Intel Xeon 6700P Gets 8000MT/s DDR5 Support in 2026 Update

Intel is unlocking higher memory speeds for select Xeon 6700P server processors through a firmware update. This change matters because it allows existing hardware to access faster data transfer rates without requiring new physical components. Buyers relying on these specific Granite Rapids SP chips can expect better performance for memory-intensive workloads starting in late 2026.

Firmware update brings 25 percent faster memory speeds

The update targets the Xeon 6700P series, specifically the Granite Rapids SP models. Intel currently supports 6400MT/s DDR5 RDIMM memory for these processors. The new firmware will enable support for 8000MT/s DDR5 RDIMM memory. This represents a significant jump in the maximum data transfer rate the CPU can handle.

Xeon 6700P Memory Update Specs

• Memory Speed Support: 8000MT/s DDR5 RDIMM
• Memory Speed Improvement: 25%
• Bandwidth Improvement: 20%
• Latency Improvement: 6%
• Current Memory Speed: 6400MT/s DDR5 RDIMM

Intel claims the update will bring a 25% improvement in memory speed. The company also reports a 20% improvement in bandwidth. Latency will see a 6% improvement as well. These gains come from the increased speed of the DDR5 RDIMM modules running at 8000MT/s.

The update will be delivered via a UPLR version release and a BIOS update. Intel plans to roll out this support for some Xeon 6700P processors in August-September 2026. We touched on V-Color OC RDIMM Breaks DDR5-9600 Barrier in our earlier Intel coverage.

This firmware change extends the lifespan of current Xeon 6700P deployments by enabling faster memory. Server administrators can now plan for these performance upgrades without immediate hardware replacements. The update is scheduled for release in the second half of 2026.