Intel Xeon 6556P-B specifications and in-depth review

Intel Xeon 6556P-B

Manufacturer: Intel

The Intel Xeon 6556P-B is an advanced Enterprise CPU designed to deliver high performance in demanding environments. With a base clock speed of 2.3 GHz and the ability to handle 72 threads, it provides significant processing power. The processor is equipped with a substantial 144 MB L3 cache, ensuring fast data access for complex tasks.

This CPU supports cutting-edge technologies such as DDR5 memory with speeds up to 6400 MHz and is compatible with up to 1130GB of memory. It also includes support for ECC memory and features multithreading for improved parallel processing capabilities. With a TDP of 215W and a 3 nm semiconductor size, it is built for efficiency in high-demand scenarios.

Pros
  • Supports multithreading, enhancing performance in parallel processing tasks.
  • Equipped with a large 144 MB L3 cache for improved data access and faster processing.
  • Supports ECC memory, providing higher reliability and error correction for critical workloads.
  • Compatible with DDR5 memory, offering high-speed memory performance up to 6400 MHz.
  • PCI Express 5.0 support allows for faster data transfer between components.
Cons
  • Does not include integrated graphics, limiting its use in systems requiring onboard GPU support.
  • Clock multiplier is locked, preventing users from overclocking for additional performance.
  • Lacks the ability to handle more than 1130GB of memory, which could be limiting for extremely memory-intensive tasks.
Who is this for?

The Intel Xeon 6556P-B is ideal for enterprise environments and data centers where high-performance multi-threading is crucial. With support for ECC memory and a large 144 MB L3 cache, it ensures reliability and fast data access for mission-critical applications. Its multithreading capability and high memory bandwidth make it suitable for tasks like server processing, scientific simulations, or large-scale data analytics.

Who is this NOT for?

This processor is not ideal for consumer-level or multimedia tasks that require integrated graphics, as it lacks integrated graphics. It is also not suited for users looking for overclocking capabilities due to its locked clock multiplier. Additionally, its high power consumption (215W TDP) may make it unsuitable for energy-efficient environments or smaller systems with limited cooling capabilities.

General info:

Thermal Design Power (TDP) 215W
release date February 2025
semiconductor size 3 nm
PCI Express (PCIe) version 5
Supports 64-bit
CPU temperature 85 °C
Has integrated graphics

The Intel Xeon 6556P-B is built with a 3 nm semiconductor size, offering efficiency and performance for demanding workloads. Its 215W Thermal Design Power (TDP) reflects its high processing capabilities, while the CPU operates at a temperature of 85°C. This processor supports PCI Express 5.0 for fast data transfer and is fully 64-bit compatible, ensuring compatibility with modern software. It does not include integrated graphics, which is typical for server-oriented CPUs.

Performance:

CPU speed 36 x 2.3 GHz
CPU threads 72 threads
turbo clock speed 3.5GHz
L3 cache 144 MB
L1 cache 4032 KB
L2 cache 72 MB
L2 core 2 MB/core
clock multiplier 23
Has an unlocked multiplier
L3 core 4 MB/core
Turbo Boost version 2

The Intel Xeon 6556P-B delivers impressive performance with a total clock speed of 36 x 2.3 GHz and the ability to reach a turbo boost of 3.5 GHz. It supports 72 threads, providing exceptional multitasking capabilities. The processor is equipped with substantial cache sizes, including 144 MB L3 cache, 72 MB L2 cache, and 4032 KB L1 cache, ensuring fast data access for demanding tasks. With a clock multiplier of 23, it is optimized for consistent performance, although it does not feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking.

Memory:

Supports ECC memory
DDR memory version 5
RAM speed (max) 6400 MHz
maximum memory amount 1130GB
memory channels 4

The Intel Xeon 6556P-B supports ECC memory for enhanced reliability and error correction in critical workloads. It is compatible with DDR5 memory, with a maximum RAM speed of 6400 MHz, ensuring high-bandwidth performance. The processor can handle up to 1130GB of memory across 4 memory channels, providing substantial capacity and efficient data throughput for demanding enterprise applications.

Features:

uses multithreading
instruction sets MMX, F16C, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, SSE 4.1, SSE 4.2
Has NX bit

The Intel Xeon 6556P-B supports multithreading for improved parallel processing and better performance in multi-tasking environments. It includes a wide range of instruction sets such as MMX, F16C, AES, AVX, and SSE 4.1/4.2, enhancing its compatibility and efficiency with modern software. Additionally, the processor features the NX bit for enhanced security by preventing the execution of malicious code in certain memory areas.

Benchmarks:

Final Verdict

The Intel Xeon 6556P-B is a powerful and reliable Enterprise CPU, designed for demanding data center and server environments. Its support for multithreading and a large 144 MB L3 cache makes it highly efficient for parallel processing tasks and large-scale data operations. While it lacks integrated graphics and overclocking potential, its robust memory support and error-correcting capabilities make it an excellent choice for mission-critical applications. This processor is best suited for users seeking high-performance computing with a focus on reliability and multi-threading efficiency.

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