Xeon

Xeon (/ˈziːɒn/; ZEE-on) is a brand of x86 microprocessors designed, manufactured, and marketed by Intel, targeted at the non-consumer workstation, server, and embedded markets. It was introduced in June 29, 1998. Xeon processors are based on the same architecture as regular desktop-grade CPUs, but have advanced features such as support for error correction code (ECC) memory, higher core counts, more PCI Express lanes, support for larger amounts of RAM, larger cache memory and extra provision for enterprise-grade reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS) features responsible for handling hardware exceptions through the Machine Check Architecture (MCA). They are often capable of safely continuing execution where a normal processor cannot due to these extra RAS features, depending on the type and severity of the machine-check exception (MCE). Some also support multi-socket systems with two, four, or eight sockets through use of the Ultra Path Interconnect (UPI) bus, which replaced the older QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) bus.

The Xeon brand has been maintained over several generations of IA-32 and x86-64 processors. The P6-based models added the Xeon moniker to the end of the name of their corresponding desktop processor, but all models since 2001 used the name Xeon on its own. The Xeon CPUs generally have more cache and cores than their desktop counterparts in addition to multiprocessing capabilities.

The Xeon Scalable brand for high-performance server was introduced in May 2017 with the Skylake-based Xeon Platinum 8100 series. Xeon Scalable processors range from dual socket to 8 socket support. Within the Xeon Scalable brand, there exists the hierarchy of Xeon Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

In April 2024, Intel announced at its Vision event that the Xeon Scalable brand would be retired, beginning with 6th generation Xeon processors codenamed Sierra Forest and Granite Rapids that will now be referred to as "Xeon 6" processors. This change brings greater emphasis on processor generation numbers.

With the launch of Intel's Sierra Forest line of processors, branding for mainstream server processors switched to Xeon #, with the # being the generation of the processor, such as Xeon 6 for the 6th generation of Xeon processors, this naming convention also carries over to the Granite Rapids line of server CPUs.

Xeon 6 is split into two product lines, the E series and P series, which, respectively, are all E core and all P core designs. For example, the Xeon 6 6700E line is an all E core based (Sierra Forest) line of processors.

Xeon D is targeted towards microserver and edge computing markets with lower power consumption and integrated I/O blocks such as network interface controllers. This allows Xeon D processors to function as SoCs that do not require a separate southbridge PCH. It was announced in 2014 and the first Xeon D processors were released in March 2015. Xeon D processors come in an soldered BGA package rather than in a socketable form factor. Xeon D was introduced to compete with emerging ARM hyperscale server solutions that offered greater multi-threaded performance and power effiency.

Early 2025, the Xeon 6 SoC line was announced as the 'next gen' for at least a part of the Xeon D lineup.