Intel Xeon 6556P-B
Expert rating8.3 / 10
- Brand:
- Intel
- Form Factor:
- Laptop
- CPU Socket:
- BGA 4718 (SoC)
- Core/Thread Count:
- 36C/72T
- TDP:
- 240W
- Core Type:
- Performance
- CPU Series:
- Xeon 6
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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: 2026-09-11
Intel Xeon 6556P-B Review
Intel Xeon 6556P-B 36-core 72-thread server processor, 2.3GHz base / 3.7GHz boost, 240W TDP, 72MB L3 cache, Granite Rapids, BGA 4718 (SoC) socket
The Intel Xeon 6556P-B is an integrated SoC-form Xeon 6 built for space- and power-constrained edge, telco, and dense server deployments. Built on Intel's Granite Rapids architecture with performance (P-core) and rated for a 240W TDP, it pairs 36 cores and 72 threads with a 2.3GHz base clock that boosts up to 3.7GHz, backed by 72MB of L3 cache.
Performance and Architecture
With 36 cores and 72 threads, the Intel Xeon 6556P-B is built on Intel's Granite Rapids generation, using performance (P-core) designed for strong per-core performance in latency-sensitive workloads. Its 2.3GHz base clock boosts to 3.7GHz, and the 72MB L3 cache helps keep large working sets in cache for databases and virtualization hosts.
Platform and Memory
The Intel Xeon 6556P-B uses the BGA 4718 (SoC) platform in a 1S (SoC) configuration, supporting 8-channel memory up to 2TB (8-channel DDR5-6400, integrated SoC). This represents a soldered SoC package that eliminates a separate chipset, aimed at network and edge infrastructure vendors, giving system builders a clear point in Intel's current Xeon 6 stack to match against specific rack power and density budgets.
Comparison to Alternatives
Within the Xeon 6 lineup in this catalog, the Intel Xeon 6556P-B sits at the 36-core tier, offering stronger per-core and per-thread performance than the E-core parts at a similar price point. Against AMD's EPYC processors in this catalog, Intel's Xeon 6 competes primarily on per-core performance, platform features like CXL and AMX, and software ecosystem maturity. It fits traditional enterprise virtualization and database deployments already standardized on Intel platforms.
Specifications
Identity
| Product Line | Xeon |
|---|---|
| Codename | Granite Rapids |
| Release Year | 2024 |
Segment and platform
| Market Segment | Server |
|---|---|
| Microarchitecture | Granite Rapids |
| Socket | 1S (SoC) |
| Socket | Soldered |
| Socket Status | Current |
| Process Node | 3 nm |
Core configuration
| Total Cores | 36 |
|---|---|
| Performance Cores | 36 |
| Efficiency Cores | 0 |
| Total Threads | 72 |
| SMT Enabled | Yes |
Clock speeds
| P-Core Base Clock | 2.3 GHz |
|---|---|
| P-Core Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz |
| Unlocked Multiplier | No |
Cache
| L3 Cache | 72 MB |
|---|
Power and thermal
| Base Power | 240 W |
|---|
Memory
| Memory Type | DDR5 |
|---|---|
| Memory Channels | 8 |
| Max Memory Capacity | 2048 GB (8-channel DDR5-6400, integrated SoC) |
| Max Memory Capacity | 2048 GB |
| ECC Support | Yes |
Graphics and AI
| Integrated Graphics | No |
|---|
Expansion
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 |
|---|
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating8.3 / 10
The Intel Xeon 6556P-B packs strong core counts into an integrated SoC package well suited to edge and telco infrastructure.
Best for
- Edge and telco infrastructure
- Space-constrained dense servers
- Integrated appliance designs
Not for
- Traditional two-socket enterprise servers
- Workloads needing socket-level upgrade flexibility
- Maximum single-core clock speed
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Intel Xeon 6556P-B?
The Intel Xeon 6556P-B is a processor from Intel. Key specs: Cores 36, Threads 72, Base Clock 2.3 GHz, Boost Clock 3.7 GHz, L3 Cache 72.
Will the Intel Xeon 6556P-B work with my current setup?
The Intel Xeon 6556P-B lists Socket is BGA 4718 (SoC). Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the Intel Xeon 6556P-B best suited to?
It suits edge and telco infrastructure, space-constrained dense servers, integrated appliance designs.
What are the drawbacks of the Intel Xeon 6556P-B?
It is a poor fit for traditional two-socket enterprise servers, workloads needing socket-level upgrade flexibility, maximum single-core clock speed.