Intel launches Xeon 6+ (Clearwater Forest), first 18A server CPU with up to 288 E-cores

Intel/Xeon 6+ (Clearwater Forest)

Intel announced the Xeon 6+ (Clearwater Forest), its first data center CPU built on the 18A process node. The chip reaches 288 efficiency cores, doubling the prior generation. It supports DDR5-8000, 96 PCIe Gen5 lanes, and up to 64 CXL 2.0 lanes. TDP ranges 330–450W. Intel claims 60%+ improvement in performance per watt over the prior generation. Ericsson testing showed 38% reduction in rack power consumption. Production shipped in Q2 2026.

• 288-core configuration is the largest mainstream data center CPU to date.
• 18A process uses RibbonFET and PowerVia technologies for density and cooling.
• Intel expects 18A to power at least three generations of server and client chips.
• Targets cloud, telecommunications, content delivery, and large-scale databases.
• Available in variants from 192 to 288 cores to match diverse customer needs.