Overview
The Intel Xeon Gold 6256 is a mid-core-count processor from the 2nd Generation Intel Xeon Scalable family (Cascade Lake). Designed for enterprise applications requiring a balance of single-thread performance and multi-threaded scalability, it delivers robust processing capabilities for virtualization, cloud workloads, analytics, and database servers.
With 12 cores and 24 threads, the Xeon Gold 6256 is optimized for applications that benefit from moderate parallelism combined with high per-core frequency. Its six-channel DDR4 memory support, AVX-512 acceleration, and enterprise-class reliability features make it suitable for dual-socket server deployments.
Key Features
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12 cores and 24 threads for efficient multi-threaded performance
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2.10 GHz base frequency and up to 3.70 GHz turbo for responsive workloads
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19.25 MB L3 cache to accelerate data-intensive operations
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Six-channel DDR4 memory support for high memory bandwidth
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125 W TDP for energy-efficient operation
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AVX-512 and Intel Deep Learning Boost for specialized workloads
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Compatible with dual-socket server platforms
Full Specification Table
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product family | 2nd-Generation Intel Xeon Scalable (Cascade Lake) |
| Processor model | Intel Xeon Gold 6256 |
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 |
| Base frequency | 2.10 GHz |
| Max turbo frequency | 3.70 GHz |
| L3 cache | 19.25 MB |
| Lithography | 14 nm |
| Socket | FCLGA3647 |
| TDP | 125 W |
| Memory type | DDR4-2933 (ECC supported) |
| Memory channels | 6 |
| Max memory capacity | Platform dependent (commonly up to 1 TB per CPU) |
| PCIe support | PCIe 3.0, up to 48 lanes (platform dependent) |
| UPI links | 2 |
| Max CPU configuration | Dual-socket |
| Instruction set | 64-bit |
| Instruction extensions | AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, AES-NI, Intel DL Boost |
| Virtualization support | Intel VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Reliability & security | ECC memory, enterprise RAS features |
| Target applications | Virtualization, cloud servers, databases, analytics, enterprise workloads |
Architecture Highlights
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Built on the Cascade Lake microarchitecture optimized for moderate core counts with high per-core performance.
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AVX-512 and Intel Deep Learning Boost accelerate vectorized computing and AI inference tasks.
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Six-channel memory architecture ensures strong bandwidth for in-memory analytics and database workloads.
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Enterprise-class RAS features and virtualization technologies provide reliable operation for critical workloads.
Performance Positioning & Recommended Workloads
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Virtualization & Cloud: Ideal for moderate VM density and responsive per-VM performance.
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Database & Analytics: L3 cache and memory bandwidth optimize OLTP, OLAP, and in-memory computing.
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High-Performance Computing (HPC): AVX-512 supports scientific, engineering, and AI inference tasks.
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Enterprise Applications: ERP, CRM, financial applications, and latency-sensitive workloads benefit from high per-core performance.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Energy-efficient 125 W TDP
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Good balance of core count and per-core performance
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Six DDR4 memory channels for high throughput
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AVX-512 and DL Boost for specialized computing workloads
Cons
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PCIe 3.0 may limit bandwidth for next-generation accelerators
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Lower core count than high-density Xeon Gold R-series CPUs
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Based on 14 nm architecture; newer generations offer higher efficiency
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