Intel W890 Platform Enables Up To 350W Granite Rapids Xeon Workstation CPUs With 96 PCIe Gen5 Lanes
Intel’s workstation roadmap continues to intensify as new details surface about the W890 platform designed to power the upcoming Granite Rapids Xeon WS processors. Positioned for the next generation of high performance content creation, engineering, and AI assisted workloads, the W890 platform represents Intel’s most capable workstation ecosystem to date.
Built around the E2 socket (LGA 4710), the platform supports Granite Rapids WS CPUs with TDPs up to 350W and configurations featuring up to 16 P cores. This socket will serve both Expert and Mainstream workstation segments, unifying Intel’s workstation strategy under a single infrastructure.
Granite Rapids WS recently appeared in performance demos showcasing its flagship configuration with 86 cores and 172 threads, placing Intel in direct competition with AMD’s Threadripper 9000 family. While AMD’s top end 96 core Zen 5 processors still retain a 12 percent core count advantage, Intel intends to counter through architectural refinements and a feature packed platform design.
W890 pic.twitter.com/wiJy5RVRKM
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Memory support on W890 includes both standard DDR5 DIMMs and DDR5 RDIMMs, with RDIMM support up to 5200 MT/s and capacities reaching 2 TB in quad channel, 2DPC mode. This gives the platform substantial bandwidth and expansion potential for heavy project pipelines.
PCIe connectivity is another major highlight.
• Expert CPUs deliver 112 PCIe lanes, composed of 96 PCIe Gen5 lanes and 16 PCIe Gen4 lanes.
• Mainstream CPUs provide 80 PCIe Gen5 lanes without Gen4 lanes.
All CPUs connect to the W890 chipset through a Gen4 x8 DMI interface.
The chipset itself integrates a broad set of I/O capabilities suited for both production and enterprise class workloads:
• Intel I226 V 2.5 GbE Controller
• 9 USB 2.0 ports
• 10 USB 3.2 ports
• 8 SATA III ports
• 2 SlimSAS connectors supporting PCIe Gen4x4
• ASPEED AST2600 server grade IPMI
• Nuvoton NCT6126D management controller
To sustain the high thermal and electrical demands of Granite Rapids WS processors, the platform draws power through a 24 pin ATX main connector supplemented by up to four 8 pin ATX power connectors.
As the professional workstation market becomes increasingly competitive, Intel’s W890 platform appears structurally robust and feature aligned to challenge AMD’s Threadripper 9000 offerings, especially for users balancing value, performance, and I/O versatility. Industry expectations point to an official reveal targeted around CES 2026, followed by a full launch later in the year.
How do you think Intel’s W890 workstation ecosystem will stack up against AMD’s Threadripper 9000 series in real world workloads? Share your thoughts below.
