Intel revealed more technical details about its next-generation Xeon 7 server processor platform, Diamond Rapids (codenamed DMR), at the Hot Chips conference. Originally planned for a 2026 launch with up to 192 cores and 16 memory channels, the platform has now been confirmed for a 2027 release. Meanwhile, Intel has increased the core count of its flagship model to 256 performance cores, directly competing with AMD's sixth-generation EPYC Venice series (which also features up to 256 cores). Diamond Rapids will utilize Intel's 18A-P process technology, supporting 16-channel DDR5 memory, 128 PCIe Gen 6 lanes, and CXL 3.0, with a peak memory bandwidth of 1.6TB/s. Architectural innovations include the Fan-out Fabric architecture, which splits the chip into four major modules connected via 3D hybrid bonding technology, and introduces the APX instruction set and an enhanced AMX accelerator to speed up AI inference and matrix operations. Additionally, Diamond Rapids will not be backward compatible with older platforms, adopting the LGA9324 package with a maximum TDP of 650W.