Intel Xeon E3-1220L socket: LGA 1155
The Intel Xeon E3-1220L uses the LGA 1155 socket. It is a 20 W dual core Sandy Bridge server part at 2.2 GHz with turbo to 3.4 GHz and ECC memory.
- Socket
- LGA 1155
- Launched
- April 2011
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 4
- Base power
- 20 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon E3
- Clocks
- 2.2 / 3.4 GHz
Intel Xeon E3-1220L specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.2 GHz base, 3.4 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 3 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 20 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB, ECC supported on server boards |
| PCI Express | 20 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 2.0 |
| Integrated graphics | None (server part, uses board BMC video) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| ECC memory | Supported (requires server board) |
| Package | FCLGA1155 (37.5 × 37.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon E3-1220L needs a motherboard with a LGA 1155 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 7 series | Z77, Z75, H77, B75, Q77, Q75 | Works out of the box |
| 6 series: H61, H67, P67, Z68 | Z68, P67, H67, H61 | Works out of the box |
| 6 series business: B65, Q65, Q67 | Q67, Q65, B65 | Works out of the box |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1155.
LGA 1155 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,155 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | January 2011 |
| Memory | DDR3 |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Xeon E3-1220L is
Intel Xeon E3-1220L is a dual core Sandy Bridge server processor that Intel released in April 2011 for single socket microservers. It runs at 2.2 GHz base with turbo to 3.4 GHz and includes Hyper-Threading, so 2 cores give 4 threads. Cache is 3 MB Intel Smart Cache. Power is 20 W on a 32 nm process with 504 million transistors on a 131 mm2 die.
The 20 W envelope suits dense low power racks and edge boxes. Turbo to 3.4 GHz lifts bursty single threaded tasks well above the base clock. Fixed board BOMs keep fleet behavior stable.
There is no integrated graphics on this die, so server boards provide BMC video for management. Memory is DDR3 with ECC in two channels. The chip launched on April 3, 2011.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon E3-1220L fits LGA 1155 in FCLGA1155 form. Single socket server boards with C202, C204 and C206 chipsets carry Sandy Bridge E3 parts. The board BIOS must list the exact E3-1220L string.
Desktop H61 or B75 boards may boot the chip electrically, but server features such as ECC and BMC management need a server board. Use a server board for the intended role.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB with ECC on server boards. ECC catches single bit errors in always on service. Capacity follows the board design.
PCI Express is 20 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 2.0 for network and storage. Microserver boards spend lanes on reliable I/O rather than graphics.
Cooling is a 20 W server heatsink with directed airflow. Low power keeps fan speeds down in dense racks.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1155 the E3-1220L can move to the E3-1220 for four cores on the same server board. Memory and storage carry over where the board lists both strings. A same socket low power quad reference is the E3-1260L class at 45 W.
A platform move to a current server socket needs a new board and DDR4 memory. Keep the E3-1220L node for edge duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon E3-1220L use?
It uses LGA 1155 in single socket server boards.
Does the Xeon E3-1220L have Hyper-Threading?
Yes. Two cores give 4 threads.
Does the Xeon E3-1220L have integrated graphics?
No. It is a server part without integrated graphics. Boards use BMC video.
What memory does the Xeon E3-1220L use?
DDR3-1066 and 1333 with ECC on server boards, two channels, up to 32 GB.
Sources and verification
- Intel Xeon E3-1220L Processor (Intel ARK, 2 cores, 2.2 GHz, turbo 3.4, 20W, ECC, Q2-11)
- Intel Xeon E3-1220L Specs (TechPowerUp, 2.2 GHz, turbo 3.4 GHz, ECC, Apr 2011, no iGPU)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .