Intel Xeon 7 Diamond Rapids reportedly delayed to mid-2027, followed by Coral Rapids in 2028

Hardware enthusiast Jaykihn has laid out several key details regarding Intel's Datacenter and AI roadmap for the next few generations. Intel's Xeon 6+ "Clearwater Forest" (CFW), the highly anticipated E-core-only family, is on track for launch in the first half of 2026. First previewed at Hot Chips 2025, these CPUs can support up to 288 energy-efficient E-cores based on the Darkmont architecture, delivering high parallel performance for server workloads.

To achieve this massive density, Intel is using Foveros 3D packaging, which stacks 12 compute chiplets on three active base tiles and two I/O tiles. The CFW family remains compatible with current Xeon sockets and introduces higher memory bandwidth, supporting 12-channel DDR5-8000 memory.

On the P-core side, Granite Rapids will remain in production for at least another year, as Intel has pushed back the 16-channel Xeon 7 Diamond Rapids (DMR) to mid-2027. Last year, Intel decided to axe the 8-channel versions of the chip, fully committing to the high-end enthusiast and enterprise market.

While details remain scarce, Intel builds the compute tiles on Diamond Rapids using its 18A process. Intel reportedly uses the updated Panther Cove-X architecture, a server-optimized variant of Coyote Cove set for Nova Lake. While early rumors pointed to a 192 P-core ceiling, Jaykihn now hints at a massive 512-core variant arriving a quarter or two after the initial 16-channel launch. We're not sure if this specific number refers to a multisocketed configuration, but time will tell.

The exact cause of the delay remains a mystery, but the timing couldn't be worse. AMD plans to launch "Venice" (Zen 6) later this year on TSMC's N2 process, potentially giving Team Red a massive head start. If Intel can't bring Diamond Rapids to market sooner, the delay could disrupt Intel's DCAI earnings and dent critical 18A profit margins, especially as Intel Foundry works to convert its 18A pipeline into consistent external revenue.

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Under the leadership of CEO Lip-Bu Tan, Intel is doubling down on a philosophy that includes a return to SMT (Hyper-Threading). This return to multithreading is expected to debut with "Coral Rapids", which, per the leak, is slated for mid-2028 and is set to serve as the successor to Diamond Rapids.

The specifics of these CPUs are anyone's best guess. The one-year cadence between Diamond Rapids and Coral Rapids remains ambitious, but only if Coral Rapids avoids delays. Intel's Q1 2026 earnings call yesterday did not mention the reported slip at Diamond Rapids. In fact, Intel shares rose 20% in after-hours trading after a massive beat in the DCAI segment.

A prolonged delay in Diamond Rapids could give AMD a window to strengthen its foothold in the data center market. While we should take these rumors with a grain of salt, we expect Intel to clarify its long-term server strategy at upcoming events later in the year.