AMD EPYC 7261 socket: SP3
The AMD EPYC 7261 uses the SP3 socket on server boards. It is an 8 core Naples server chip for single socket efficiency.
AMD EPYC 7261 specifications
| Cores | 8 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 16 |
| Core architecture | Zen (Naples) cores on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 2.5 GHz base, up to 2.9 GHz |
| Cache | 64 MB L3, 4 MB L2 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 170 W (155 W configurable down) |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4-2666 ECC, eight channels, up to 2 TB |
| PCI Express | 128 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 3.0 |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| ECC memory | Supported |
| Package | Socket SP3 (LGA, 4094 contacts) |
Motherboard compatibility
AMD EPYC 7261 needs a motherboard with a SP3 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the SP3 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
SP3 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 4,094 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 58.5 × 75.4 mm |
| Introduced | June 2017 |
| Memory | DDR4 ECC RDIMM, 8 channels to DDR4-3200, up to 4 TB per socket |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (server heatsink) |
What the EPYC 7261 is
The EPYC 7261 packs eight Naples cores with multithreading for efficient servers. It launched in June 2018 with a 2.5 GHz base and up to 2.9 GHz boost at 170 W. AMD positions it for single socket hosts that need server I/O without many cores.
Sixty four megabytes of L3 per AMD specifications with 4 MB of L2 feed virtual machines across sixteen threads. The modest clocks stretch efficiency in dense racks. Boost lifts single thread management tasks. Note that Technical City lists 32 MB L3 for this SKU against 64 MB in AMD specifications, and this page uses the manufacturer 64 MB value.
No integrated graphics is included. The process is 14 nm. DDR4 ECC in eight channels supplies large memory footprints. Default TDP spans 155 W to 170 W configurable per AMD, and this page uses 170 W to match the list envelope.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 7261 fits SP3 on server boards with 1P or 2P wiring, though single socket use is most efficient. Vendors list Naples IDs in 2018 BIOS builds. Boards may need updates when mixing early and late Naples steppings.
DDR4 ECC RDIMMs and LRDIMMs in eight channels up to 2 TB per socket suit virtualization hosts. Population with balanced DIMMs across channels sustains bandwidth near 170.6 GB per sec. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide explains server board matching.
Single and dual socket operation are both supported. Growth beyond eight cores means another Naples SKU on the same board.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR4-2666 ECC in eight channels up to 2 TB covers departmental servers. Matched sets across channels feed sixteen threads. Start with 128 GB for virtual hosts.
PCIe 3.0 with 128 lanes from the CPU feeds NVMe arrays and 25 GbE networking. Single socket designs keep all lanes local without inter socket hops. Board wiring fixes splits between storage and fabric.
Server heatsinks with front to back airflow cover 170 W per vendor thermal guides. No retail cooler fits. Service follows hot aisle procedures rather than desktop handling.
Upgrade paths
On the same socket, the AMD EPYC 7371 steps to sixteen cores at 200 W for denser hosts. Smaller Naples 4 core parts suit edge nodes where listed. Both share SP3 after a BIOS check.
Single socket Ryzen servers lack HEDT lanes for such expansion. They suit labs rather than data center fleets.
Past SP3 Rome and Milan generations need BIOS updates on many boards and later SP5 for newest silicon. The 7261 covers efficient eight core servers where I/O matters more than cores.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the EPYC 7261 use?
It uses SP3 on server boards.
How many cores does the 7261 have?
Eight cores with multithreading give sixteen threads. Base is 2.5 GHz with boost to 2.9 GHz.
How much L3 cache does the 7261 have?
64 MB per AMD specifications. Technical City lists 32 MB, but this page uses the manufacturer value.
What memory does the 7261 support?
DDR4-2666 ECC in eight channels up to 2 TB.
When did the 7261 launch?
June 2018 with Naples.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .