Intel Xeon 6978P

Server CPUIntel

Also called intel xeon 6978p, xeon 6978p, 6978p, xeon-6978p

IntelServer CPUGranite Rapids

Intel Xeon 6 server processor on Granite Rapids, with 120 cores and 240 threads and 504 MB L3 at 500 W TDP addressing up to 3 GB and no integrated graphics.

What you need to know

Still a capable Xeon 6 desktop chip.

Intel Xeon 6978P launched in July 1, 2025., It has 120 cores and 240 threads on Granite Rapids, dropping into the FCLGA7529 socket. It is no longer the newest SKU in every store, but the chip is still useful when the rest of the PC keeps up.

Still good?: Yes, for most work this class is sold for
Product age: 1 year old
Upgrade pressure: Low

Feex says

This SKU has no picture of its own. If the machine has no discrete GPU, a black screen after install is expected, not a dead CPU.

What this hardware means today

Age and usefulness are not the same number. This page keeps them separate.

Performance today: Excellent. Excellent for the class when RAM, storage, and the GPU keep up.
Product age 1 year old: Current generation. Launched July 1, 2025. Newer platforms exist. That does not make this chip unusable by itself.
Support status: Supported. Current Windows and current applications still run on this class of CPU. Platform BIOS support depends on the motherboard or laptop vendor.
Upgrade pressure: Low. Upgrade pressure is low unless you need a different platform feature.

Where does it sit?

Granite Rapids sits on Intel's recent Core timeline. Later desktop branding moved toward Core Ultra.

11th Gen

12th Gen

13th Gen

14th Gen

Core Ultra

Performance context

These are qualitative readings, not a fake 8.7 out of 10. Workload still wins.

Gaming: Poor fit

Not the job. Use a desktop or workstation part if games are the point.

Productivity: Excellent

120 cores cover office, browser, and compile work in this class.

Multithreaded workloads: Very Good

240 threads. Heavy encodes still scale further on higher-core parts.

General use: Excellent

Everyday Windows use is not where most people notice this SKU first.

Efficiency: Average

Rated 500 W base power. That is a platform number, not a promise about your cooler.

Should you upgrade?

Probably not if this chip already matches your work.

Upgrade makes more sense if

Your workload is strongly CPU limited
You need a newer platform for memory, I/O, or chipset features
You need substantially more multicore performance
You need newer connectivity that your current board cannot offer

Upgrade makes less sense if

The GPU is the real bottleneck
Current applications are already responsive
The CPU rarely limits your workload

Specifications

Figures below follow the Feex Hardware Database record for this SKU. Fields without a recorded value are omitted.

Processor

Intel Xeon 6978P is built on Granite Rapids.

Intel Xeon 6978P specifications: Processor
Manufacturer	Intel
Family	Xeon 6
Architecture	Granite Rapids
Generation	Intel Xeon 6 processors
Segment	Server

Cores and threads

Intel Xeon 6978P has 120 cores and 240 threads.

Intel Xeon 6978P specifications: Cores and threads
Cores	120
Threads	240

Clock speeds

Base clock is 2.1 GHz. Boost reaches 3.9 GHz.

Intel Xeon 6978P specifications: Clock speeds
Base frequency	2.1 GHz
Max boost	3.9 GHz

Cache

Cache on this sheet is 504 MB L3.

Intel Xeon 6978P specifications: Cache
L3 cache	504 MB
Total cache	504 MB

Memory

Intel Xeon 6978P addresses 3 GB across 12 memory channels.

Intel Xeon 6978P specifications: Memory
Supported types	DDR5
Max capacity	3 GB
Channels	12

Package and power

Intel Xeon 6978P uses the FCLGA7529 socket and a 500 W TDP.

Intel Xeon 6978P specifications: Package and power
Socket	FCLGA7529
TDP	500 W
PCIe	Revision 5.0, 96 lanes

Integrated graphics

Intel Xeon 6978P does not include integrated graphics.

Intel Xeon 6978P specifications: Integrated graphics
Integrated graphics	None

Market

Intel Xeon 6978P launched July 1, 2025 at USD 12348 (suggested price at launch).

Intel Xeon 6978P specifications: Market
Launch date	July 1, 2025
Launch MSRP	USD 12348 (suggested price at launch)
Model	6978P

Features

Intel Xeon 6978P records 7 instruction sets on this sheet.

Intel Xeon 6978P specifications: Features
Instruction sets	AMXAVX-512AVX2AVXAVX-VNNI64-bit (x86-64)SSE4.2
Security	Control-flow Enforcement (CET)Execute Disable (NX)Boot GuardHardware RNGOS GuardSGXTrusted ExecutionMode-Based Execute Control
Virtualization	Extended Page Tables (EPT)VT-d (DMA Remapping)VT-x (Hardware Virtualization)
AI acceleration	AMX (Advanced Matrix Extensions)Deep Learning Boost

Compatibility

Compatibility
Socket	FCLGA7529
Board	A shared socket is not automatic compatibility. Check the motherboard CPU list and BIOS revision.
Memory	DDR5, up to 3 GB
Graphics	Requires a discrete GPU. This SKU has no iGPU.

A shared socket is not automatic compatibility. Boards often need a BIOS update before a newer chip in the same socket will post.

Cooler clearance, VRM quality, and power limits matter as much as the socket name.

Do not expect a display from the motherboard video ports. This SKU has no integrated graphics.

No display after install

This SKU has no integrated graphics. A machine with no discrete GPU will not show a picture. That is expected, not a dead CPU.

Sources and verification

Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Partially Verified. How we research.

Feex Hardware Database · Specification source used for this sheet. CC BY 4.0.

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