Introduction
I used to write bi-weekly blog posts in a series called Glenn’s Tech Insights. Since I’m not doing that any longer, I will continue to write about HW news on a regular basis here. This week, there are big Intel Server roadmap changes that you need to be aware of as a data professional.
Intel Server Roadmap Changes
The big news here is that the upcoming 14nm “Cooper Lake” generation of Xeon processors is being canceled in the next-generation mainstream one and two-socket Whitley server platform. Before this news, we were expecting to see Cooper Lake launch the next-generation Whitley platform that will eventually replace the current Purley/ LGA3647 platform.
The Purley platform supports first and second-generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors. This new Whitley platform will be used for the upcoming 10nm Ice Lake Xeon processors that will have PCIe 4.0 support.
Cooper Lake processors on the Cedar Island platform for four-socket and eight-socket servers will still be released next quarter. They may also only be available for the large hyper-scalers. I am not as interested in that part of the market for most SQL Server usage.
Now, it looks like we will have to wait until late 2020 or even early 2021 to see the 10nm Ice Lake processors on the Whitley platform for mainstream one and two-socket servers. These will require new model servers. Until then, the current Cascade Lake-SP Refresh processors that I have written about before will have to hold the line against AMD.
Here are some posts with additional detail about this:
- Intel Cooper Lake Rationalized Still Launching 1H 2020
- Intel’s Cooper Lake Plans: The Chip That Wasn’t Meant to Exist, Fades Away
- What does Intel’s server platform cancellation mean?
Final Words
The current Cascade Lake-SP Refresh processors are the best that Intel has to offer for SQL Server. By late 2020, I expect to see the 3rd Generation AMD EYPC “Milan” processors available, which will increase the pressure on Intel.
If you find this sort of content interesting, please let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading!
Even more troubles for Intel, if it lasts long enough AMD can finally erode some more market quota in the server space.
This definitely gives a longer window to AMD, especially if they can get Milan out on schedule.
I do find this sort of info and commentary of interest. (Especially now since we are specing new hardware for major SQL Server migration and upgrade)
Thanks! I appreciate that feedback. I will keep reporting on information like this.