Sierra Forest

Sierra Forest is a codename for Intel's first generation E-core based Xeon server processors.[1][2][3] It is fabricated using Intel's Intel 3 process and compatible with the LGA-7529 socket.[4][5][6]

Not to be confused with Sierra National Forest.

Sierra Forest
General information
Launched2024
Marketed byIntel
Designed byIntel
Common manufacturer(s)
Cache
L1 cache96 KB per core:
  • 64 KB instructions
  • 32 KB data
L3 cache3 MB per module
Architecture and classification
Technology nodeIntel 3
Architecturex86-64
MicroarchitectureGracemont
Instruction setx86-64
Instructionsx86-64
Extensions
Physical specifications
Socket(s)
  • LGA 7529
Products, models, variants
Brand name(s)
History
PredecessorEmerald Rapids

Sierra Forest will be used as part of the Birch Stream server platform in 2024.[7]

History

Sierra Forest was first announced during Intel's Investor Meeting on February 17, 2022. The roadmap presented showed upcoming Xeon processors being split into seperate tracks for those with only P-cores and those with only E-cores.

In February of 2023 it was revealed that the highest core variants of Sierra Forest had been cancelled in favor of lower core count processors, likely to meet launch deadlines.[8]

Architecture

Sierra Forest will use only E-cores to achieve higher core counts in order to compete with AMD's Epyc server processors codenamed Bergamo which features up to 128 smaller Zen 4c cores.[9] AMD's Zen 4c cores feature simultaneous multithreading (SMT) while the Gracemont E-cores featured in Sierra Forest processors only contain one thread for each core. The purpose of the Sierra Forest architecture design is to achieve ultra high core counts for greater compute density that would benefit cloud and HPC server applications.[10] Cloud service providers may not be as interested in HPC accelerators and instead prioritize greater ECU/vCPU integer and floating-point performance.[5]

See also

References
  1. "Intel confirms 15th Gen Core "Arrow Lake", Xeon "Granite Rapids" and "Sierra Forest" 2024 series". VideoCardz. February 17, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  2. Cutress, Ian (February 17, 2022). "Intel Discloses Multi-Generation Xeon Scalable Roadmap: New E-Core Only Xeons in 2024". AnandTech. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  3. Mujtaba, Hassan (February 17, 2022). "Intel Client & Server CPU Roadmap Updates: Meteor Lake In 2023, 20A & 18A Powered Xeons & Core Chips Beyond 2024". Wccftech. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  4. Alcorn, Paul (February 18, 2022). "Intel Unveils New Xeon Roadmap, E-Cores Coming to the Data Center". Tom's Hardware. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  5. Kennedy, Patrick (February 17, 2022). "Intel Sierra Forest the E-Core Xeon Intel Needs". ServeTheHome. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  6. Mujtaba, Hassan (January 31, 2023). "Intel's Massive LGA 7529 Socket For Sierra Forest "Birch Stream" CPUs Pictured". Wccftech. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  7. Kostovic, Aleksandar (July 9, 2021). "Intel Birch Stream-AP Platform for Sierra Forest CPUs Listed With LGA 7529 Socket". Tom's Hardware. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  8. Faisal, Abdullah (February 11, 2023). "Intel Rumored to Downgrade Sierra Forest, Granite Rapids & Meteor Lake". Appuals.com. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  9. Larabel, Michael (October 14, 2022). "Intel Sends Out Meteor Lake & Sierra Forest Patches For The GCC Compiler". Phoronix. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  10. Mujtaba, Hassan (January 21, 2023). "Intel Xeon CPU Rumors: Sierra Forest In 2024 Aiming For 334+ Cores, Granite Rapids-SP Up To 132, Granite Rapids-WS Up To 86 Cores". Wccftech. Retrieved February 10, 2023.


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