Intel Xeon 6979P
Expert rating9.4 / 10
- Brand:
- Intel
- Form Factor:
- Server & Enthusiast
- CPU Socket:
- LGA 7529
- Core/Thread Count:
- 120C/240T
- TDP:
- 440W
- Core Type:
- Performance
- CPU Series:
- Xeon 6
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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: 2026-09-11
Intel Xeon 6979P Review
Intel Xeon 6979P 120-core 240-thread server processor, 2.1GHz base / 3.5GHz boost, 440W TDP, 240MB L3 cache, Granite Rapids, LGA 7529 socket
The Intel Xeon 6979P is the second-highest core count Xeon 6 in this catalog, a step below the absolute-flagship 6980P, running a slightly higher clock to compensate for eight fewer cores.
Performance and Architecture
With 120 cores and 240 threads, the Intel Xeon 6979P is built on Intel's Granite Rapids generation, running a 2.1GHz base clock that boosts to 3.5GHz, 0.1GHz higher than the flagship 6980P, backed by 240MB of L3 cache.
Platform and Memory
The Intel Xeon 6979P uses the LGA 7529 platform in a 1S/2S configuration, supporting 12-channel MCR DIMM memory up to 1.5TB at DDR5-8800, the same flagship memory subsystem as the 6980P at a lower TDP.
Comparison to Alternatives
Within the Xeon 6 lineup in this catalog, the Xeon 6979P trails only the 6980P on core count, offering a slightly higher clock and lower 440W TDP in exchange for eight fewer cores and threads. Against AMD's flagship EPYC processors in this catalog, it competes on Intel's 12-channel MCR DIMM bandwidth and AMX/CXL platform features at the very top of the stack.
Specifications
Identity
| Product Line | Xeon |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 6979P |
| Codename | Granite Rapids |
| Release Year | 2024 |
Segment and platform
| Market Segment | Server |
|---|---|
| Microarchitecture | Granite Rapids |
| Socket | Other |
| Socket | 1S/2S |
| Socket Status | Current |
| Process Node | 3 nm |
Core configuration
| Total Cores | 120 |
|---|---|
| Performance Cores | 120 |
| Efficiency Cores | 0 |
| Total Threads | 240 |
| SMT Enabled | Yes |
Clock speeds
| P-Core Base Clock | 2.1 GHz |
|---|---|
| P-Core Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz |
| Unlocked Multiplier | No |
Cache
| L3 Cache | 240 MB |
|---|
Power and thermal
| Base Power | 440 W |
|---|
Memory
| Memory Type | DDR5 |
|---|---|
| Memory Channels | 12 |
| Max Memory Capacity | 1536 GB (12-channel MCR DIMM DDR5-8800) |
| Max Memory Capacity | 1536 GB |
| ECC Support | Yes |
Graphics and AI
| Integrated Graphics | No |
|---|---|
| Copilot Plus Certified | No |
Expansion
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 |
|---|
| Form Factor | Server & Enthusiast |
|---|---|
| TDP | 440 W |
Measured results
SPEC CPU 2017
Best published result on spec.org as of 23 Sept 2026.
| SPECrate® 2017 Integer (base) | 1,150 |
Cores 120 · Tested in H3C UniServer R3900 G7 (Intel Xeon 6979P) · Published by New H3C Technologies Co., Ltd., Oct-2024
Full disclosure on spec.org| SPECrate® 2017 Floating Point (base) | 1,250 |
Cores 120 · Tested in H3C UniServer R3900 G7 (Intel Xeon 6979P) · Published by New H3C Technologies Co., Ltd., Oct-2024
Full disclosure on spec.orgSPEC®, SPECrate® and SPECspeed® are registered trademarks of the Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation. Copied by permission of the Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC). Results retrieved from www.spec.org on 23 Sept 2026.
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating9.4 / 10
The Intel Xeon 6979P is the near-flagship runner-up in Intel's Xeon 6 stack, trading eight cores for a slightly higher clock and lower TDP than the 6980P.
Best for
- Hyperscale cloud infrastructure
- In-memory databases and HPC
- Near-maximum single-socket core density
Not for
- Small business servers
- Power-constrained deployments
- Budget-conscious builds
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Intel Xeon 6979P?
The Intel Xeon 6979P is a processor from Intel. Key specs: Cores 120, Threads 240, Base Clock 2.1 GHz, Boost Clock 3.5 GHz, L3 Cache 240.
Will the Intel Xeon 6979P work with my current setup?
The Intel Xeon 6979P lists Socket is LGA 7529. 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 6979P best suited to?
It suits hyperscale cloud infrastructure, in-memory databases and hpc, near-maximum single-socket core density.
What are the drawbacks of the Intel Xeon 6979P?
It is a poor fit for small business servers, power-constrained deployments, budget-conscious builds.