acceleration strategy and support Intel Advanced Matrix Extensions (AMX).
By adding HBM memory, memory bandwidth can be significantly increased, and the performance of HPC applications running memory bandwidth-sensitive workloads can be improved. If it is not equipped with DDR5 memory, it can be used as the main memory. If combined with DDR5 memory, it can be used as an L4 cache. It is reported that the Sapphire Rapids Xeon processor can be equipped with up to 56 cores and 64GB of HBM2e memory. It is interconnected through EMIB technology. It is not clear what the package will look like.
Sapphire Rapids Xeon processors configured with HBM memory will not only be supplied to specific vendors but will be available to all partners. AnandTech said that Intel has confirmed the relevant situation. These processors will not be launched until the normal version of Intel Sapphire Rapids Xeon processors is released, around the end of 2022. Previously, engineering samples of Sapphire Rapids Xeon processors had leaked, but they were all models without HBM memory.
