Recently, Intel introduced its next-generation Xeon server CPU, codenamed Clearwater Forest, built on the advanced Intel 18A process node. This new lineup is designed with an E-Core architecture, scaling up to 288 cores, and is optimized for high-density and horizontally scalable workloads in modern data centers.

Clearwater Forest leverages Intel's 18A process technology, which combines backside power delivery and gate-all-around (GAA) transistors. These innovations reduce gate capacitance, improve transistor density, and enable more efficient signal routing—delivering a significant leap in both performance and energy efficiency.

At its core, Clearwater Forest is powered by the Darkmont E-Core architecture, which brings major upgrades compared to the previous Sierra Glen design. The front-end features a 64KB instruction cache and three 3-wide decoders, capable of handling up to 9 instructions per cycle—boosting instruction bandwidth by more than 50%. A redesigned out-of-order execution engine supports 8-wide allocation, 16-wide retirement, and 26 execution ports, greatly enhancing parallel compute capability.

On the memory side, Clearwater Forest integrates 12-channel DDR5-8000 support, pushing memory bandwidth up to an impressive 1300 GB/s, far beyond the DDR5-6400 of its predecessor. Each four-core cluster also carries 4MB of shared L2 cache, scaling to a maximum of 288MB L2 and 576MB last-level cache (LLC) for heavy multi-threaded workloads.

Intel further advances packaging with a 3D chiplet approach, combining 12 CPU tiles on Intel 18A, 3 base tiles on Intel 3, and 2 I/O tiles on Intel 7, all interconnected with EMIB technology. This modular design boosts communication efficiency while balancing power and performance.

In terms of scalability, Clearwater Forest supports dual-socket server configurations, scaling up to 576 cores and 1152MB of LLC, capable of delivering 59 TFLOPS of compute power and 5000 GB/s of raw bandwidth. The platform also provides full support for PCIe Gen5 and CXL interfaces, ensuring flexibility for next-generation expansion.