AMD EPYC 7281 socket: SP3
The AMD EPYC 7281 uses the SP3 socket on server boards. It is a 16 core Naples chip with half the L3 of its siblings for cost sensitive racks.
AMD EPYC 7281 specifications
| Cores | 16 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 32 |
| Core architecture | Zen (Naples) |
| Clocks | 2.1 GHz base, up to 2.7 GHz boost |
| Cache | 32 MB L3 and 8 MB L2 (40 MB total) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 170 W (155 W with DDR4-2400) |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4-2666, eight channels, up to 2 TB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0, 128 lanes from the CPU |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| ECC memory | Yes |
| Package | SP3 (LGA-4094) |
| Launch price | $650 (launch list) |
Motherboard compatibility
AMD EPYC 7281 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 7281 is
The EPYC 7281 is a sixteen core, thirty two thread server processor with a 2.1 GHz base and up to 2.7 GHz boost. It carries 8 MB of L2 with 32 MB of shared L3 and a 170 W TDP on the 14 nm process. AMD launched it on June 20, 2017 with the EPYC 7001 family.
The 32 MB L3 is half the 64 MB on the 7301 and 7351, which marks it as the cost optimized sixteen core. Clocks trail its siblings as well for efficiency. The multiplier is locked.
There is no integrated graphics. ECC memory with RDIMM and LRDIMM support is standard. Launch lists agree near $650. The 170 W rating pairs with DDR4-2666, dropping to 155 W with DDR4-2400.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 7281 fits SP3 on server boards with eight channel DDR4. Boards need a BIOS with Naples support and the exact SKU on the vendor list. It runs in one or two socket designs.
Server boards carry 128 PCIe 3.0 lanes per CPU for NICs, NVMe and accelerators. Rack chassis need front to back airflow with vendor qualified heatsinks.
The chip ships tray only with no cooler. The EPYC 7301 doubles the L3 on the same boards where cache matters.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR4-2666 in eight channels up to 2 TB, with ECC and RDIMM or LRDIMM modules. DDR4-2400 drops the TDP to 155 W with some bandwidth. Sixteen DIMMs per socket hold rated speed most easily.
PCI Express arrives as version 3.0 with 128 lanes from the CPU. Cooling uses vendor 170 W server heatsinks with directed chassis airflow.
Upgrade paths
On the same socket the step up is the EPYC 7301 with double L3 and higher clocks, keeping board and DDR4. The 7281 keeps its place where sixteen cores cover the rack at lower cost.
Moving past SP3 means a new board on a current server platform. Rack owners usually add memory or network cards before replacing processors.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the EPYC 7281 use?
It uses SP3 on server boards with a BIOS that lists Naples parts. It runs in one or two socket designs.
How many cores does the 7281 have?
Sixteen cores with multithreading give thirty two threads at 2.1 GHz base with up to 2.7 GHz boost, at 170 W.
How much L3 does the 7281 have?
32 MB against 64 MB on the 7301 and 7351. The smaller cache marks the cost optimized sixteen core.
What memory does the 7281 support?
DDR4-2666 in eight channels up to 2 TB, with ECC modules. DDR4-2400 drops the TDP to 155 W.
How many PCIe lanes does the 7281 have?
128 PCIe 3.0 lanes from the CPU for NICs, NVMe and accelerators.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .