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
Launching2024
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
MicroarchitectureCrestmont
Instruction setx86-64
Extensions
Physical specifications
Cores
  • Up to 288
Socket(s)
Products, models, variants
Brand name(s)
History
Successor(s)Clearwater Forest

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 separate tracks for those with only P-cores and those with only E-cores.

On March 29, 2023, Intel confirmed that Sierra Forest chips were powered on and running an OS. Intel also displayed a chip running 144 cores, and announced a release timeline for H1 2024.[8]

On September 19, 2023, Intel announced a 288-core variant of Sierra Forest and confirmed the release timeline of H1 2024.[9]

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.[10] AMD's Zen 4c cores feature simultaneous multithreading (SMT) while the Crestmont 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.[11] Cloud service providers may not be as interested in HPC accelerators and instead prioritize greater ECU/vCPU integer and floating-point performance.[5] Don Soltis is the principal engineer and chief architect for Xeon E-Core.[12]

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. Kennedy, Patrick (March 29, 2023). "Intel DCAI 2023 Update New Technology and Updated Xeon Roadmap". ServeTheHome. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  9. Kennedy, Patrick (September 19, 2023). "Intel Announces 288 E-Core Sierra Forest Variant at Innovation 2023". ServetheHome. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
  10. Larabel, Michael (October 14, 2022). "Intel Sends Out Meteor Lake & Sierra Forest Patches For The GCC Compiler". Phoronix. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  11. 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.
  12. "Tackling Throughput Computing with Sierra Forest". Intel Corporation.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.