TL; DR
- The Intel 18A is the earliest sub-2nm node available in North America, delivering up to 15% improved performance per watt and 30% higher chip density compared to the previous Intel 3 process.
- This is Intel’s second-generation E-core Xeon platform, featuring up to 288 efficiency cores per socket (it also supports a dual-socket maximum of 576 E-cores for hyperscale deployments).
- It can find use in hyperscale data centers, cloud computing, telco environments, machine learning, and high-performance computing, where density, efficiency, and scalability are priorities.
The California-based chipset manufacturer Intel has announced its latest cutting-edge server CPU family based on the new 2nm-class 18A process: Clearwater Forest. The volume production for the server is taking place at Intel’s new Fab 52 factory in Chandler, Arizona (Intel’s fifth-highest volume fab).
The Xeon 6+ processors are expected to arrive in the first half of 2026, leveraging the latest advancements in transistor design and advanced packaging. This makes them a flagship product in terms of density, efficiency, and data center scalability.
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What’s New With Intel’s 18A Process?
The Intel 18A is the earliest sub-2nm node available in North America (as claimed by Intel), delivering up to 15% improved performance per watt and 30% higher chip density compared to the previous Intel 3 process.
- Among the key innovations employed are RibbonFET gate-all-around transistors, which provide superior channel control and flexibility for designers, reducing transistor size further while minimizing leakage current.
- The server CPU family routes power through the back side of the die using nano-TSVs, boosting cell utilization by up to 10% for more stable and efficient operation, even under intense workloads, such as those required for generative AI.
- Furthermore, the CPU server family utilizes advanced capacitors to mitigate voltage drops, along with advanced packaging and 3D chiplet design, which enables the flexible stacking and integration of multiple chiplets, thereby enhancing scalability.
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Clearwater Forest Xeon 6: Efficiency & Density
This is Intel’s second-generation E-core Xeon platform, featuring up to 288 efficiency cores per socket (it also supports a dual-socket maximum of 576 E-cores for hyperscale deployments).
- Improved instruction caching (64 KB) and advanced branch prediction for complex workloads.
- An out-of-order engine that expands allocation and retirement width, doubling integer and vector operations compared to prior generations.
- Enhanced memory subsystem supports three loads per cycle, up to 128 outstanding L2 cache misses (up to 400GB/s module bandwidth).
- Performance uplifts up to 17% IPC vs prior Xeon E-core generation (Sierra Forest) and marked gains in total cost of ownership through higher density and lower power.
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The 18A node forms the foundation of Intel’s next three generations of client and server products, ushering in a new era of innovation and manufacturing capability for Intel Foundry’s customers. It can find use in hyperscale data centers, cloud computing, telco environments, machine learning, and high-performance computing, where density, efficiency, and scalability are priorities.
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