Intel Xeon D-1521 socket: BGA 1667
The Intel Xeon D-1521 uses the BGA 1667 package soldered to server boards. It is a 4 core Broadwell-DE SoC with 8 threads from 2.4 GHz to 2.7 GHz at 45 W.
- Socket
- BGA 1667
- Launched
- November 2015
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 45 W
- Codename
- Broadwell
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon D
- Clocks
- 2.4 / 2.7 GHz
Intel Xeon D-1521 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Broadwell cores on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 2.4 GHz base, up to 2.7 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 6 MB Smart Cache |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 45 W |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4 to 2133 MHz and DDR3 ECC, two channels, up to 128 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 and 3.0, up to 32 lanes |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| ECC memory | Supported |
| Package | FCBGA1667 (37.5 × 37.5 mm, soldered) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Xeon D-1521 needs a motherboard with a BGA 1667 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 1667 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 1667 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 1,667 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | February 2016 |
| Memory | DDR4 and DDR3L with ECC, two channels, up to 128 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Xeon D-1521 is
The Xeon D-1521 is a 4 core Broadwell-DE server SoC on BGA 1667 for edge and storage nodes. Intel set 4 cores and 8 threads at 2.4 GHz base with turbo to 2.7 GHz. Six megabytes of Smart Cache cover edge VMs. Power is 45 W on 14 nm. Networking and I/O ride on the same package.
High base clocks for a 4 core SoC suit latency sensitive edge work. Turbo covers bursts while sustained loads hold near base. The SoC integrates 10 GbE with USB and SATA beside the cores. Single socket designs keep board costs down.
DDR4 and DDR3 with ECC over two channels to 128 GB feed remote VMs. ECC protects data far from admins. Buyers pick the D-1521 where 4 fast cores with networking must fit 45 W.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The D-1521 solders to BGA 1667 at 37.5 × 37.5 mm with board cooling for 45 W. No socket and no later swap exist. Memory and storage choices lock around the soldered SoC. Vendors qualify boards with the integrated NICs.
SoC design removes the chipset as a separate chip. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide explains soldered server tradeoffs. Confirm NIC, SATA and PCIe slot counts before ordering.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR4 to 2133 MHz and DDR3 with ECC over two channels to 128 GB suit edge virtualization. Two channels feed four cores well. ECC is required for remote reliability.
PCIe 2.0 and 3.0 with up to 32 lanes in x4, x8 and x16 splits serve NVMe and expansion NICs. Integrated 10 GbE covers onboard networking. A compact NVMe SSD suits edge caching.
Cooling uses board heatsinks with chassis airflow for 45 W continuous. No boxed cooler ships. Closet ventilation decides sustained turbo more than headline clocks.
Upgrade paths
No CPU upgrade exists on soldered BGA-1667. Compare the Intel Xeon D-1520 at 2.2 GHz to 2.6 GHz nearby for similar power, or the Intel Xeon D-1527 at the same clocks with 35 W tuning. All share the socket, so power and clocks decide.
A move to newer Xeon D generations needs a new board. The How to find your CPU socket type guide helps identify soldered edge servers.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon D-1521 use?
It uses BGA 1667, soldered. It cannot be replaced.
How many cores does the Xeon D-1521 have?
4 cores and 8 threads at 2.4 GHz base with turbo to 2.7 GHz.
What is the TDP of the Xeon D-1521?
45 W for edge servers.
What memory does the Xeon D-1521 support?
DDR4 and DDR3 ECC over two channels up to 128 GB.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .