AMD EPYC 7272 socket: SP3
The AMD EPYC 7272 uses SP3, the LGA socket for EPYC server processors. The 12-core chip at 120 W balances clocks and efficiency.
AMD EPYC 7272 specifications
| Cores | 12 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 24 |
| Core architecture | Zen 2 (Rome) |
| Clocks | 2.9 GHz base, up to 3.2 GHz boost |
| Cache | 6 MB L2 plus 64 MB L3 |
| Default TDP | 120 W |
| Manufacturing process | TSMC 7 nm FinFET |
| Memory support | DDR4 ECC RDIMM, 8 channels (AMD lists 4-channel DDR4-2667 as performance optimized) |
| PCI Express | 128 PCIe Gen4 lanes per socket, up to 160 in 2P |
| Integrated graphics | None (BMC graphics on board) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| ECC memory | Supported, DDR4 ECC RDIMM |
| Package | SP3 LGA4094 |
| Cooler in the box | None, server heatsink required |
Motherboard compatibility
AMD EPYC 7272 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 7272 is
The EPYC 7272 is a 12-core, 24-thread server processor from Rome. It launched in August 2019 for balanced virtualization nodes with a 2.9 GHz base and up to 3.2 GHz boost at 120 W. Sixty four megabytes of L3 serve a dozen cores generously.
The high base clock for a 120 W part keeps licensed and latency sensitive VMs responsive. Six megabytes of L2 back general server threads. Power efficiency suits dense racks with limited cooling per node.
Dual socket scaling reaches 24 cores per box for growing clusters. The 7272 sits between 8-core sprinters and 16-core workhorses. Mid size virtualization and storage nodes fit here.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The EPYC 7272 fits SP3 on single and dual socket boards. Vendor CPU lists decide exact firmware. Rome posts natively across generations of SP3 boards.
Starting single socket and adding a second 7272 later grows clusters without board swaps. Power delivery for 120 W runs on modest stages. The How to find your CPU socket type guide explains server sockets.
Milan 12-core successors later slotted into the same boards with BIOS updates.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR4 ECC spans 8 channels with 4-channel DDR4-2667 as performance optimized for this SKU. Balanced DIMM populations suit 12-core throughput. ECC protects long running VMs.
PCIe Gen4 lanes total 128 per socket for NVMe and NICs. Hyperconverged nodes attach flash and networking without switches. Dual socket builds reach 160 lanes.
The 120 W class cools quietly in 1U with standard heatsinks. No boxed cooler exists. Warm aisles still trim boost slightly.
Where this Rome part fits
Twelve cores at near 3 GHz fit virtualization hosts, storage controllers and mid size databases. The balance of clocks, cache and watts covers general enterprise work without extremes. Sixty four megabytes of L3 smooth mixed tenants.
Branch data centers standardize on dual socket 7272 pairs for 24-core failover clusters. Pair with 256 GB RAM and 25 Gb networking. The AMD EPYC 7282 adds four cores nearby for denser tenants.
Firmware with Rome support must precede installation on older Naples boards.
Upgrade paths
On SP3 growth runs to 16-core 7282 and 24-core 7352 parts, or a second 7272 in the empty socket. Milan equivalents follow with vendor firmware.
SP5 platforms bring DDR5 for later generations. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide covers server cooling bands.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD EPYC 7272 use?
It uses SP3 on single and dual socket server boards.
How many cores does the EPYC 7272 have?
12 cores with 24 threads at 2.9 GHz base and up to 3.2 GHz boost.
Does the 7272 support dual socket?
Yes. It scales to two sockets per board.
What memory does the EPYC 7272 use?
DDR4 ECC RDIMM, with 4-channel DDR4-2667 as performance optimized.
What is the TDP of the EPYC 7272?
120 W with server cooling required.
When did the EPYC 7272 launch?
August 2019 with the Rome family.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .